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Cardinia crime on the rise
Journey’s problem shared
Young mums band together
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Brewing plan bid By Shelby Brooks
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Trent and Kylie with an IPA beer and a ginger and apple cider at their home in Botanic Ridge. 252945
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things all the time. We’ll have ciders and seltzers as well.” Trent said they plan to have a rotating roster of food trucks, rather than an in-house kitchen at this stage. “We didn’t want to jump into an onsite kitchen so early on because of the costs associated and the complexity of running a kitchen,” Trent said. “A lot of places tend to go for the food truck model. We’ve seen a lot of examples of it in Victoria, interstate and overseas.” Trent said he envisions the taproom to be a great place for people of all ages to catch up.
“We want to create a space where people can come and hang out with each other, have a few beers while watching the AFL on a Friday night or a Sunday session with an acoustic artist,” he said. The premise has seven parking spaces, nine less than the statutory requirement, so the application seeks a reduction in the number of car parks required. The application states, “the brewery and a food and drink component will operate at different times, which reduces the peak parking demand generated by the site.” Continued page 6
The food and drink premises use and the sale and consumption of liquor will occur Wednesdays and Thursdays 4pm to 10pm, Fridays 1pm to 11pm and Saturdays and Sundays 12pm to 11pm. Smiley Brewing will produce all types of beer, with a core range of four or five brews, Trent explained. “We’ll have a rotation of beers, maybe half a dozen smaller batches. So locals can get to know our core range and come back for them, but also might want to try the new ones every few weeks,” he said. “Craft beer drinkers tend to want to try new
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Pakenham could soon be home to its first brewery, located in the South East Business Park. Smiley Brewing is Trent and Kylie Butcher’s dream, the culmination of seven years of home brewing in Botanic Ridge. An advertised planning permit with Cardinia Shire Council reveals their plans to build a micro-brewery in a vacant factory at 1/9 Southeast Boulevard, Pakenham. “It has been a dream for a while,” Trent told Star News. “I started brewing in 2014 as a hobby but I’ve done more and more ever since. “We thought we’d like to open a small brewery locally.” They took over the lease of the factory in March this year after a few roadblocks in their hunt for a space due to Covid-19. “My wife grew up around Kooweerup and Pakenham, and I grew up in Langwarrin and we’re in Botanic Ridge now so we wanted somewhere in that area,” Trent said. “The closest brewery to Pakenham is either Lang Lang or Warragul.” The name came from their home street, Smiley Way. “We live on Smiley Way and as a bit of a gag Christmas gift, my wife ordered Smiley Way Brewery bottle labels so when it came time to choose a name, we just dropped the ‘Way’,” Trent said. The application proposes to change the use of the two storey building from an existing warehouse to a brewery and taproom offering food and drink services for up to 90 patrons. Plans state beer brewing will operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week and is estimated to produce approximately 14,000 litres of beer per month. During proposed hospitality trading hours, the brewing operation will be largely passive in nature (fermenting rather than bottling beer).
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See invisible disabilities By Danielle Kutchel After being harassed in a Coles carpark, a Pakenham woman is drawing attention to ‘invisible disabilities’ and the reasons why people might need to use an accessibility parking permit. Alecia was going about her shopping at the Village Lakeside Shopping Centre and was leaving the carpark after using the accessible space, when she said she was “accosted” by another woman who asked where her permit was. “I showed her the pass and she was quite rude and aggressive about it,” Alecia said. Alecia is on the autism spectrum and has anxiety issues that require her to shop with a carer. Being in public spaces can be stressful and overwhelming for her. She said that being able to park closer to the store can help alleviate her anxiety by giving her an easy exit should the situation get to be too much and cause her to have a meltdown. “On the surface I look like your typical young person without any issues, but it goes a lot deeper than that,” she explained. “I know for people suffering physical disabilities that it might sound like I’m not in pain, but it’s a different kind of pain and it’s just as valid. “It’s already difficult for people living with that sort of thing and to then be judged by other people saying you don’t belong here makes people feel pretty weak.” To cap it off, it was the first time she had used the permit. “I was really anxious because I had heard of this happening to other people,” she said. Alecia posted about her experience on a local Facebook group and received many supportive comments from others who had been harassed for their invisible disability, including parents of children with autism. She’s now calling on the community to “think outside the box” about what disability looks like. “The illnesses and conditions people suffer often aren’t visible. People have things like cancer or fibromyalgia. You can’t see it, but it doesn’t mean it’s not there,” Alecia said. According to ABS data, more than four mil-
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
The accessible parking spaces at Village Lakeside, where Alecia was doing her shopping. 252418 lion Australians have disability. Of those, almost a quarter report a nonphysical condition as their main disability. This can include things like mood, intellectual and neurotic disorders. Alecia said thanks to social media, attitudes towards disability were improving – but there
was still more work to be done to ensure people were familiar with different types of disabilities. She said talking about the situation, as she has, can help educate people and re-shape their understandings. Alecia also said people should be aware of
what the accessible parking permits look like. While most people would be familiar with the standard blue and white pass, Alecia’s is new, and is multi-coloured and fluorescent. She also believes there should be more accessible parking spaces available at shops to cater for those who have disability.
Vaccination rate on target By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Shelby Brooks Cardinia Shire has almost reached the 50 per cent fully vaccinated target. As of 4 October, 48.9 per cent of residents 16-and-over were fully vaxxed with two shots. 84.7 per cent had received at least a single dose. The council area trails the Melbourne metro average of 50.7 per cent double-vaccinated but is doing better than the 81.5 per cent single dose. Meanwhile, Melbourne’s South East has been labelled as a Covid “area of concern” due to soaring infections. A 100,000-dose Moderna vaccine blitz has been announced for 10 clinics across Melbourne until 10 October, including at Sandown Racecourse and Palm Plaza in Dandenong. In a statement, Monash Health stated Moderna offered “high protection” to new Covid-19 variants, including Delta. “The Moderna vaccine is safe in pregnancy and in children from 12 years of age.
“The Moderna vaccine has been successfully rolled out in many countries across the world including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, and Singapore.” Monash Health chief executive Andrew Stripp said there was “no time to hesitate”. “Covid-19 cases are increasing across Melbourne’s South East. “Get vaccinated now to protect yourself, your family and the community.” Mr Stripp said Moderna was “safe and highly effective in protecting people against Covid-19”. “The sooner we get vaccinated, the sooner we return to the life we all know and cherish.” Vaccine appointments can also be made at Sandown Racecourse and participating GP clinics and pharmacists. Bookings: http://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/ or FindAPharmacy.Com.Au or https://www. health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/ about-immunisation/where-can-i-get-immunised.
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The McLeish family organised an amazing surprise for Greg’s birthday - and he was blown away when ‘Carbo’ joined their virtual celebrations. Pictures: SUPPLIED
There’s nothing like brotherly love! Here’s Tom and Greg back when they were kids.
Call packed to the rafters By Gabriella Payne As our days in lockdown drag on, many families have had to get creative and think outside the box in order to celebrate milestones together - and one local family had the surprise of their lives recently when an unexpected visitor dropped in to their Zoom call. Having turned 30 and celebrated the birth of his third child during Melbourne’s lockdown, Narre Warren father Greg McLeish had been unable to get together with his wider family to celebrate (like many of us) due to Covid restrictions. When his brother organised a family Zoom catch up to hold some virtual celebrations for Greg, he happily jumped in the call - but unbeknown to him, his brother had a few tricks up his sleeve. Being big fans of the classic Aussie TV show, ’Packed to the Rafters’, Greg’s brother had secretly entered the family in a competition and while they were all virtually celebrating that evening - they were joined by a very special unexpected guest. “It was quite normal for a Wednesday, my brother asked me to jump on a Zoom which these days, isn’t too out of character,” Greg explained. “So I said ’yeah no worries’, and then next thing all these presents started popping up and balloons were being delivered, I even got a six pack of beer delivered as well and I thought, something’s going on here.” “So we were all having a chat and then all these people started popping up like two of
The McLeish family back in the day (when Greg and his brother were kids). my cousins were there, my brother and his partner and my aunty and uncle, and then the next person to drop into the call was George who plays Carbo on Packed to the Rafters, and I think my initial response after he wished me a happy birthday was kind of like, thank you, but I had to look again and say, hang on, is that Carbo?” Greg said, describing his bewilderment. “It was just awesome! I definitely didn’t expect anything like that, whatever I was think-
ing might have been going on… it was so far left of field from what actually happened.” Having “grown up watching the show” together, Greg said that he and his brother had always connected to the program and during this lockdown, he had been getting back into it as he had heard about the exciting reprisal, ’Back to the Rafters’, which hit screens this month. “Lockdown, as you know, can get a bit monotonous and I saw that ’Packed to the Rafters’
had come back on Amazon Prime so I started watching it again, and then heard that they were bringing out the new season so I thought, oh well even more reason to keep watching!”he said. “I think the show really resonates differently now, you know when I was growing up I felt like I had more in common with Ben and Carbo’s characters, but as you get older, you know I have three kids of my own now so there are different things that I resonate with - and what they do for fun is having a barbecue and a drink and socialising with each other, which is definitely what our family likes to do.” Greg said that actor George Houvardas (who plays Carbo) had been incredibly “approachable” and down to earth during their chat, and the whole experience had just made his day. “I would just like to thank everyone who helped pull it together, you know I had a cake delivered, a gift pack delivered and people from all over Australia have been messaging me about it,” Greg said, after the drop-in surprise was featured on the Today Show. “It’s been unbelievable and I’m extremely grateful for the experience.” Greg said that his family couldn’t wait for restrictions to ease so that they could all get together for a barbecue and some much-anticipated hugs, and he hoped to be able to pay his brother back one day for this kind gesture. “It’s been a really tough time this year but we’ve made the best of it and I think there are better things to come!”
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Crime continues to grow By Gabriella Payne The Cardinia Shire has recorded a rise in the total amount of criminal incidents recorded this year - mainly thanks to a huge increase in public health and safety offences. According to the most recent crime data released by the Crime Statistics Agency, by the year ending June 2021, the Cardinia Shire had recorded 5,513 criminal incidents - an increase of 1.4 per cent compared with the same time last year (where 5,436 incidents were recorded). The ongoing lockdowns seem to have significantly impacted these statistics, with a staggering 678 public health and safety offences recorded this year - a huge increase on the previous year, where only 97 incidents were recorded. While the public health and safety offences saw a huge jump in numbers over the past year, the remaining four of the top five principal offences recorded all decreased compared with the same time last year. In the year ending June 2021, stealing from a motor vehicle was the next most recorded criminal incident in the shire (with 558 thefts recorded, down from 667 the previous year). The third most common incident was breaching a family violence order (with 455 incidents recorded this year), followed closely by other theft (with 442 offences recorded) and rounding out the top five were cases of criminal damage (with 372). Pakenham was the most common place for crime to occur in the shire - but compared with last year, recorded a decrease in offences (3,205 incidents were recorded in 2021 - down from 3,257 the previous year). Contrastingly, Officer recorded an increase in criminal offences, with 727 recorded this year - up from the 637 recorded at the same time in 2020. For more information about the latest crime data, head to www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au
The latest crime statistics for the Cardinia Shire LGA.
Picture: CRIME STATISTICS AGENCY
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OPINION
New toys are a junior joy
LENSCAPE
The Berwick Toy Library has received an $8000 grant to help improve their toy collection. Berwick Toy Library president Ashlea Knight said as a not-for-profit group with low membership fees, they relied on the generosity of organisations. “We were excited to receive this grant from Stockland and appreciate their support,” she said. “New items are always popular because we are able to purchase items to meet specific needs and requests of our members.” The funding comes from Stockland’s 2021 CARE Grant, awarding $8000 to seven local community groups in the City of Casey. “With the grant, we were able to expand our puzzles and games collection to cater for the growing age of our members and support remote learning with more advanced games and puzzles.,” Ms Knight said. “These new items encourage development of fine motor, early literacy, early numeracy and social skills in children.” Toy Libraries provide the opportunity for families to access a wide range of toys, puzzles, games, ride-ons and outdoor equipment without high purchase costs and storage requirements. Ms Knight said although not operating during the pandemic, demand for the toy library’s service had increased. “As families are spending more time at home due to the pandemic, we have seen a steady rise in membership interest,” she said. “While our toy library is currently closed due to the lockdown, we can’t wait to have our families back borrowing from our collection again. “We are attempting to support our members during lockdown by sharing a variety of home play ideas and digital resources.
Plans are brewing
Thumbs down For the fact we can’t get essential clothing and footwear for our kids in a store and postage takes way too long and get stuck all around the country.
Thumbs up To all the selfless people out there that have been, and are going out to get their jabs so that we can get back to some sort of normal life.
Thumbs down To being in the line to get a Covid test and the expletives coming from cars… saying we are “dole bludgers” and “you’re all sheep”. Excuse me mate, I’m a healthcare worker working and being in this since day one, wearing all the PPE following the rules. I didn’t appreciate his derogatory remarks out his car window!! I’ve worked hard through all of this!!
Thumbs down Still no escape gates on the freeways. Last week I was caught in a traffic jam for a minor accident. Three stationary lanes on the freeway, escape gates would have kept the traffic flowing.
Thumbs up To all the supermarket workers who are doing their part and also to the workers where click and collects are only available. Thank you.
Thumbs down To the government’s sneaky CPI increase on beer when pubs are closed!
SOCIALLY SPEAKING
By Danielle Kutchel
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Enough is enough, we should fully open now and let those who don’t want the vaccine, to take their chances. We have been dictated to for far too long, don’t listen to the vocal minorities. The silent majority are waiting for sanity to return.
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To the 41 per cent of Casey residents who are fully vaccinated.
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From page 1 “Assessment of the parking demand over time indicates that the parking overflow generated by the brewery is minimal, and the parking overflow generated by the food and drink can be accommodated on street.” Due to mainly be open for food and drink after hours and weekends, the applicant states surrounding businesses are likely to be closed and therefore not be impacted by parking overflow. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 7 October.
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A date has been set for a charity auction that aims to raise funds to support kids with cancer. The 2021 Home for a Cure charity auction for My Room, will take place on Thursday 14 October at 5pm. Satterley and Porter Davis Homes will donate a house and land package to the auction, with the funds raised going to My Room. The single-storey, four-bedroom Porter Davis home is being built in Satterley’s Arcadia community, in the heart of Officer. Proceeds from the house and land package will be donated during Channel 9’s popular My Room Telethon later this year. My Room has a goal of reaching a 100 per cent cure rate for childhood cancers. Jack Homann, Satterley’s general manager of Victoria and Queensland said he was proud Satterley would be a central part of the auction for the fourth time. “It goes without saying that the most important part is that we’re raising funds for an incredibly important cause,” he said. Shaun Patterson, general manager sales and marketing at Porter Davis said the company was thrilled to be part of the auction. “Being able to lend a helping hand to kids who need it most, while building a quality home in which someone can create a lifetime of cherished memories, made our decision to support this year’s Home for a Cure an easy one.” The home will include almost $100,000 worth of upgrades and inclusions including high-quality fixtures, fittings and appliances from Porter Davis Homes. Adriatic Furniture has donated $42,000
The home to be auctioned off in Arcadia estate, Officer. worth of home furnishings, Fleming’s has donated $15,000 worth of landscaping, Bunnings will provide $5000 worth of outdoor furnishings and Salt and Pepper will offer $5000 worth of homewares. The successful bidder will also receive a 12-month subscription to The Age and a 24-month subscription to Stan. My Room’s chairman Maurizio Marcocci said the proceeds from the home auction would go towards supporting the organisation’s four funding pillars: family support, medical equipment, clinical care, research and clinical trials. “It’s only with meaningful donations from our major partnerships like Porter Davis Homes, Satterley and Nine, that we can make a greater impact to funding research and clinical trials that could lead us to our goal of a 100 per cent cure rate,” Mr Marcocci said. Register your interest in the auction at homeforacure.com.au
On Monday 4 October, a story was shared to the Star News Facebook page about the condition of the recentlyupgraded Baxter-Tooradin Road. Here’s how our readers responded online: Matt Wrigley: Whoever awarded that contract should be sacked from the Department of Transport, that section took well over 12 months to finish when it should have taken no more than three months and how can you not seal and resurface properly ... an absolute joke. Cristina Rodriguez De Amaya: Narre Warren-Cranbourne too, where our rates go? Jordan Leigh: Koo Wee Rup road is worse. Peter McKill: It is getting worse today. It wasn’t built properly. They ran out of money. No wear coat was put on it, just sprayed and blue metal. The excuse I got was that they didn’t realise how wet it was. The drains had to be rebuilt as they hadn’t been touched in decades. The whole thing was a debacle. As for inspecting it, yes on occasions someone from VicRoads does come along. They go for a wander and then go. Someone will either die or be seriously injured on it. I travel that section at least 20 times a day. Stephen Lewis: It’s a death trap and someone will lose a life/loved one if not improved ASAP. Potholes filled with water can take a wheel off at 100km. How this work improves safety, I do not know. The road is crumbling already and the new barriers act like cheese wire if hit. It also took twice as long to complete as planned. Tim Everist: Disgraceful! pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS In 2020, Star News Group journalist DANIELLE KUTCHEL received funding from the Melbourne Press Club’s Michael Gordon Fellowship to explore mental health in asylum seeker and refugee communities. Below is part three of the story.
Journey’s problem shared By Danielle Kutchel
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Refugees from Afghanistan arrive at Melbourne Airport. bring up – some of which stem from facing bullying at school, or growing up and feeling like you don’t quite fit in, or balancing living in two different cultures. “They say, ‘we faced a scale of death coming to this country, we witnessed our children dying in front of us, getting stomped on, our mothers getting gunned down. How could you possibly be going through mental health issues, what have you been through?’” she explained. “A lot of our South Sudanese brothers and sisters have committed suicide over the years. Our parents are still not opening their eyes.” But Benazir believes younger generations are now “making the move” to open up about mental health within their communities. “The younger generations are taking that knowledge and passing it on to older generations and saying it’s OK to ask for help.” That’s part of her role at Bakhtar – creating more awareness. “The main thing we want to get across is it’s OK to ask for help, it’s OK to reach out, and it’s OK to be unwell. There are avenues you can go down to seek the help you need, to remove the stigma,” she said. Asked how you challenge such a prevalent stigma, she said it’s as simple as just speaking. “A lot of people keep it to themselves, and
Picture: FILE
it is a very personal experience, so a lot of people don’t want to share it. But when you share those experiences, a lot of people realise it’s not just them struggling.” Likewise, Amina said younger Sudanese people are sharing their thoughts about mental health in a bid to get the community to open up. “We have a few [health] graduates within our community who are raising awareness. They create YouTube channels, Instagrams … start their own radio platforms.” It’s something Amina wants to do too, having graduated with qualifications in criminology. And it’s something that Dr Judy Tang, a neuropsychologist and commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), fully supports. One of the most important things, she said, is to increase the capacity of individuals within each newly settled community to become mental health professionals. This allows them to provide culturally appropriate and sensitive support, from someone who has similar or shared experiences. VMC commissioner and chairperson Viv Nguyen, who proudly identifies as one of the “boat people” from Vietnam, said addressing stigma within communities would take “a lot of conversations” and “bravery from people
who are taking that public leadership role”. She also supports the development of mental health professionals who “speak my language, look like me, can understand where I came from and not pass judgement”. She said stigmas around mental health are still “huge” in the Vietnamese community, despite the passage of time. “The first generation totally deny mental health,” she said. But Victoria’s Royal Commission into mental health offers hope, she added, with renewed focus on how to address the issue in all communities. Community forums, where people can share their thoughts and opinions with those with similar lived experiences, also offer a non-judgemental means of supporting new communities with their mental health, she said. Part four of this story will look at other ways that organisations are supporting the mental health of refugee and asylum seeker communities. If you need to speak with someone, please contact: Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (Foundation House) on 9389 8900 or foundationhouse.org.au Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
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To this day, people around the world find it difficult to talk about something as intensely personal as mental health. Negative stigmas continue to dog discussion of things like depression, anxiety and trauma – and when discussion is suppressed, the feelings can fester. But there are signs that this is changing, particularly among second generation immigrants: the children of refugees and asylum seekers. Benazir Rasoli is a youth coordinator at Bakhtar Cultural Association, an Afghan community advocacy and support group that operates in the south east. She was four years old when her family moved to Australia as refugees from Afghanistan due to the war. “From the stories my parents tell, it was a horrific experience and there was a lot of trauma,” she said. She said there is “100 per cent” a stigma around mental health in the Afghan community. “I think it comes from the fact that there isn’t a lot of education about mental health in Afghanistan.” She cited a 2005 WHO report that less than one per cent of the training for medical doctors in Afghanistan is devoted to mental health. “Obviously, with the lack of education and awareness, a lot of people don’t realise when they have mental problems and they don’t speak about it, so no one really knows about it,” she explained. It’s difficult to know the prevalence of mental health issues in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Beyond Blue notes recent research into mental health doesn’t “adequately include” samples from immigrant and refugee communities. What research there is suggests that refugee communities are at higher risk of suffering severe mental illness than the wider population. The organisation cites research into Vietnamese communities that states reported prevalence estimates for depression and anxiety of 40 per cent in refugees. Benazir said it was difficult for first generation refugees to reach out for help, “because they’ve gone through so much trauma”. Some may not even realise they need help; the trauma gets bottled up and is accepted as part of their journey. That’s something community advocate Amina Ali has witnessed within the Sudanese community. Amina, who arrived in Australia from Darfur as a child, said many of the older generations within her community simply don’t understand the mental health issues their children
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Holiday fun By Danielle Kutchel After a few rainy days and long weeks of lockdown, families made the most of the few rays of sunshine in the final week of the school holidays at parks and places around Casey. Star News Group photographer STEWART CHAMBERS was on hand with his camera to capture the excitement.
Margaret, Ann and Noela from Narre Warren Seniors Club at Pioneers Park. 252056
Brothers Luca and Christian at Ray Bastin Reserve. 252056
Moe and Deepak at Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe Hampton Park. 252056
Lauree, Molly, Kody and Kathleen at Pioneers Park. 252056
Customer Debra at Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe Hampton Park grabs her drinks to go. 252056
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Stirring trouble By Mitchell Clarke
Stirring trouble By Mitchell Clarke It was the initiative that dished up smiles during lockdown, but now a decrepit looking Spoonville site in Pakenham is providing any-
It was the initiative that dished up smiles during lockdown, but now a decrepit looking Spoonville site in Pakenham is providing anything but joy. During the one hour exercise limit - which is now a distant memory - Spoonville sites across Cardinia Shire were the most popular place to visit. Despite the fad having died down entirely, the Cardinia Lakes community was understandably upset at news their local site appeared to have been targeted by cruel vandals. Estate resident Laksika noticed the destroyed site during her daily walk on Sunday 24 January. “I think someone has just walked over it or kicked them all over. It’s very sad to see it. We always used to stop there and have a look for new ones,” she wrote on Facebook. The reaction from her neighbours was similar. “Absolutely disgusting. The highlight of our walk is our toddler stopping to look and admire the spoons,” one local woman said. “That’s so disappointing. My kids had spoons in there,” another woman added. Pakenham Hills Ward councillor Jack Kowarzik said the news was “really frustrating”. “Spoonville was created by locals for the enjoyment of local children and to see it vandalised is disappointing,” he said. Cardinia Art Society president Jillian Ronald described Spoonville as an “amazing initiative” during Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown. “It’s given joy and positivity in some very dark times and I just think it’s really disappointing that, when the community put together a project to support each other during a difficult time, that someone would take the trouble to destroy it. They’d be better off going home to create a spoon and putting it with
In happier times - Maci, Willow and Aubrey at a Pakenham Spoonville site. 214450 the rest,” she said. “I’d suggest there’s much better things they could do with their time.” The ‘Spoonville’ trend was born out of Winnersh, England, in an attempt to improve mental health by simply making people happy as they were out and about during daily exercise. The quirky saga soon made its way to Cardinia - after Australia’s first ever site was constructed up the highway in Longwarry. Within weeks, the site had spread to Pakenham, Officer, Garfield, Nar Nar Goon, Emerald and Beaconsfield.
Ms Ronald acknowledged the Spoonville craze had now hit a dead end. “They’re getting a little bit tired, so maybe it’s time for the spoons to come home,” she said. Ms Ronald, who commissioned the two local sites at Lakeside in Pakenham, encouraged community members to collect their spoons from their local sites. She added that in mid-February she’d look to clean up all remaining Spoonville’s and relocate any leftover spoons to an “undisclosed location”.
The once popular Spoonville trend appears to have hit a dead end. Picture: FACEBOOK
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Thursday, 7 October, 2021
Mel, Rosalie, Mel and Jason at Ray Bastin Reserve. 252056 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Mums unite in lockdown By Gabriella Payne We all know how tough lockdowns can be and with Melbourne now taking out the dreaded title of ‘most locked down city in the world’, we’ve all had our fair share of challenging days. Being isolated at home has been hard for everyone - but for new mums with young kids, it’s arguably been even harder. With three kids under three (a two year-old and seven month-old twins), young mum Lauren Stevens said that she had found the past year “really hard”, as she’d struggled to stay positive and get the support she needed while stuck at home. “It’s been really hard thanks to having three under three, a pandemic, a lockdown - and because that all wasn’t enough, I’ve been struggling with postnatal depression as well,” Ms Stevens said. “After the twins were born, I expected to be a lot more supported by family, but it’s been so hard to get out - so I think that’s where my depression came from.” Having experienced fertility struggles, Ms Stevens said that she felt blessed to have her three little “miracles” - but during these unprecedented times, it was really challenging to stay connected and it could be really lonely at times. Stuck at home and scrolling through social media one day, Ms Stevens stumbled upon an advert for an app that caught her eye. “When I found ’Peanut’ [the app] it was described as being like ’Tinder for mums’,” Ms Stevens said. “That made me laugh and I thought, ’oh well, there’s nothing to lose by having a look’, and so it just went from there.” A meeting place for like-minded mums, ‘Peanut’ was just the thing Ms Stevens needed and before she knew it, she had discovered a great group of women experiencing similar things to her in her local area. “I am glad I [found ’Peanut’] because I have made a close group of friends and am talking to other amazing mums also,” she said. “At first I was really shy and didn’t know what to do, but now I’ve found a great group of people and connected with other mums in the south eastern suburbs, with similar aged kids and similar interests to me.” Ms Stevens said that the app provided a safe space for these mums to share their thoughts
Mother of three Lauren Stevens said that her newly found support network had helped her immensely during the lockdowns. and vent their frustrations, and it was such a great community filled with the support they all needed during these difficult times. Not only is ‘Peanut’ a safe space for mums, but it also allows women experiencing fertility issues and those going through menopause to connect with one another. “I’ve been posting in local Facebook groups
about my experiences with ’Peanut’ as I’m just trying to get the word out there to help support other mums,” she said. “It’s just fantastic to have someone to talk to and a place where you can share your experiences.” Ms Stevens said that post-lockdown, her and the other mums she had met via ‘Peanut’
Picture: SUPPLIED
who lived in Melbourne’s south east were planning to get together in person with their kids, and she couldn’t wait for that day to arrive. She encouraged others facing struggles to reach out and look into the app, as it had made a world of difference in her life. For more info, head to https://www.peanut-app.io/
Safety Month
The new website will be a great place for locals to find out what’s happening in their area. 138931
What’s on Cardinia website launched By Skye Mitchell A new website called ‘What’s on Cardinia’ has just been launched for locals to discover what is happening throughout the region. The site provides a guide to what is on in Cardinia each week, while also supporting local businesses. ‘What’s on Cardinia’ gives residents a snapshot of upcoming events happening pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
across the shire, including takeaway offers in the area and a range of online events during lockdown. Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen said that the website had been designed to increase awareness of events, engage the local community, support local businesses and attract visitors to the area (post lockdown). “It’s hoped it will not only engage locals
but help grow our shire as an event destination, giving more people more reasons to visit and experience all that we have on offer,” he said. All business listings are free and all businesses that have an event or special offer are encouraged to register and list it on the new website. Residents can visit www.whatsoncardinia.com.au to see what’s on in the area.
The Cardinia Shire Council is hosting free online workshops to mark ‘Community Safety Month’ this October. Residents throughout the shire are being encouraged to take part in these community safety and emergency preparedness workshops, which are set to kick off on Wednesday 6 October. The weekly safety workshops are set to cover a wide range of topics to help the local community. These include home, property and personal safety awareness; residential emergency planning; online safety awareness; bushfire preparedness; family violence awareness; farming and agriculture emergency planning; alcohol and drug use; as well as delving into Cardinia Shire community-led emergency management groups that are accessible for all residents. The Cardinia Shire Mayor, Brett Owen, said that these workshops would be beneficial for the whole community and were an important item on the council’s agenda. “Community safety is a leading priority for the council,” Cr Owen said. “We’re committed to working in partnership with other agencies and organisations, however this requires a whole-of-community response.” “This is a great opportunity for our community to come together and learn about community safety and emergency preparedness,” he said. The online workshops will take place every Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. To register for a workshop, send an email to j.campos@cardinia.vic.gov.au or for more information, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/ events Thursday, 7 October, 2021
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STAR NEWS 9
NEWS
Clean up with Cardinia green waste collection Cardinia Shire Council’s free green waste drop-off events are happening once again at Pakenham and Lysterfield. The service helps Cardinia Shire residents to clean up and reduce the fire fuel load on their properties in the lead up to the summer period. Council’s green waste drop-off events are a free service accepting residential amounts of green waste including garden prunings, tree branches and trunks (up to 30 centimetres wide and one metre long) , weeds, grass clippings, leaves and flowers. Residents must present photo ID as proof of residence within Cardinia Shire to access the free service.
Native plant giveaway Due to overwhelming popularity, Cardinia Shire Council is giving away extra free native plant vouchers to schools, kindergartens, community groups and owners of properties more than 4000 sqm. Online applications for vouchers go live at 9am on Monday 18 October and are open while stock lasts. Applicants need to provide their contact details, property size, and, using an easy dropdown menu, explain how their planting will deliver environmental benefits. “When we initially launched the free $100 vouchers around a month ago, they were snapped up in record time. It’s encouraging to see so many groups interested in greening their patch to support local wildlife and increase carbon capture and storage,” Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen said.
The vouchers can be used for a range of plantings including shelter belts, waterway protection, soil stabilisation, to create wildlife corridors, bird attracting or sensory gardens. Successful applicants will be able to choose from a selection of indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses as tube stock. Species include indigenous plants such as Gum trees, Wattles, Banksia, Correas, Lomandras, Dianella and much more. Vouchers are to be redeemed at CEC Nursery at Deep Creek Reserve, 62 Cameron Way, Pakenham. Plants can be collected once vouchers have been issued and COVID-19 restrictions have lifted. For more information about the nursery, visit cecinc.net.au/cec-nursery or email nursery@cecinc.net.au.
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Waste will only be accepted from residential vehicles and trailers; commercial business operators cannot use this service. Dates include Lysterfield (Cleanaway Resource Recovery Centre, 840 Wellington Rd), Friday 12 November 7am to 4pm, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 November 8am to 12pm and Monday 15 November 7am to 4pm and Pakenham (Future Recycling Transfer Station, 30-32 Exchange Drive) Friday 26 to Monday 29 November 9am to 4pm. For more information about Council’s green waste drop-off events, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/dropoff or call Council’s Customer Service team on 1300 787 624.
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NEWS
Kenny Johnston with his self-designed Reinvent cap and T-shirt. 252526
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Coach ‘reinvents’ hope By Cam Lucadou-Wells Life’s crossroads have been the source of “reinvention” for a former sports coach. Kenny Johnston, from Hampton Park, is set to launch his own bold mental health initiative Reinvent to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The former coach at Sandringham Dragons and the AFL’s multicultural program wants to share his own ‘reinvention’ ethos to help others who’ve hit a “personal lockdown”. As many people during the Covid pandemic have. The campaign is about finding ways to reinvent yourself in the face of challenges. In recent years, the life-long motivator went into “lockdown mode” as he suffered anxiety and depression. The extroverted people’s person walked away from his passion for AFL coaching and his love of singing and songwriting. During Covid lockdowns, Mr Johnston endured long stints without work. But he focused on adapting - or “reinventing” - ways to cope. This year he embarked on a new career in the disability sector. His journey back was also found through sharing music. First by performing with other musicians at a neighbour’s “Party Room” on Friday nights, and then regular free gigs at a yacht club. The former Bangladesh refugee, who had escaped “horrific” war in 1974, found serenity - overlooking a bay of boats, with his wife, his new “down to earth” friends and his guitar. “It wasn’t about me. It was about giving back and touching other’s hearts. “I wrote a song straight from the heart ‘Back to the Country’ about the way my wife and I were accepted and the care they provided with no pressure.” Mr Johnston realised that his life had been about five stages of reinvention. Exploring new things, integrating the lespakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
The five-sided Reinvent logo represents the five stages - exploration, integration, creation, sharing and letting go. 252526 sons, creating ways to “make each day different and interesting”, sharing and then letting go. “Through this I found ways to cope and adjust when life threw me a curve ball. “When the good times roll, we are in heaven, our safe place. “However, when the journey gets tough, it’s
The Reinvent cap promotes the positive mental health message.
how we adapt, cope and rebuild ourselves to each situation – that’s what counts.” Mr Johnston wants to share the ethos that has strengthened him. To give back. “When something bad happens, you have three choices. “You can let it define you, let it destroy you,
or you can let it strengthen you.” Reinvent will be launched online on 10 October. Merchandise such as T-shirts and caps with Mr Johnston’s self-designed Reinvent logo. He will offer 50 per cent of proceeds to mental health causes. Details: kjsolutions.com.au Thursday, 7 October, 2021
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Thursday, 7 October, 2021
NEWS
The power of delegation I know I have said this before but probably the most common issue that business leaders suffer from these days is an apparent “lack of time”. We have discussed some key ways to address in previous articles including identifying what’s urgent versus what’s important, effective prioritisation and good planning, but another approach that can get overlooked in amongst all the busyness is delegation. Remarkable really since this action is essential to business growth (not to mention the business leader’s health and well-being) yet is deployed far less frequently than it should be with the result that business leaders get burnt out and staff feel like they receive the crumbs from the table. So why does it not happen as frequently as it should? Two key reasons for this are: not thinking that you have the time to delegate and secondly there may well be a belief that ‘if you want something done properly, you have to do it yourself’. However those leaders that think like this were not born with that skill, they had to learn it themselves and in that learning they would undoubtedly have made mistakes. It is easy to forget this once we become ‘unconsciously competent’ in a particular discipline and so others’ mistakes may seem stupid by comparison. Robert Heller in his book ‘How to Delegate’ notes that: “Delegation involves entrusting another person with a task for which the delegator remains ultimately responsible”. So for technically capable leaders, trusting someone else with a task for which you still remain ‘ultimately responsible’ may be a hard thing to do. This is always a risk and of course this highlights the need to select the person to whom you delegate very carefully, however there are so many additional benefits of delegation that this is very often a risk worth taking. Here are just a few additional benefits of delegating effectively: Workload is shared and so the load on the delegator is eased allowing them to focus on other key things which cannot be delegated
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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH and are potentially being given insufficient attention. Opportunity to grow the skills and enhance job satisfaction of the person being delegated to. Results from recent Gallup surveys in both the US and Australia consistently show that around 70 per cent of staff are disengaged and a further 15 per cent are ‘actively disengaged’ (working against the best interests of the company). I believe that this stems at least partly from a lack of welldefined responsibility and ownership which would undoubtedly improve with greater levels of delegation. More cost-effective way of getting things done - the delegator’s hourly rate will almost certainly be more than the person to whom they are delegating and Opportunity for less senior staff to get exposure to more senior tasks There is a general rule of thumb in business that states ‘if someone in the team can do something 70 per cent as well as you can, then they should probably be doing it’. This may be tough to do for some business leaders who may take pride in describing themselves as ‘perfectionists’ but as noted in a previous article, there is no room for perfection in business, an 80/20 approach will yield far greater benefits. The last thing to note on delegation is that it should not be undertaken for the purposes of ‘off-loading’. For this reason it is important that there is real clarity about the outcome(s) expected from the delegated task and that the person being delegated to understands what is expected, is happy to take it on and prepared to commit to getting the result. Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
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With school returning, school speed zones are returning too. Picture: NOTE THANUN, UNSPLASH
School speed zones back Term Four has officially begun for Victorian Government schools, with school speed zones enforced from 8am on Monday 4 October. As students begin a phased return to classrooms, motorists should expect an increase in road, pedestrian and bicycle traffic at drop-off and pick-up times. Motorists are urged to be patient, adhere to the school speed zone limits and take extra care when driving near schools. Some school speed zones are permanent, while others operate from 8am to 9.30am, and from 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays until the end of the school term. In most cases, the speed limit during school speed zone times is: 40km/h, when the original speed limit is
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less than 80km/h
· 60km/h, when the original speed limit is
80km/h or higher. School bus services are operating as normal. Parents of children using bus services are encouraged to talk to their children about practising good hand hygiene, social distancing where they can, and respecting the clearance zone around bus drivers. There may be changes to drop-off times and access to school sites. Please follow advice from your local school regarding these arrangements. For more information on safety measures and the staged return to on-site schooling, visit education.vic.gov.au
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Volunteers harvesting a bumper Spring crop for food relief at Berwick. 252047
Endeavour Hills Community Garden. 252045
Burst of spring hope Green-thumbs are bursting to tend their locked-down community gardens during a bumper spring season. Berwick Neighbourhood Centre manager Kim Peterson has been planting seeds for summer vegies and 100 dwarf sunflowers at home, in the hope that Covid restrictions soon lift at the centre’s community garden. The seedlings will be planted in community gardens at the centre and at the Endeavour Hills Neighbourhood Centre’s community centre. Ms Peterson has labelled the project as “‘planting the seeds to bring our community back together”. “It’s a feel-good vibe which hopefully adds a bit of brightness. “Knowing the story of the sunflower which
turns towards the sun when it is out but when the clouds come the sunflowers turn towards each other, we have kept this in mind. “Noting that our community is like sunflowers, when the clouds come, turn towards your community centre, and we will be there for you.” During lockdown, the Berwick community garden has been allowed to harvest and supply fresh vegies to ADRA Cafe in Casey for people in need. In the meantime, the gardeners have kept in touch on a What’s App group and online sessions. “People are hanging to get back to their gardens. There’s a desperate need and a lot of people who are keen to join and get involved. “Hopefully we can do that again soon - with masks and social distancing.”
Vegie beds at the Endeavour Hills community garden. 252045
A volunteer waters the Berwick community garden’s crop for food relief. 252047
Kim Peterson in the Berwick Neighbourhood Centre community garden getting vegies for food relief at Casey’s ADRA Cafe. 252047
Cauliflower emerges at Endeavour Hills community garden. 252045
A tall crop of beans at Berwick Neighbourhood House’s garden. 252047
Calendula in the Endeavour Hills garden. 252045
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Carrots ripe for eating at Endeavour Hills. 252045 Thursday, 7 October, 2021
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STAR NEWS 13
NEWS
Despite impending stormy weather, Roger Smith enjoyed a casual hit on Monday. 252703
Heath Barclay putts on Monday. 252703
Golf is back in the swing By Shelby Brooks Golfers in Pakenham have been out in high numbers at Deep Creek Golf Club since it reopened last week. Restrictions eased on outdoor physical recreation facilities including golf courses, tennis clubs and cricket grounds on Wednesday 29 September as Victoria reached 80 per cent first dose vaccinations. On the first day back on the course, Mark Shaw and son Cooper, 4, were thrilled to be back. Mark, who runs Mark Shaw Golf lessons, said the easing of restrictions meant he could start earning an income again. “People might be a bit rusty so I’m pleased I can start my lessons again,” he said. Deep Creek chief executive Haydn Thompson said the first day back had been “hectic”. “We do have a two group limit so it’s reduced our capacity a bit but we’ll have about 120 people come through today,“ he said on Wednesday 29 September. “It’s fantastic to see everyone back playing the sport they love with friends and family for social interaction.”
Restrictions apply to playing numbers depending on vaccination status. According to Golf Australia, the Chief Health Officer’s directives state play must be in groups of two (for players who have received one or no vaccine doses) or in groups of four for players who are fully vaccinated (from a maximum of two households). Players must reside within 15km of the club that they are playing at. Masks must be worn at all times unless there is a medical reason not to do so and club competitions must not be conducted. Mr Thompson said they were still waiting on clarification about the driving range and golf cart hire. Golf Australia have stated all club and facility staff including turf management to all clubs and facilities across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria fall under the authorised workers list and will be required to have received their first dose by Friday 15 October. At this time mandatory vaccination does not apply to members or patrons. Clubs and facilities are free to set their own policies to protect the health and wellbeing of their staff, members and patrons.
Will, 3, was jumping out of his skin to be back on the golf course on Monday 4 October. 252703 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS
Cooper and Mark were happy to have a put on Wednesday 29 September. 252379 Picture: SHELBY BROOKS
Skip Callinan in good form. 252703 14 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 7 October, 2021
Nick Nelson enjoys a hit on Monday. 252703
Grant Marlor takes a swing. 252703 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
THE LOWDOWN
Meet Beth! for all people to gather, learn and grow. The people that staff libraries are dedicated to the welfare of community and driven with a passion to create lifelong learning opportunities for all people – with lots of fun along the way. What do you love about the Casey/Cardinia community? I’m a local and also grew up here – I have returned to this region to enjoy the beautiful
Picture: SUPPLIED landscapes, great schools, and work with the Casey/Cardinia community. I meet lots of wonderful families and individuals through my work, local activities and through my daughter’s school. The people in this region are friendly – and diverse. This growing region is so interesting and rewarding to be a part of. Anchovies on pizza: yes or no? NO.
THREE … facts about daylight savings
1
A New Zealand entomologist (insect researcher) is reportedly the first person to have official proposed daylight savings in 1895. George Vernon Hudson suggested moving clocks ahead in spring so he could collect more bugs in the evening.
2
In 1916, Germany became the first country to officially adopt Daylight Saving Time. It was born out of an effort to conserve coal during World War I, and Britain, along with many other European nations, was quick to follow the Germans’ lead.
3
Pets may notice the time change. Since humans set the routines for their fluffy loved ones, dogs and cats living indoors and even cows are disrupted when, say, you bring their food an hour late or come to milk them later than usual, according the CSIRO Livestock Industries.
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Dir ty on dining
By Gabriella Payne
Pop-up dining spaces sprang up throughout the city last year as Covid safe practices restaurants and forced cafes to turn to the streets for space, and after a successful summer initiative is set to run, the be months - a decisionextended over the coming that has left some munity members comvery unhappy. The pop-up outdoor dining program originally developed was as a way for businesses to adapt to the ever-changing Covid ronment and saw temporary platformsenviseating areas quite and literally “pop up” Cardinia, with seating around spaces in many areas, taking over car parking including in Pakenham’s Main Street. Whilst many people are enjoying making use of the new al fresco spaces, longtime enham local and Pakactive community Jack Mitchell said member that the lack of cleanliness and maintenance of the Main Street was “an absolute disgrace” and neededspaces addressed by the to be council. “I travel all over the state and I have seen a main street never in as bad a shape Street, Pakenham,” as Main Mr Mitchell said. “It’s just dreadful, everywhere, there’s there are cigarette butts bird and the street pavementspoo all over the place Outdoor dining spaces are falling apart. are proving quite “Why anybody divisive along Pakenham’s would want to Main Street now go to the Main Street. is beyond me,” Mr Mitchell said. Picture: CARDINIA The other, less glamorous SHIRE COUNCIL view of the Main Street outdoor dining Mr Mitchell has be going anywhere lived in the area area. anytime soon, as since 2004 dinia Shire and said he has the Carraised Picture: JACK MITCHELL dinia Shire Council this issue with the Car- sions of Council are now calling for expres- dining spaces had proved popular interest for businesses mer and helped over many times, but avail. to support businesses sum- the shops - but it’s to no new, free “parklets” to apply mainly the dirtiness after a the problem,” - hoping to see more for difficult year. that’s “They told me porary outdoor he said. temthat they’ve got seating areas spring “Outdoor dining but it’s just getting big plans, Cardinia. “We have this big, certainly brought up across the worse,” he said. low-hanging tree a buzz to and streets of the shire outside all these parrots following a tough “Taking away the Cardinia Mayor keep coming along year. It’s great to see parking out the Brett Owen said making a mess. of the shops for and the community front a successful summer that after Cardinia some embrace venues and show trial of the parklets, unbelievable - most outdoor seating is just council Yesterday the council them some much the needed love,” were excited of the seats can’t came because she said. used.” complained to even be ing areas installed to see more outdoor dinwe them and they But the owner and throughout the area. said ‘yes, it’s very dirty’, but Mr Mitchell said “We trialled the they told us that Kebabs, Sam Bayraktar operator of Pakenham clean that the council parklet concept we should sending “someone should be mer in it up.” told over Star News that he sum- and other business Pakenham and we’re down there to clean as the council are owners on Main now on the look- that it up” out for new Mr Bayraktar said Street felt “accountable” for the restaurants, cafes that the area had the spaces are worthwhile ensuring the shire ly become “a dumping recentand bars across saster outdoor seating areas had been that would love to “a difor us”. ground” for people and usable if they are going to be taking leave rubbish and host a parklet from to March onwards,” Cr Owen unwanted junk as up car parking spots. “It’s a total mess,” said. that he didn’t have well, and Mr Bayraktar said. However, the pop-up Councillor Tammy the resources or “We can’t even use dining spaces won’t to be cleaning up the time the seating, it’s so highly of the concept, Radford also spoke less. the “ridiculous” point- side. mess outstating that the al fresco First of all we lost “It’s become more our car parks in of a dumping ground front of and an eyesore than something nice,” he said.
“About Children, Being Children”
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What does your work at the library involve? I am lucky to lead this passionate, dedicated and creative library team, and I have a particular focus on the delivery of library services to our customers. I absolutely love books but I also really love the programs, and warm inviting spaces we have to offer our community. Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I play the guitar (not all that well, but I’m still claiming it). What is your favourite cuisine? I love Calabrese cooking and have discovered the secret – cheese (lots) and love. Who is your biggest inspiration? I am inspired by different people for different reasons. As a lover of the arts, great performers – classical and contemporary always bring me joy. However, more importantly I gain inspiration from those that leave a positive imprint on the world every day, in both small and big ways. The everyday heroes! If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? Secret family recipe for Pasta e fagioli – my husband reckons it is worthy of a ‘real’ Italian. If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the first thing you would do? Allocate lots of funding to libraries! What are you most looking forward to when lockdown ends? We are going to join all the other Aussies who have recently invested in campervans on the road to some idyllic beach destination and dive into the surf. Can’t wait. Why are libraries so important for the community? Your library card is your ticket to endless possibilities. Find things out, spend some time, meet with friends, enjoy free entertainment, do a class, do some work – what other free community space offers all that? Libraries provide essential free and welcoming spaces
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Family violence explodes By Shelby Brooks and Danielle Kutchel Family violence incidents have increased by almost nine per cent in the last year in the City of Casey, according to new statistics. The Crime Statistics Agency has released its latest round of stats on the state of crime in Victoria, to the year ending June 2021. The agency reported total family incidents rose to 5487 for the year ending in June, up 434 incidents from the same time in 2020. This is the highest number of recorded family incidents of any local government area in Victoria. The 8.6 per cent increase in family violence incidents in the past 12 months is the largest increase since 2018. The family violence incident rate in Casey now sits at 1485.2 per 100,000 of the population, compared to the Victorian rate of 1399.1 per 100,000. In comparison, total family incidents only rose by 1.8 per cent in the shire of Cardinia. In the City of Greater Dandenong, family violence rose by 0.3 per cent to a rate of 1695.8 per 100,000. Once again, the City of Casey has the dubious honour of the highest number of family violence incidents in the southern metro policing region, with the City of Greater Dandenong a distant second at 2787 incidents to June 2021. Young women between the ages of 25-34 years of age are the largest group of victims in Casey with a startling 1,449 women in that group affected by family violence. Alarmingly, family violence stalking in Casey has also risen by 32 per cent in the past year along with an increase in family violence order breaches in Casey rising by 15 per cent. Gembrook MP Brad Battin blamed the increase on the State Government, stating harsh restrictions and extended lockdowns
Family violence is still on the rise in the City of Casey. have caused extreme economic, social and mental health stresses. “With so many frontline police enforcing Daniel Andrews’ mandates, it’s no wonder
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that family violence has spiked, and fewer victims are getting the support they desperately need,” Mr Battin, who holds the shadow portfolios of Police, Emergency Services, Cor-
rections and Community Safety and Victim Support, said. “Labor’s failed Covid-19 response has taken family violence from bad to worse. Casey families desperately need a new plan to reverse this trend.” A Victorian Government spokesperson reminded residents that leaving home to escape family violence was permitted during lockdown and said help was available to those who need it. The spokesperson added that the increasing trend started prior to the pandemic, which they attributed to a greater awareness of family violence in the community and increased access to support after the state’s Royal Commission into Family Violence. “Mr Battin doesn’t understand how family violence reporting works,” the spokesperson said. “We have more police in Victoria enforcing breaches of family violence orders and holding perpetrators to account – and because of our record investments we have greater service capacity to help victims recover and rebuild their lives.” Elsewhere in Casey, there was good news on the crime front, with crime more generally down 9.4 per cent. Casey recorded 15,742 criminal incidents in the past year, compared to 17,383 last year. Stealing from a motor vehicle was the most common crime, with 1822 incidents recorded in Casey compared to 2840 in the previous year. Breaches of public health orders, however, increased sharply to 1273, compared to 267 in the previous year. If you need assistance for family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero.
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STAR NEWS 17
SPORT
Doves fly off to Southern for 2022 By Nick Creely The Doveton Football Netball Club’s move to a neighbouring competition is locked in for season 2022. The Doves have confirmed that they are on the move next season, with the club’s football and netball teams to call the Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) home moving forward. Just a few years after the club’s famous 2019 senior football premiership in AFL Outer East’s Division 1, it’s a big move for the mighty Doves from Robinson Reserve who will enter the ranks of Division 2 in their first season. In a statement by Doves president John Stapleton, he outlined the main catalyst for the move. “The Club has undertaken its due diligence to determine our way forward which is based on the long-term future and sustainability of the Doveton Football Netball Club,” he said. “The Club determined our best option after ongoing discussions, appropriate due diligence that the Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) was our best fit for the longterm future of our Club in a Metropolitan based Competition which is perfectly aligned to the SFNL Club locations. “The DFNC is appreciative of the support and professionalism shown throughout the application process from Lee Hartman (CEO SFNL) and the SFNL Board.” The Doves have said that “Retention”, “Recruitment”, “Participation” and “Travel/Location of competing clubs” is the aspiration moving forward - one fostering sustainability and success for the long-term future of the club. “(These) key factors are vitally important for our players, coaches, support staff, members, volunteers, and Sponsors as they are the key stakeholders of the DFNC,” he said. “The DFNC boasts a strong heritage through generations of families and the local community.
New Zealand defender Marisa van der Meer has joined Melbourne City. Picture: SUPPLIED
City finalise list ahead of season Doveton is on the move for 2022, departing the Outer East. 236627 “We have a responsibility to ensure that the Club has a sustained future and want to ensure that we continue to provide a friendly family environment and quality participation experience for Football and Netball.” It’s been an eventful off-season after a disappointing 2021 senior season, with champion Eastern league forward Michael Cardamone signing on as the new senior coach, replacing club great Daniel Charles, while the Doves have been busy re-signing its senior list, including stars such as Matt Stapleton, Sam Muirhead, Max Sheppard, Daniel Zajac, Tyson Bellinger, Jake Basa, James Gascard, Luca Daidone, Harley Primrose and Matt Jameson. The Doves have announced that defender Josh Viney has returned to the club after
Picture: ROB CAREW
a year off in 2021, while Oakleigh Districts midfielder Harry Seymour has also joined the club, the Doves are hoping one of its prized recruits from 2020, Austin Deneys will get on the park, while ex-Melbourne champion Russell Robertson is on board as a specialist forwards coach. Stapleton said it’s been an enjoyable three years in the Outer East competition and wished them well. “We would like to thank the Outer East Board and Executive for the opportunity and their continued support to participate in their League over the past three years where we will remain as part of their history with our Division One Football and C Grade Netball Premierships in 2019,” he said.
New A-League identity unifies world game By Nick Creely Australian football’s elite competition has revealed a new identity as it forges towards a new future, with the men’s, women’s and youth leagues to come together under one unified ‘ALeague’ banner. The new brand will see both the men’s and women’s competitions as partners moving forward, with the A-League to use its position to grow the game for everyone in the country. Managing director, Danny Townsend said the new A-League brand was designed for one simple reason. “It’s not men’s football, or women’s football, it’s just football,” he said. “We’re committed to growing the game in Australia - for everyone. That means delivering a world-class experience on and off the pitch and inspiring the next-generation of A-Leagues superstars to fulfil their highest potential. “This is just the beginning of our ambitious, long-term vision for the growth of football in Australia.” As part of the change in branding, the ALeagues will move to a unified social media channel for men’s and women’s football on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok in the coming months and will re-launch the website to create a one-stop destination for fans of the game in Australia and significantly increasing the profile and reach of women’s football This comes off the back of previous announcements such as the expansion of the women’s league by three teams in two years and the launch of a new Club Championship. The new A-Leagues 2021-22 season will kick off on November 19 for A-League Men and December 3 for A-League Women with Melbourne City now based out of the southeast suburbs. 18 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 7 October, 2021
There’s a new identity for the A-League.
Picture: MELBOURNE CITY FC
By Nick Creely Melbourne City FC has finalised its ALeague Women playing roster for the 2021/22 season, with New Zealand defender Marisa van der Meer and midfielder Meisha Westland putting pen to paper on deals. The young duo are City’s final signings ahead of the new season, which is set to kick-off on Friday 3 December. City - who will be looking to bounce back from its seventh placed finish last season - have significantly bolstered the list to find new talent and also managed to retain the bulk of its stars ahead of what will be a bumper and historic A-League season for the club who have moved to its new base at Casey Fields. Van der Meer recently received her first international call-up and was part of the White Ferns’ squad for the Tokyo Olympics, and is regarded as a versatile defender. She most recently played football for Canterbury United Pride in New Zealand and this will be her first season in Australia. Westland joins the club from NPL Queensland’s Lions FC. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has been performing at a consistently high level for the past few seasons and will be a strong addition for City. Westland is a part of the Emerging Matildas Program and her playing style is set to fit in well with the City style of play. “We’re very happy to be welcoming both Marisa and Meisha to the club,” City coach Rado Vidosic said: “Marisa gained some valuable experience as part of New Zealand’s squad in the Tokyo Olympics and we’re looking forward to working with her and watching her continue to develop as a player. “She’s capable of playing multiple positions so will add further versatility and depth to our defence. “Meisha has been a player we’ve had an eye on for a while and she’s very deserving of this opportunity. She suits our style of play and we’re excited to work with her and see her continue to improve.” Melbourne City FC 2021/22 ALeague Women squad: Melissa BARBIERI (gk), Chelsea BLISSETT, Emma CHECKER (c), Naomi CHINNAMA, Leah DAVIDSON, Sally JAMES (gk), Caitlin KARIC, Darcey MALONE, Leticia MCKENNA, Holly MCNAMARA, Rhianna POLLICINA, Rebekah STOTT, Kaitlyn TORPEY, Tori TUMETH, Marisa van der MEER, Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, Meisha WESTLAND, Hannah WILKINSON. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
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A true recipe for success By David Nagel Slow to heavy tracks over a middle-distance journey in the spring – that’s the perfect recipe for success for Pakenham trainer Tim Hughes and his mudlark stayer O’mahlo who made it back-to-back wins at Moe on Thursday. The five-year-old O’lonhro/Yule Lovit gelding has now won three races from his 17 career starts, with two on heavy tracks and one on a slow seven. And his victory in the $35,000 BenchMark 58 Handicap (2088m) continued his recent love affair with the Moe track, backing up his win over the 2050-metre trip on September 13. His only other triumph came at Mornington, over 2435 metres, on a heavy 8 in early October last year. But Thursday’s heavy 10 – on his favourite track - seemed to suit him to the ground. “He really enjoys Moe this little horse, he’s won two in a row here now so it’s great for him,” Hughes said after the race. “I think he’s actually a decent little horse. He’s a bit narrow-gutted and quite light but last prep he got a clod in the eye at Yarra Valley and didn’t want to perform after that. “We gave him a couple of runs without the blinkers and now he seems to be enjoying himself.” While all the emphasis is quite rightly on getting a horse fit to perform at their best, mind games have played a huge role in getting O’mahlo back to the winner’s stall. He showed enough good form for Hughes to run him in the $125,000 Yarra Valley Cup in March this year, but the clod to the eye in
O‘mahlo relishes the heavy-10 at Moe to make it back-to-back wins at the track for Pakenham trainer Tim Hughes. 252673 Picture: SCOTT BARBOUR/RACING PHOTOS that race had a detrimental effect on his subsequent four runs. “It really affected him, he didn’t even want to run up beside other horses for a long time so we gave him a couple of jump outs and trials without winkers and blinkers,” Hughes said. “Now we’ve put the blinkers back on and he really likes them.” Jockey Daniel Stackhouse has quickly built
an affinity with the horse, sitting on his back just twice for two wins. “He’s going super and he really liked the conditions, he travelled really well and we had a nice run through transit,” Stackhouse said. “They went pretty early, but I just had to bide my time and the run came at the top of the straight. He loved the conditions and he was able to pick up through it.”
Munro and Machaya call Cobras home By David Nagel Perennial finalist Cora Lynn has set tongues wagging in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC) with the signing of dual Casey Demons best and fairest winner James Munro. The tough-as-nails Casey onballer – who just last week won his second-consecutive best and fairest award at Casey Fields - will be joined at the Cobradome by his talented Demons teammate Cory Machaya, with both players putting pen to paper with the Cobras on Tuesday this week. Munro, who hails from Beaconsfield, and Machaya, from Narre Warren, will call Cora Lynn their home club next year in a huge boost for incoming coach Shaun Sparks. “It’s massive, we’re very excited, he (Munro) is one of the most respected VFL players running around at the moment and it’s a massive get for Cora Lynn,” Sparks said. “We’re just rapt, he’s got some close mates at the club which is a big reason why he has chosen Cora Lynn as his home club. “And having Cory Machaya at the club is great as well, he’s a super talent. It’s going to be great for the players at the club, the juniors as well, when these blokes are around. “It’s going to make a huge difference and for those two blokes to nominate us as their home club…well it’s massive for us moving forward.” Munro and Machaya – who are close friends with Cobras’ midfielder Jaxon Briggs – are both keen to return to local football at some stage in the future, with the Cobras keeping their cards close to their chest in regards to what the 2022 season might look like. Munro’s record, and reputation, speaks for itself while Machaya is one of the most exciting talents in the region. The mercurial half-forward made a big impact in the second half of the season at Casey in 2018, and was even touted as a potential AFL-quality talent. But a serious knee injury in the pre-season of 2019 put paid to those lofty expectations, missing that season and the Covid-enforced shut-down of football in 2020. He has this year mixed his time between Casey Demons in the VFL and Narre Warren in the AFL Outer East Premier Division. Sparks said the Cobras were hopefully just days away from adding to an already impressive list of recruits. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
And O’mahlo may have earned himself a shot at the Moe Cup, ran over 2050-metres, on Friday, 15 October. Stackhouse said that in his current form the five-year-old could be a rough chance. “He could be, he’s racing in consistent form at the moment, he seems to go really well here at Moe so he might as well have a throw at the stumps.”
Emerging Bulls join Eastern FNL By Nick Creely
Casey Demons star James Munro will call Cora Lynn his home club in 2022. 233870 Picture: ROB CAREW “We haven’t finished yet; we’ve got two more big announcements to make in the near future,” he said. “We’re just reloading, re-tooling, like we do at Cora Lynn every year so we get a full crack at it.” The new Cobras’ coach, who replaces premiership-winning mentor David Main, said he has received great support as he slips comfortably into his new role. “It’s been great, I’ve had a lot of help from the football operations side of things, just doing little bits and pieces every day so we get to this point where we’ve already re-signed our whole list,” he said. “We’ve got 50 on the books, including reserves, and I’ve been working on our game
plan for the last couple of years now, waiting for this day to come, so we’re pretty set on what that looks like as well. “It (the game plan) is definitely going to be different, that’s for sure, but there will be facets that we keep. But I think a bit of change will refreshen the group and provide our opposition with some new challenges. “We’ve got players entering their prime and it’s the perfect opportunity to implement a few new ideas, a few new recruits, and just light a spark under the place, I guess. “I love Cora Lynn; I have since I came here four or five years ago now. It’s just a special place and everyone has been so helpful. I can’t speak highly enough of the people at Cora Lynn.”
The Noble Park Junior Football Club is set to enter the ranks of the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) in 2022 with the Bulls set to further align with their senior club. Following approval from AFL Victoria and a transfer out of the South East Juniors competition, the Bulls will call the EFNL home from next season. The Bulls are already a senior club in the competition, and have had their Under 15 and Under 17 sides competing in the league for the past few seasons. EFNL Junior Football Manager Corey Maynard said the full transfer of Noble Park into the league next season is another massive positive for the region, and the competition itself. “We are over the moon to finally be able to welcome the entire Noble Park Junior Football Club family into our competition, a move that makes absolute sense given their Under 15’s and 17’s have been part of our competition for the last few years,” he said. “Noble Park are a very well-run club with a rich history and I look forward to working with Shadia, Kylie and the whole Noble Park Junior Committee.” Noble Park Junior Football Club secretary Kylie Milne said the club was delighted to be joining the highly reputable Eastern league. “The club is extremely excited to join and become a part of the Eastern Football and Netball League,” Milne said. “We are extremely happy to be able to align all our teams in conjunction with our Seniors and Under 15 and 17’s sides, who are currently in the league. “We are looking forward to new adventures and the opportunities this move will bring. “(We) can’t wait for season 2022.” Thursday, 7 October, 2021
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