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Students helping out the homeless

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Slowly getting back to normal

Main St facelift By Gabriella Payne

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Pakenham’s Main Street could be in for a facelift, if Cardinia Shire Council’s submission to the Vic Gov’s Growing Suburbs Fund is successful. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Mayor Brett Owen agreed with his fellow councillors and said it would be great if these grants were approved by the government. “At some shops in Pakenham, you still have to step up to get into them which makes them not accessible for people with disabilities - so seeing street improvements in the Pakenham township would be fantastic,” he said.

Councillor Jeff Springfield said he also fully supported all three of these projects and said that they would” all be of such great community benefit” in the long run. “The streetscape improvements (in Pakenham) are going to tie in so nicely with all the level crossing removal project work. “I can’t wait to see what Pakenham looks

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The Cardinia Shire Council is hoping to “breathe some life” back into Pakenham’s Main Street precinct, labelled by one councillor as “dirty and disgusting”, after endorsing their three priority applications for the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs fund for 2021/2022. At the council meeting on the evening of Monday 19 October, Councillor Jack Kowarzik announced that the council had chosen to endorse (in priority order) the creation of a new Garfield North Community Centre, streetscaping upgrades and improvements to Pakenham’s Main Street and the creation of a missing trail link on the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail. “The total ask for these three projects is $2.5 million,” Cr Kowarzik said at the meeting, stating that all three projects had been chosen by council as worthy recipients and submitted before the government’s application deadline on Wednesday 13 October. Cr Kowarzik said that while they were all worthwhile community investments, he was particularly hoping to see the improvements to Pakenham Main Street go ahead, as the community had been pushing for this for a long time. “There’s been a real push in the community to breathe life back into the town centre, and to improve its visual look and the accessibility for pedestrians,” he said. Councillor Carol Ryan echoed Cr Kowarzik’s sentiments. “It is exciting to see these projects developing and I think that the Pakenham Main Street improvements have been a long time coming,” Cr Ryan said. “It’s been quite dirty and disgusting for many years, and these upgrades will not only enhance services for our community to use and feel safe, but will also encourage people to use public transport a lot more.”

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Thursday, 21 October, 2021

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Getting back on track By Shelby Brooks and Gabriella Payne In the first step back to normality, prep and foundation students returned to onsite learning on Monday 18 October. At Pakenham Consolidated School, you could feel the excitement in the air as the 5-year-old students shared their enthusiasm for being back with their teachers and friends in person. “How do you feel about being at school?“ we quizzed a group of energetic young pupils. “GOOD!!“ they chimed back in unison, the smiles beaming on their faces. “What’s the best part about being back?“ we asked. “We get to be back in the classroom and we get to see our friends,“ Mackenzie said. “...and we get to colour in - it’s fun doing art together,“ Madilyn added. All the kids agreed that they had missed their teacher Ms Robinson a lot, and they much preferred learning at school to working at home - and the teachers were equally as excited to welcome the kids back to onsite learning. Ms Robinson, the kids foundation teacher and the school’s foundation transition coordinator said that it had “been amazing“ to see how excited the students were to get back to the real-life classroom. The staggered return to school comes as hospitality venues will welcome back patrons as Covid-19 restrictions ease Thursday 21 October at 11.59pm. Beauty, cinemas, gyms, outdoor retail and community sport will all reopen, albeit with restrictions, as part of the end of lockdown for fully vaccinated people. The Drake Tavern Pakenham manager Brendan Theobold said staff were ecstatic to be back to work later in the week. “Once everyone is back into the swing of work and the culture everyone will be happy I’m sure,“ he said. “The overall comment from staff is that it’ll be fantastic to be back to work.“ Due to capacity restrictions, Brendan will not open the kitchen for their full menu and instead just serve drinks and bar food. “We can’t run a kitchen on that many people,“ he said. “I know some larger venues aren’t opening at all because it isn’t viable. “As restrictions ease further from 5 November we’re hoping to open the dining room and welcome more people.“ Many venues across metropolitan Melbourne are already booked out for services for the upcoming weekend, and Brendan said the

Pakenham Consolidated School prep students Mackenzie, Madilyn, Declan, Madison and Levi. 254354 Drake’s phone had been ringing a lot since the announcement on Sunday 17 October. “We’re just excited to welcome people back to the hotel,“ Brendan said. “Just for a hello and a beer it will feel like we’re getting back to normal.“ The vaccination push appears to be working, with first dose rates in Casey sitting at 92.9 per cent and double doses at 63.9 per cent. Latest Australian Government data shows that 93.7 per cent of Cardinia residents have received with a first dose and 66.2 per cent double dosed. Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen commended the community’s efforts. “A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the people of Cardinia Shire who have received their vaccinations,“ he said. “We know this time hasn’t been easy with restrictions, home schooling, working from home and the impacts to business, commu-

nity groups and sport. “Thanks to the efforts of EACH Health Service and Monash Health, there have been a number of pop up vaccination clinics held across the shire including some great partnerships with community including Living and Learning in Pakenham, Minaret College Officer and the Gurudwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple.“ The City of Casey still has the third highest number of active Covid cases of Victorian LGAs, recording 2,143 as of Wednesday 20 October. Cardinia Council currently has 387 active cases. No new tier 1 sites have been listed this week for either LGA by the Department of Health, however a letter from Bunyip Primary School was circulated online stating that the school had a Covid-19 case attend so therefore would be closed on Monday 18 October for cleaning.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Brendan from The Drake Tavern prepares for guests on Friday. 254356

Pakenham explosions mystery is finally solved Detectives from the Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit have arrested and charged a local man and seized six firearms as part of an investigation into a number of explosions in the Pakenham area this year. His arrest follows a series of mysterious explosions that occurred in the vicinity of Pakenham Creek between August and September. With assistance from the Bomb Response Unit, detectives executed a search warrant at a Pakenham address about 7am on Friday 15 October. Police arrested a 35-year-old man before seizing explosive materials and items. Officers also discovered six firearms, including two homemade firearms and an

imitation firearm, and a large amount of ammunition. Detective Senior Sergeant Kay Morgan said that the man, who had allegedly been making the devices in the home he shared with his wife and kids, had since been charged with 11 offences related to making explosives and firearms. “The explosions were happening quite regularly over a four month period,” Det Snr Sgt Morgan said, “but we don’t have any known motivation for what he was doing with the explosive devices at this stage.” Det Snr Sgt Morgan said that police were able to find the man responsible after discovering and forensically examining one of his devices which had “failed to explode prop-

erly” - a key piece of evidence in their investigation. Det Snr Sgt Morgan said that while the explosions and ‘loud bangs’ had been a widely talked about topic in the local community, not many people had reported them to police. She encouraged locals in future to get in touch with the police and make an official report, as it was vital information that helped immensely in these kinds of investigations. “From a local perspective, the reports had been happening over the space of several months, but a lot weren’t actually reported to police - they were just appearing on social media,” she said.

“We know some people were reluctant to report it because they weren’t sure if it was a car backfiring or something similar... so we were tracking [these social media reports] and trying to work it out, but it would have been helpful if people had reported it to us.” “Our officers did an amazing job though - they followed a lot of rabbits down a lot of holes but got a great result in the end,” she said. The Pakenham man is currently out on bail and will face court at a later date. Anyone with more information on the case or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

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Youth Hub gets a name Cardinia Shire’s brand-new youth centre will be officially named ‘Cardinia Youth Hub’ thanks to two young people who suggested the name as part of a consultation to name the new complex. Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Brett Owen congratulated Lochie and Hector who both suggested the name. “This is the perfect name for the new youth centre and exciting that young people were able to be part of this project,” Cr Owen said. “Lochie said he liked Cardinia Youth Hub because it is an inclusive name, for all the programs, services and support for the young people in Cardinia Shire. He also said the new building needed a new name.

“Lochie is most looking forward to the recording studio and having a much bigger centre while Hector is most looking forward to the roof top area and the big kitchen.” The announcement of the name of the new

centre comes after Cardinia Council awarded the tender for its construction at this week’s council meeting. The tender was approved for Allmore Constructions Pty Ltd to take on the works for

$5,131,675 (excluding GST). Cardinia Youth Hub will offer programs and services for young people aged 12 to 24, with dedicated training rooms, counselling rooms, a program/group room, a shower and laundry facility, recording booth, computers with internet access and a roof top recreation space. It will be located on a Council-owned parcel of land on James Street in Pakenham, and is anticipated to open by the end of 2022. The hub will offer services and programs to support young people to build resilience, reengage in education, build relationships with peers and trusted adults and will give them the ability to access a range of specialist youth services in a timely manner.

Big maths accolade By Gabriella Payne

Before we can do the thing we want to do, there’s something we all need to do ﬁrst. Book your COVID-19 vaccination. Visit Australia.gov.au or call 1800 020 080.

A young Pakenham student will be putting her maths skills to the test on the global stage soon, after qualifying for the Southeast Asian Mathematical Olympiad, set to be held early next year. Audrey Jiang, a Year 6 student from Beaconhills College, was selected for the prestigious international competition after earning a bronze medal in the regional online event back in August. An incredibly smart and dedicated young student, Audrey has a passion for all things maths and described it as one of her favourite subjects at school. “It is really fun, challenging and helpful with many other subjects… and it helps me with my problem solving skills,” Audrey said. Audrey said she was looking forward to the global competiton round, scheduled for Saturday 15 January 2022, as it was quite the challenge. She said that the last round had featured both multiple choice and short answer questions, and she aimed to squeeze in lots of practice before the big day. “The question with algebra was the most challenging – it was difficult because the question was complicated and it isn’t the kind that I normally do,” Audrey said. As well as enjoying maths, Audrey is also a talented pianist and is currently preparing for her AMEB Grade 8 piano exam. Although a little daunting, Audrey will have the full support of her family, school and community behind her and whatever the result, she has certainly done a fantastic job.

Audrey Jiang, a young Pakenham student, is thrilled to be competing at the international maths competition early next year. Picture: SUPPLIED, BEACONHILLS

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Thursday, 21 October, 2021

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Students help homeless By Gabriella Payne Despite the difficulties of finishing their schooling during a global pandemic, two Pakenham Secondary students recently went above and beyond to help those struggling with homelessness in the community. Piper Appleby and Disal Wenn, who both finished Year 12 recently, wanted to do something special for their final personal development skills class project and decided to choose an issue they felt passionately about - homelessness. Ms Appleby said that after noticing “a spike in homelessness in the main areas around Pakenham since Covid-19“ had taken hold, her and Mr Wenn started brainstorming on ways that they could make a difference and lend a helping hand to those doing it tough. “Disal and I originally decided to do a donation drive at school, where we would get students to bring in donations, but because of Covid [and the lockdown] that fell through,“ she said. “So then we decided to contact other people, like our local MP Jordan Crugnale, and see if they could help us with the project in any way.“ After sending off a few enquiries, Ms Appleby and Mr Wenn were delighted to hear back from Ms Crugnale, who was happy to help with this fantastic initiative. Together with Ms Crugnale’s help, the students were able to donate hundreds of ’community at heart’ tote bags to the Bunyip Community House, filled with essential items such as toothbrushes and other essentials to help those in need. “We wanted to do something like this to be able to give something back to the community,“ Ms Appleby said. “I think it’s important to help because homeless people are still a part of our community even though they don’t have somewhere to sleep. “I think it was a good idea, because they need that little bit of extra support - especially

Piper Appleby and Disal Wenn from Pakenham Secondary College with the donated supplies from Jordan Crugnale. right now,“ she said. As part of their project, Ms Appleby and Mr Wenn were able to run a special Webex class for Year 5 and 6 students at Pakenham Consolidated School where they taught them

about homelessness and ways that they could be more aware and help the local community. Ms Appleby said that this was an incredible experience and all the young students had “really enjoyed“ their presentation.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The amazing work done by these secondary students just goes to show that a little kindness can go a long way and you’re never too young to make a difference to the lives of others.

Lego love at the library By Danielle Kutchel

Poppy with a small selection of the Lego the library has purchased. 254167 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Kids heading back to Casey Cardinia Libraries are in for a treat, with thousands of new Lego pieces on their way! Casey Cardinia Libraries’ Lego fundraiser, which ran from June to September of this year, has raised $7526 – and staff have already started buying stacks of Lego, ready for when kids can be welcomed back for the library for children’s activities and the ever-popular Lego club. Lego Club has continued via Zoom for kids at home during lockdown, with the library delivering small kits to children who don’t have their own to build. Nine-year-old library customer and Lego

enthusiast Poppy said she’s very excited to see all the new Lego. “So much to build with!” she said. She said Casey and Cardinia kids should get down to Lego Club as soon as it reopens – and bring a friend, or make one there. “You can build anything you want!” she said. Casey Cardinia Libraries is working hard to get the doors open safely and aims to reopen after the Melbourne Cup long weekend. Keep an eye on the website and Casey Cardinia Libraries’ social media for more details. In the meantime both click and collect and free home delivery are still operating. Go to https://www.cclc.vic.gov.au/ for details.

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Thursday, 21 October, 2021

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Mask clarity

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By Danielle Kutchel The City of Casey is working to install more signs in Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick to clarify when masks should be worn. The Chief Health Officer’s guidelines state that those engaging in “strenuous physical exercise” do not need to wear a mask. Examples of such exercise include running, jogging, swimming or cycling. Notably, walking is not on the strenuous exercise list. Victoria Police said it was enforcing the Chief Health Officer’s public health directions. “Victoria Police will fine people for deliberate, obvious and blatant breaches of the CHO directions,” the organisation said in a statement.

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Gary White is grateful for advances in the treatment of diabetes. 253798 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS condition, Mr White appreciates the advancements in diabetes treatment over the years. He has progressed over the years from multiple daily injections to using an insulin pump, which he said is “much more convenient”. “I started pumping in 2010 after 45 years of injecting and it’s the best move I ever made,” he said. He has maintained a positive outlook and an active lifestyle, assisted by his passion for football. Playing as a teenager, he would eat two blocks of chocolate at each game to help him

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Gary White was just four years old when first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. While thirst is his oldest memory, he also recalls his mother injecting an orange at The Alfred hospital to practice injections. The Narre Warren North resident has recently been recognised for his 50-year journey with diabetes. “It would’ve affected my parents enormously, but as far as me growing up, it was really just trying to keep my sugars mainly from getting too low,” he recalled. He’s a recipient of the Kellion Victory Medal from Diabetes Victoria, which acknowledges people who have lived with diabetes for 50 years or more. Receiving a Kellion Victory Medal is a high achievement, especially in the 2021, when Diabetes Victoria is celebrating 100 years since the medical discovery of insulin. Prior to its discovery, type 1 diabetes was essentially a death sentence; half of those who developed the condition died within two years, and more than 90 per cent died within five years. Now, thanks to insulin therapy and many other advances in treatment, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives. Like many others living with the life-long

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Thursday, 21 October, 2021

Thumbs up to getting to see family and friends, driving out of our postcodes, meeting new babies that have been born during lockdown and making new plans.

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for still not being able to see my parents in regional Victoria.

to gyms not reopening yet. How many cases have come from gyms??

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.

get through and balance his blood sugars. He played a whopping 200 local games and has also umpired around 600 matches. He said physical activity can be important for people with diabetes to maintain good health. Mr White is also grateful for the vital role that cardiologists, ophthalmologists, educators and dietitians have played over his years of living with the disease, as well as the support of his mother Cathy and the love of his wife Lisa. “She has helped me for the last 40 years and showed great understanding from the age of 16, which is incredible for such a young woman,” he said. “She has smoothed the waters of my type 1 voyage.” For those who have just been diagnosed or other young people who are learning to manage diabetes, he recommended persisting until the treatments and routines become natural. “You never get it absolutely perfect; you’re always trying to balance insulin with blood sugars. “You can just get it to the point of being well-treated. “Persistence is the key, and not getting annoyed with having the disease.”

SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Tuesday 12 October, a story was shared to the Star News Group Facebook pages regarding Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan quitting State Cabinet in the wake of IBAC’s latest round of hearings. Here’s how our readers responded online: Shan Angell: If he was geninue he would quit parliament. But this stinks of wait for the dust to settle. Keith Smith: Hopefully the first of the rats to abandon a sinking corrupt ship... Fran Ryan: Good news. Sue Baldizoni: Most corrupt state government in history! He should stand down properly not just move to the back bench!! Why should he keep getting paid?! Ric Stewart: Good. Now the sooner Teflon Dan is compelled to answer questions without his trademark “l don’t recall” the sooner he is removed from office!! That will stuff him ...he has NEVER worked in the private sector!!! pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

IBAC INQUIRY

Stamps poll rort alleged By Cam Lucadou-Wells More than $10,000 of stamps were allegedly misappropriated from South East Metropolitan MP Adem Somyurek’s electorate office to help another MP’s re-election, an IBAC inquiry heard on 13 October. Adam Sullivan, a former electorate officer for Mr Somyurek, said a Labor staff member suggested in early 2018 to start buying stamps to “re-route” to Mordiallac MP Tim Richardson’s election campaign. Mr Sullivan said he was advised by staffer Nick McLennan to incrementally buy between 1000 and 2000 stamps a fortnight to avoid scrutiny from the Department of Parliamentary Services. “I think at the end of that process personally myself I would have purchased around $11,000 to $14,000 worth of $1 stamps,” Mr Sullivan said. “I imagine a fair number of them were then rerouted to political purposes for the re-election of Tim Richardson in Mordialloc in 2018.” Mr Sullivan said he was told by Mr McLennan that Mr Somyurek had given “tacit approval”. “It didn’t seem like something that would be out of the ordinary to occur in Mr Somyurek’s office. “It didn’t seem like it was the sort of thing that would be frowned upon or would be otherwise not permitted by the member.” The electorate office funds used to buy the stamps were supposed to be “strictly apolitical” and used for purposes like “constituent outreach”, Mr Sullivan said. They were not to be used for “partisan purposes”. Mr Sullivan had earlier worked as an electorate officer for Mr Richardson as well as for an inquiry person-of-interest Holt federal MP Anthony Byrne.

Adem Somyurek was said to have “tacitly approved” the alleged rort. 201398 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS He said 100 per cent of his role at Mr Richardson’s office was focused on legitimate “constituent work”. Such as liaising with community groups, drafting letters of support and walk-ins. However at Mr Somyurek’s “dysfunctional” electorate office, there was “very little to do”. There was “negligible foot traffic”. Later that day, Mr Richardson issued a statement denying that he breached his electorate office communications budget requirements. He also denied being part of branch stack-

ing or paying for memberships after being named as part of an informal ALP factional group South East Alliance. Mr Byrne told the inquiry on 11 October that he and state MPs Luke Donnellan and Mr Somyurek formed the alliance, with Mr Richardson latterly joining. At the inquiry, Mr Byrne said he, Mr Donnellan and Mr Somyurek paid about $2000 each for other people’s memberships as part of a branch-stacking enterprise. He said he was “not exactly sure” if Mr Richardson paid for memberships.

Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson says he has complied with electorate office budget requirements. In a statement, Mr Richardson said: “I have not been involved in branch stacking nor have I paid for any memberships. “I have always complied with the requirements of my electorate office communications budget. “My focus has always been working as hard as I can for the wonderful Mordialloc constituents, which I have the privilege and honour to represent each and every day. “I will not be making any further comment on active inquiries.”

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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, 21 October, 2021

NEWS

Business is looking forward to ringing in new freedoms.

Emerging from Covid By the time you read this Victoria will hopefully be 70 per cent fully vaccinated and seeing some relaxation of current restrictions. If history is anything to go by these are unlikely to be significant until we reach 80 per cent by when we should all be able to start to enjoy some of the ‘privileges’ that NSW is starting to experience. But what will the business landscape look like then? For sure, the new ‘Covid normal’ won’t look like things did prior to the pandemic, so what can we expect? Here are a few thoughts: First off, the biggest change is likely to affect working conditions for just about everyone. It is now clear that working from home is not just a viable proposition, it is now an established way of working for many companies since it can actually improve productivity, enable a better work/life balance (less time wasted in travel time to/from business premises), reduce the need for larger business offices and save on fuel costs not to mention reducing the impact on the environment. Don’t get me wrong, there is still a very present need for us to conduct business faceto-face, especially for all those important and sensitive discussions (and who isn’t looking forward to meeting back up with colleagues and business partners) but overall I am quite sure that working from home will be far more widespread than it ever was prior to the pandemic. This implies the need to maintain the ability for staff to work remotely in terms of communications and IT infrastructure and also to be mindful of their health and safety in the home work environment. It also implies that there is likely to be a surplus of offices available in the city and elsewhere so the price (and hence rents) for these is likely to fall. Some industries such as travel, hospitality and retail will take many months, possibly years to recover. Not only because of the financial hardship they have suffered trying to keep their businesses running with little or no income over the past 18 months but also because many employees have now left these sectors to pursue new professional avenues and are unlikely to return. This means that as these sectors open back up, there will be a scarcity of qualified staff and far more vacancies than there are staff to

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH fill them. The temptation for business leaders then is to hire to simply fill the vacancies but whilst there is no doubt that businesses will need to move fast to secure good staff, I would caution against just putting ‘bums on seats’ ASAP. Getting the right staff on board is still the most important decision a business can make in my personal view so ensuring that people who share your values and can treat your customers as you would want them treated should still remain the highest priority even if it means having to interview more prospective candidates before you make your selection. Although a number of businesses have suffered or worse had to close up, some businesses have been able to continue pretty much as normal (especially if they have been classified as an ‘essential service’) and some have done very well with many benefitting from the Federal Government’s JobKeeper program. There is no reason why these businesses should not continue to prosper. In addition, lockdowns have meant that people have not been able to go out and spend very much so those that have been able to continue to earn have likely seen their savings grow. The danger here is that as we emerge out of lockdown, the temptation may be to splurge leading to a rise in inflation and hence a hike in interest rates making borrowing more expensive. This implies that a slow and steady growth trajectory out of lockdown would be a more sensible way to go with money being channelled into sensible investments and carefully managed to allow for those rainy days which will invariably come. We have all learnt a lot about ourselves and our businesses during this pandemic but out of adversity comes opportunity so let’s make the most of this knowledge. Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

IBAC INQUIRY

Former electorate officer Adam Sullivan told of devoting his work time to MP Adem Somyurek’s bid for the ALP National Executive.

Adem Somyurek.

Somyurek office shambles By Cam Lucadou-Wells A former staffer for State MP Adem Somyurek has described the electorate office in Dandenong as “shambolic” and “dysfunctional”. Mr Somyurek’s father was paid to clean the MP’s electorate office in Dandenong, the staffer Adam Sullivan told an IBAC Operation Watts hearing on 13 October. But he only saw the father there on “one or two occasions” – and that was primarily to ask where his pay was. The “decrepit, rundown” office “complete with cobwebs” didn’t appear to be regularly cleaned, Mr Sullivan said. The bin liners and “once-over” of the toilet and bathroom sink occurred about once a week. Mr Sullivan said he took it on himself to clean up the office, such as tidy up stacks of boxes of papers in one of the chambers and to use the broken vacuum cleaner. His role was to “literally” and “figuratively” clean up the office. “It was somewhat shambolic when I first entered it.” When Mr Somyurek offered him the job in August 2017, Mr Sullivan said he was hesitant to transfer from Holt federal MP and factional ally Anthony Byrne’s office.

“By that point Mr Somyurek had some bad press in 2015. He had something of a coloured reputation even amongst our own circle there in the South East in Mr Byrne’s office. “It was generally well known… that Mr Somyurek’s electorate office was dysfunctional. “I had a feeling of being set up to fail, that it was a lost cause. Frankly I don’t think Mr Somyurek desired to have his electorate office to be functional.” He said he feared his political ambitions would be thwarted if he declined the offer from the “titular head” of the Moderate Labor faction. Mr Sullivan said in his nine months’ fulltime tenure, he only saw Mr Somyurek at his electorate office once. At the time, Mr Somyurek was a back-bencher. “Outside of business hours, I think he might have dropped in.” In a “functional” electorate office, an MP would regularly attend to oversee things, checking on staff. There would normally be an office manager. It would normally be a “hive of activity”. But for Mr Somyurek’s several employed electorate officers, there was little constituent work to do. It was “entirely possible” that they were doing party factional work, though Mr Sullivan

couldn’t think of specific examples. “There was negligible foot traffic in Mr Somyurek’s case. “There was very little to occupy oneself with in that environment. “I know in my case I just busied myself with trying to tidy up the office.” Former Greater Dandenong mayor Pinar Yesil was employed five-days-a-week casually in early 2018. But Mr Sulllivan saw her for “maybe about an hour or two here and there” several days a week. She was doing “nothing that would approach typical electorate office work”. “She was logged into the computer. As to exactly what she was doing, though, I can’t rightly say.” In early 2018, Mr Somyurek was seeking election to the ALP’s national executive. During work time, Mr Sullivan wrote a letter to be sent to members enlisting their support. But Mr Somyurek didn’t think it was required because his staff would pick up the ballot papers from members and fill them out themselves. “Ballot harvesting” was time-consuming, and done during office hours, Mr Sullivan said. It was an all-hands on deck situation involving taxpayer-funded ministerial and electorate staff.

Mr Sullivan said the activities were run through Mr Byrne’s office because of the “dysfunction” at Mr Somyurek’s. He said he also did factional work during stints at offices of former state Cabinet Minister Marlene Kairouz and Upper House state MP Tien Kieu. He’d been directed to work at the offices by Mr Somyurek, he said. Upon resigning in January 2020, Mr Sullivan referred to Mr Somyurek as “Mein Fuhrer” in private text messages to friends. “Mr Somyurek had accumulated quite an amount of power and influence over the party. “He could be a quite, I suppose, overbearing person at times, a volatile person at times. “And of course anyone in that situation who has that amount of power tends to become a bit of a megalomaniac.” Mr Sullivan was disappointed in his own role. “We chose repeatedly to do the wrong thing again, and again, and again, and again. “And ultimately the choice was that we put our own interests and our own loyalty to a factional machine and a system of patronage above the interests of the public and, speaking as a former public servant, there can be no greater failure.”

Byrne quits intelligence role after IBAC evidence By Cam Lucadou-Wells Holt MP Anthony Byrne has resigned from his long-held intelligence and security committee position in the wake of his branchstacking testimony at IBAC. In a statement on 14 October, Mr Byrne said he offered his resignation as Deputy Chair and member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. The offer was accepted by federal opposition leader Anthony Albanese. “The work of the PJCIS is crucial to Australia’s national security and its integrity should never be questioned,” Mr Byrne stated. “I have always put the work of this bipartisan Committee first and have always served pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

in its best interests.” Mr Byrne was appointed the committee’s chair in 2010. He had served as deputy chair since 2013. At the IBAC Operation Watts inquiry three days earlier, Mr Byrne had outlined explosive allegations of his role in ALP’s use of taxpayer-funded staff for branch-stacking in Victoria. He also described the role of factional colleagues in the South East, Adem Somyurek and Luke Donnellan. The latter resigned from State Cabinet on the same day. “I will continue to fully cooperate with the IBAC inquiry and will not be making further comment while proceedings are underway,” Mr Byrne said.

Anthony Byrne has resigned from his long-standing post on the joint parliamentary intelligence and security committee. Thursday, 21 October, 2021

STAR NEWS 9

IBAC INQUIRY

Staffer ‘in the freezer’ By Cam Lucadou-Wells A former staffer at a Labor MP’s ministerial and electorate offices says about 80 per cent of her work time was consumed with party-factional politics, an IBAC hearing was told. A self-described ‘non-politicised’ public servant Ellen Schreiber says she was initially reluctant to join then-Local Government and Small Business Minister Adem Somyurek’s ministerial office in early 2019. This was due to Mr Somyurek’s “reputation”, she told the Operation Watts inquiry on 12 October. At the time, she couldn’t tell the difference between Liberal and Labor. But soon she was signed up as a Labor member, embroiled with the Moderate Right faction. She was setting up meetings with ALP faction “stakeholders” such as union officials and federal MPs, as well as sitting on ALP membership and admin committees. “When the branch stacking, I guess, had ramped up, the workload, it was almost like 80 per cent of my day was going through memberships at times, but that was not every day. “It was just at times that’s all we’d be doing.” Ms Schreiber told of Mr Somyurek “screaming down the phone” at her after she deferred memberships at an ALP membership committee meeting. “I had a friend who’s not political at all in the car next to me. “I got off the phone and she said, ‘How does your boss speak to you like that? How is that acceptable?’” During her secondment as Mr Somyurek’s executive assistant, she was assigned to “fix” his non-communicative electorate office in Dandenong. “I think out of my pure frustration.

Former executive assistant Ellen Schreiber told an IBAC inquiry of being screamed at by then-Minister Adem Somyurek. “I would send out emails, I wouldn’t get anything back.” The electorate office was “for some reason” moved into the CBD in mid 2019. When she raised the office’s culture with Mr Somyurek it was “swept under the carpet”. “I was told ‘I’m an Upper House member, that’s not how it works, I don’t need to do events’.” She said Mr Somyurek did the “bare minimum” as Small Business Minister. Ms Schreiber continued “Labor party activities” for Mr Somyurek after she was hired at

federal MP and factional ally Anthony Byrne’s office for a month. She was then offered a role by Mr Somyurek at the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining And Energy Union (CFMEU) to sign up union members to the ALP, she said. Her role was couched as CMFEU state secretary John Setka’s “right-hand woman” because “John was going through bad media and it was ideal to have a young female in that position”. Mr Somyurek reacted with “venom” when she refused it. “He was mad like a cut snake. “He spat venom at me and, ‘You’re a f***ing

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idiot. Why are you working for a backbencher? Anthony (Byrne) does nothing out there. He’s lazy. You’re not going to go anywhere with your career.” “I got off the phone, called my direct manager hysterically crying because I had just been effectively abused, verbally abused over the phone.” After turning down the role she was “put in the freezer”. “Adem didn’t want to speak to me. I wasn’t involved with anything.” She soon after left the ALP, she told the inquiry.

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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Terry from Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Cranbourne Gardens with the Seeing the Invisible sign. 253869

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

See the invisible at gardens The most ambitious and expansive exhibition of contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR) technology will premiere simultaneously in 12 gardens around the world, including the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Seeing the Invisible features works by more than a dozen international artists such as Ai Weiwei, Refik Anadol, El Anatsui, Isaac Julien CBE, Mohammed Kazem, Sigalit Landau, Sarah Meyohas, Pamela Rosenkranz, and Timur Si-Qin—including several artists’ first work in AR. Free for visitors to both Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne and Cranbourne, Seeing the Invisible will allow attendees to engage via an app designed for the exhibition that is downloadable to smartphones and tablets. Developed during the pandemic, Seeing the Invisible was initiated by the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and Outset Contemporary Art Fund and is co-curated by Hadas Maor and Tal Michael Haring. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria was the only organisation in Australia invited to participate. “Coming out of the pandemic when outdoor experiences and nature have taken on a new meaning and gravity in our lives, this exhibition represents a fresh way for people to engage with art and nature simultaneously,” said Mr Haring. “The interplay of these augmented reality works in vibrant natural settings breaks down the binary between what is often considered ‘natural’ versus ‘digital’, and in this way provides an exhibition experience that is much more connected to the way we live today.” “We are thrilled to partner with these prestigious international gardens to offer Melbourne another world-class, outdoor event, set to be an unmissable experience this spring,” said Tim Entwisle, director and chief executive of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. “The free exhibition is sure to drive Victorians and interstate tourists to Melbourne’s CBD and Cranbourne and showcase the beauty of our gardens in an entirely new way.” Seeing the Invisible will be accessible via smartphone and tablet through the Seeing the Invisible app, which will be available for iPhone and Android in the App Store and Google Play. The free exhibition runs until August 2022. For more information, visit www.rbg.vic. gov.au/initiatives/seeing-the-invisible pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

A banquet! 253869

The gardens are ready for the end of lockdown. 253869

Jayden, Indi, Beau, Zeph and Rylie enjoy an afternoon out. 253869

Julia and Phil enjoying the gardens on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. 253869 Thursday, 21 October, 2021

STAR NEWS 11

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

NEWS

New clinic is open 7 days Bass MP Jordan Crugnale and her kids. Ms Crugnale said libraries are a “critical service”.

Cash booked “It is important that they receive the support and resources to continue this great work. “This funding will be a huge boost to our much-loved public libraries, enabling them to provide even more service, programs and digital resources to support and connect our community.” Beth Luppino, acting chief executive officer at Casey Cardinia Libraries, said the funding was “much needed” during these difficult times. “Casey Cardinia Libraries are proud to have demonstrated throughout the pandemic that libraries change lives,” she said. “Even when our doors are closed we are still serving the community with free services such as click and collect (books and printing), home delivery and hosting online events. “Casey Cardinia Libraries’ ability to find alternate ways to deliver services and support to the community has been valued by our library users, and is also clearly valued at a State Government level. “The increased funding will result in direct benefits for our community in terms of lifelong learning opportunities, social connection, digital literacy and learning.”

WHAT’S ON If your community group or organisation is running an online-based activity during lockdown, email the details to dailyeditor@starnewsgroup. com.au for inclusion in our What’s On column.

Join CaseyU3A CaseyU3A is still operating even during Covid lockdowns. Indeed our membership has grown to 440! We currently offer a variety of classes on Zoom including TaiChi, Gentle Exercise, Meditation, French, Guitar, Uke, Current Affairs, Bookclub, Zumba-Gold, Sketching, Ted Talks, etc. Out of lockdown we’ll move back to 50 classes! Check out the website: casey.u3anet.org.au/ or phone Jean (membership officer) on 0478 226 521.

Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House online art for 8 – 12 year olds Thursday 21 October, Plasticine/Modelling – Tropical Island Scene, cost $15. To book: https://events.humanitix.com/bpnhonline-art-plasticine-modelling-tropical-islandscene. Thursday 28 October, Mosaic Art – Fantasy, cost $15. To book: https://events. humanitix.com/bpnh-online-art-mosaic-art

Balla Balla Community Centre will be offering free Health and Wellbeing classes in Term 4 These classes/activities include Balla Balla Friendship Circle, Meditation, Pilates, Seated Tai Chi for Beginners, Yoga and our Mindfulness and Self Care workshops. These classes will be held online while the centre remains closed.

Online Seniors Events: Get online week workshop Staying Connected - Video Calls and Zoom for Family Gatherings. Have you missed seeing your family and friends during lockdowns? Would you like to learn how easy it is to “Zoom“ or video call loved ones? We will be providing a kit with useful information to get you started and this will be supported by two information sessions and a delicious lunch. There will be a lucky “door prizes“ 12 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 21 October, 2021

for you to win. Saturday 23 October 10am.

Ageing in your home workshop Find out more about My Aged Care services that are available, who provides them, what you are eligible for and how to apply, and things you need to know as you progress through the system. Monday 25 October 10.30am. Please enrol in all these classes by emailing admin@ballaballa.com.au and we will send you a link to join.

Join your community choir Voices of Casey are continuing to rehearse throughout the lockdown. When lockdowns restrict in-person meetings, the choir rehearses over Zoom. On Zoom the choir is split into two ’rooms’ to make rehearsing easier and allow ongoing interaction. If you’re looking for a new hobby, a chance to practise your singing or a place to make new friends, why not join Voices of Casey - it’s Covid-safe! Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 7pm till 9.30pm at Fiddlers Green in Berwick (when allowed in-person), or otherwise over Zoom. For more information contact Paulien on 0412 741 195 or maritimes.1@hotmail.com

TedX comes to Casey TEDxYouth@Casey 2021 will take place at Federation University in Berwick. This is the first live event for some time and will be a dedicated youth event with a range of guest speakers. The event will be held on a yet-to-be-confirmed date. Cost is free but bookings will be required. For more information or updates, visit tedxcasey.com/

Enjoy a nutritious meal Lynbrook Community Centre is continuing its community meal program during restrictions. Come along and enjoy a nutritious meal, good company and additional supports in a friendly and welcoming environment. This program is in partnership with Casey ADRA Cafe. For more information and to book your space, call 0425 747 866.

A new medical centre in Beaconsfield that is open seven days a week. 253994 A new medical centre in Beaconsfield is open seven days a week Beacon Family Healthcare is a newly established, modern medical clinic in Beaconsfield that is family-owned and operated. Their general practitioners are a group of highly experienced and educated professionals who are willing to provide the best possible care across a wide range of medical conditions. The brand-new facilities include six consulting rooms, a treatment room and on-site pathology. The clinic is open Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 2pm, allowing ease of access for all your healthcare needs. Their aim is to provide comprehensive general practice care to all families and individuals within the community.

They also specialise in providing urgent care services, which includes fracture management and a variety of minor injuries care. Their minor injury care is a unique service that distinguishes them from other medical practices. Dr Badar, a specialist general practitioner with diverse clinical experience, has worked across Victoria and New South Wales over the past 13 years. With a soft spoken, amiable, and compassionate demeanour, she is a favourite among her female patients and families alike. She enjoys all aspects of general practice. Dr Ahsan brings over 23 years of medical expertise in a variety of hospital based and general practice roles. In addition to general practice, Dr Ahsan has extensive experience in emergency medicine working across Australia as a senior medical officer. His area of speciality is urgent care services.

NOW OPEN Monday to Friday 09:00AM to 09:00PM Saturday & Sunday 09:00AM to 02:00PM

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The State Government is supporting public libraries to expand and adapt their services for local communities, providing connection and learning opportunities during the pandemic. Local libraries in Casey will receive a funding boost to expand library collections, online services, and programs under the $47.4 million Public Libraries Funding Program, with $2,806,017 going to Casey Cardinia Library Corporation. The Public Libraries Funding Program provides annual funding for councils, regional library corporations and Vision Australia to support a range of activities and library services across 277 branches. This funding contributes to the purchase of physical and electronic collection items, information technology, library and outreach programs, and other services provided by Victorian public libraries. “Our libraries and their amazing staff have provided such a critical service and continue to be that community welcoming connection point, helping people feel less lonely and isolated during the pandemic, doing outreach and phone calls,” said Bass MP Jordan Crugnale.

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

New play therapy clinic Is your child struggling with emotional outbursts? Is your child feeling anxious about returning to school after the lockdown? Is your teenager feeling depressed? These are some mental health issues that children and adolescents are impacted by because of the COVID-19 restrictions and recurring lockdowns. A common experience is a feeling of disconnection and loss due to the removal of social freedoms such as not being able to connect with friends, grandparents and loved ones. Some children may experience trauma responses such as fears of leaving the house or avoiding certain places. Anxiety is often experienced through bodily responses such as a racing heart, dizziness or stomach pains. Children can find it hard to put these feelings into words - giving children a sense of control can help them overcome anxiety. Parents can offer empathy and use curiosity statements like it seems like you are feeling

worried in response to fears or sometimes it can feel scary in response to regressive behaviours like bedwetting. Play Therapy allows children to ‘play out’ fears or worries, releases tension and stress held in their body and can help to regulate their emotions. South Eastern Play & Creative Therapies provide therapeutic services that can support children, adolescents and families: Play Therapy Creative Counselling Art Therapy Family Therapy Parent education and support Group Programs To request a free phone consultation, to make a referral or for further information please contact Jenny Lord, Clinical Director at: info@playandcreativetherapies.com.au Medicare rebates are available and NDIS funded clients accepted

· · · · · ·

South Eastern Play & Creative Therapies provide therapeutic services that can support children, adolescents and families.

Avoiding foot and leg injuries with easing of restrictions With Covid restrictions easing, life is soon to return to a more full and active one. However health professionals are predicting an increase in foot and leg injuries post lockdown. We asked one of Australia’s leading foot and leg pain experts, Dr. Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, to explain. “Extended periods of decreased physical activity results in reduced strength and capacity to bear load i.e. the weigth your feet and legs bear through activity when carrying

your body weight around. When we suddenly return to our normal lives it may cause considerable stress to muscles, joints and tissues leading to a range of overuse syndromes and injuries,” says Dr Dowie. “Whilst we can assist most foot and leg injuries relatively easily with appropriate treatment, prevention is better than cure,” he says. Dr. Dowie suggests: * Taking things slowly and gradually increasing activity. Start with

Sore Feet or Legs? Call

walking around the block or other outdoor activities such as cycling and swimming which comply with lockdown regulations, which will prepare your muscles and tendons for a return to normality. * Start wearing shoes around the house to help provide structured support. This will definitely help with prepearing your body for increased outdoor activities. * Wear supportive and activity appropriate shoes at all times. Replacing worn exer-

cise footwear when shops open again, is very important. * Do warm up exercises prior to strenuous activity and stretch regularly. “Start slowly, gradually build up and don’t overdo it! This way you’ll be back to full capacity in no time…” If you do suffer any foot, ankle, knee, leg or hip pain or injuries you can make an appointment with Dr. Dowie at Foot & Leg Pain Clinics in Berwick. Call 1300 328 300.

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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 21 October, 2021

STAR NEWS 13

THE LOWDOWN with Bassir Qadiri, chairperson at Bakhtar Community Organisation

Bassir Qadiri. 243941 Australia for a one week holiday. This strategy would help improve mental health and isolation issues among people, promote inclusion and most importantly boost tourism in the country that has been affected enormously during this pandemic. What is your favourite holiday destination? I have lived in France but didn’t get a chance to visit everything, so France, Italy and Egypt. What are you most looking forward to when lockdown ends?

The word “gelato” comes from the Italian word “congelato”, which means frozen. A gelato shop is called a “gelateria” and the person serving it is called “gelati.” It is best served the day it’s made.

Gelato originated in Italy and its modern-day form is credited to Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli. He created the first ice cream machine and opened his first cafe in Paris in 1686. King Louis XIV granted Procopio an exclusive license, making him the only producer of gelato in the region.

It is best to eat gelato that is gathered up with a spade or paddle, not an icecream scoop. The surface of a spade or paddle is flat and is a better fit to gently scoop up your gelato. It does not only allow you to work the gelato smoothly to make it softer but it also encourages an artistic touch upon serving.

Picture: GARY SISSONS My poetry and music events, catching up with family and friends. What do you love about the Casey community? It has been almost five years that I have lived in the City of Casey. It’s a growing city. There are a lot of improvements that need to be done to make it lovable for everyone. I would love to be part of that improvement process. Pineapple on pizza: yes or no? NO.

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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”

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Pakenham Officer Star News from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

2021

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Tell us a fact about yourself. Since my father was in the military, I have learnt to be disciplined and make a daily plan. When I wake up in the morning, the first step is always making my bed. I can not fulfill anything if I leave it missy. I strongly believe, if we want to feel satisfied at the end of the day, we have to make a daily schedule. What is your favourite cuisine? I am a food lover, I love all sorts of cuisine around the globe. I mostly prefer seafood. What has been your most memorable moment? When I was named ‘Casey Citizen of the Year’ in 2020. I have been selected among so many amazing individuals. When the MC at the Australian Day celebration was announcing the nominees, I wouldn’t have thought that among all those amazing personalities I would be the one. I received hundreds of messages from family and friends. Who is your biggest inspiration? My mother has always been my biggest inspiration. She dedicated all her life to serve the community back in Afghanistan, promote gender equality, provided educational opportunities for women and above all she has been a father and a mother for her children. My dedication and commitment in the community is inspired by her. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? I am not very good at cooking but I would try Afghan Kebab. If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the first thing you would do? Especially during this pandemic, if I was the prime minister for one day, I would officially declare that everyone in Australia especially in Victoria, regardless of their age, gender, race, religion or appearance, will receive a free flight and accommodation at their favorite place in

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NEWS

A treat worth melting for Augustus Gelatery welcomed the Pakenham community to its brand new store on Friday 15 October for its first day of operation. Serving scoops of joy to the community, the opening of the new store at the Pakenham Homemake Centre is in time for warmer weather. Augustus Gelatery brand manager Amie Surridge said customers enjoyed 36 delicious flavours and a happy vibe when they enter the store. To celebrate the opening, the store will be running a colouring competition to keep kids entertained, and a special boozy tiramisu gelato for the adults. Ms Surridge said the store would bring a sweet treat to lockdown. “We like to give people a reason to smile and feel joyful,“ she said. “We all just want something exciting to look forward to and gelato always brings that.”

Rhys from Officer enjoys his gelato. 253379

Olivia looking cool. 253379

Jai and Andrei prepare for a brain freeze. 253379

Sanvi with a raspberry with white chocolate cone. 253379

Jess and Em from Best Friends call in on a break from work. 253379

Emmy and Kellie tuck into a salted caramel and banana peanut chocolate treat. 253379

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Augustus Gelatery staff on day one (left to right) Steph, Elyse, Kristie-Lee, Tarleah and Taylah. 253379

Thursday, 21 October, 2021

STAR NEWS 15

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All classes take place in the new, enlarged studio and are limited to five participants.

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Calvin will lead the painting for pleasure classes.

Painting for latest show By Danielle Kutchel With lockdown easing, Provenance Artists is opening up bigger and better. From Friday 22 October, the group is inviting those who want to start painting, as well as artists looking to take their talents to the next level, to join in on painting classes at a new, larger studio. And there’s another reason to get excited, with the artists gearing up for the 22nd Great Art Show, to be held at Nossal High School from 8-10 April 2022. Four new workshops will begin next week with people all levels of artistic ability invited to grab their paintbrush and join in. All workshops are limited to five artists only so they can receive individual attention. The workshops are: Painting for Pleasure, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am-2pm: painting for pleasure in oils, acrylic, watercolour and scratchboard.

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SPORT

Kangaroos snare Tharle By Nick Creely Officer has significantly bolstered its coaching panel for season 2022 by the signing of a Cranbourne premiership hero Troy Tharle as nonplaying senior assistant coach and forwards coach. Tharle - the two-time premiership Eagle who played 230 senior games, kicking 186 goals - retired from football last season after a series of concussions, but will now rekindle his relationship with his 2011 premiership coach, Doug Koop, as the Kangaroos look to continue building on a promising 2021 season. He will also serve as the seniors runner. “It’s close to home and I have a lot of contacts at Officer, it just feels right,“ Tharle said. “I’ve had a lot of coaches over my career, Doug Koop taught me the game and I cannot wait to work with him and develop my skills off field.“ Tharle added he was looking forward to bringing his own style to Starling Road. “(I’ll bring) a modern style to the forward line to compliment the other coaching styles, it’s going to be high pressure and exciting footy going forward,“ he said. “I’ve reviewed the games from 2021 and I’ve got a lot of fresh ideas and I’m looking forward to an excellent season at Starling Rd in 2022. I’m really happy to be here.“ The Kangaroos also confirmed that reign-

Troy Tharle (middle) has been signed by Officer as an assistant coach. 155957 ing Outer East Division 1 league best and fairest winner, Anthony Bernardo will also be a playing senior assistant coach.

Picture: ROB CAREW

“I had a great individual season in 2021 and whilst it’s great to be recognised, that’s not why we play the game,“ Bernardo said.

“I’ve got a lot more to offer and I’m ready to embrace this challenge head on. “More than anything else I’m just excited to be back at Officer in 2022. It’s a great club, it’s well run and it’s an amazing group to be a part of.“ Kangaroos coach Doug Koop said the club was delighted to welcome Tharle to the club, having been a major part of his development in his football, knowing exactly what the beloved big man will bring to the group in 2022. “I could never doubt his team first attitude,“ Koop said. “He’s been a very good player and he was very easy to coach. Troy has won a number of flags and knows what it’s like to sacrifice for the team. “I’m looking forward to Troy imparting some of his wisdom and experience on our club.“ Koop said it was also exciting to have an onfield coaching presence in Bernardo to help continue the development of their players. “AB (Anthony Bernardo) had a great season and was always coming to the coaching team with new ideas,“ he said. “This is clearly the next step in his football journey and I’m excited to see what he brings to the table next year. “He was a great addition to the club last year and more than anything else I’m just excited that he’s committed his future to Officer.“

National squad just the beginning for Burgmann By David Nagel The art of resilience has taken on a new form in the world of Covid - with Berwick teenager Keeley Burgmann riding a roller-coaster ride to selection in the 2021 Australian 17-Under Netball Squad. The 17-year-old goaler - and year-11 student from St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield - has been a regular Victorian representative since first earning selection in the School Sports Victoria (SSV) 15-Under team in 2019. That initial SSV trip to Caloundra not only triggered her desire to reach the top levels of the game, but to this point in time is the only planned interstate trip that has actually come to fruition. As a bottom-age player, Burgmann was selected as a vice-captain of the 2020 Victorian 17-Under team, and this year was named captain of the squad that was due to head to Tasmania to take on the best young talent from around the country. But the affects of Covid put those exciting plans on the back-burner. “The first trip (15 under) was pretty exciting, that was my first breakthrough into anything at a higher level,” Burgmann explained. “We played in Queensland and stayed at Caloundra for a week, which was great, and we came second to South Australia. “That was the point where I realised, I wanted to do something with my netball, I wanted to push myself and try for training positions at VNL clubs and things like that. “Last year the nationals got called off a month out from the championships, because it was too risky with Covid to go the Tasmania. But towards the end of the year they put us in a Vic squad and we trained for a couple of weeks so it was good to get some training that we missed out on earlier last year. “And then this year, a week out, nationals got cancelled again which was really devastating but did teach us all some resilience.” Burgmann and talented netballers from all over Australia missed the opportunity to shine on the big stage and earn selection in the national squad. But an expert panel of selectors, who have overseen a lot of the girl’s development over the last few years, joined forces to select this year’s Australian squad that will come together for a training camp from December 5 to 11 at the AIS in Canberra. 18 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 21 October, 2021

Keeley Burgmann is a star on the rise after being selected in the Australian 17-under netball Picture: ROB CAREW squad. 254189 Burgmann said it was dream come true, and a surprise, to be identified as one of the brightest young talents in the country. “When we first got the email, we were sitting on the couch and mum, dad and I just looked at each other and said ‘What…they’ve sent this to the wrong person, it must be wrong,” Keeley said with a laugh. “We sat there for two minutes in silence because none of us knew what to say, we were all in disbelief. “But it’s very much and honor and privilege to be part of it and it’s something that really means a lot because of the work you put in and the challenges we’ve experienced through Covid. “It’s just a nice achievement after two nationals being cancelled and all the other things we’ve been through over the last two years.” Burgmann is a natural leader, confirmed by her selection as captain of the state team, and it’s a responsibility she enjoys and takes seriously. “I think I was chosen as captain because

I was comfortable in the Vic program after doing it the year before, and that experience made me more vocal because I knew what it was like to be the bottom-ager. “I use a lot of voice on court. I’m a very vocal player and try and lead by example. If I say something, or offer advice, I have to be able to back it up and do it myself.” Burgmann doesn’t consider herself an elite athlete, but has worked hard at her craft to make up for those minor limitations. “I’m not a very quick player so I have to be smart, thinking about my next move, the timing, and you start to learn when and where to move to, “she said. “When restrictions allow, I do PT sessions on Saturday, and I’m very lucky that my dad (Shane) runs with me, sometimes six times a week and two times a day.” But, while dedicated to her netball, she has a great outlook on life for a person of such a young age. “I do work hard at it but it’s important to keep a good balance in life because netball could stop quickly if I got injured or something like that,” she said.

“My dream is to give it my very best shot and get to the highest level I can get to. Whatever that is…that’s whatever it’s meant to be. “Everyone’s dream is to make it to the Vixens, but for me it’s just about making it to the highest level I can and I’ll be happy with that as long as I’ve given it my all.” An added bonus of being selected in the national squad is earning a scholarship and access to elite training facilities at the Victorian Institute of Sport in Albert Park. Burgmann will train two to three nights a week, with access to elite levels of strength and conditioning coaching, physios, doctors, well-being, life-style coaches and nutrition, sure to help her take her netball to the next level.. Her busy upcoming schedule – which includes training with Australia and the VIS, and doing year 12 in 2022 - is likely to change what her 2021 campaign looked like, which included playing A Grade for ROC in AFL Outer East and being captain of Hawks 17-under VNL. And Keeley has certainly not forgotten her netball roots, which started by playing netball with friends in prep at St Michael’s Primary School in Berwick. She joined the ROC Netball Club and Gippsland Storm in her first year at secondary school and worked her way through the age groups and divisions at both clubs. Burgmann then fell in love with the Hawks and knocked back offers from other VNL clubs to join their program in 2019. She left Gippsland Storm the same year but keeps a strong connection with the head coach at Storm, Simon O’Shanassy, who also doubles as her A Grade coach at ROC. “He has played a massive part in my netball journey and he’s one of the people that have molded me into the player I am today” Burgmann said. Keeley also wanted to thank her family – mum Jacinta, dad Shane, brother Josh and sister Taylah for their support, and also the many people who helped her forge her pathway in the sport. “There are too many people to name individually, but I want to thank the ROC Netball Club, Gippsland Storm and Hawks…through those clubs there are multiple people who have helped me in so many different ways.” And resilience has also played a part Keeley – in your roller-coaster ride to the top! pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Patience is the key. Incentivise is the widest runner heading down the Caulfield straight the first time. 254250

Peter Moody and Brett Prebble with the Caulfield Cup. 254250

Moody wins his ‘home’ cup By David Nagel He now calls his stables at Pakenham home but champion trainer Peter Moody won his ‘home cup’ on Saturday after Incentivise blitzed his opposition in one of the greatest Caulfield Cup wins of all time. Moody’s Shamus Award/Miss Argyle fiveyear-old gelding made a one-act affair of one of Australia’s premier staying tests with a dominant three-and-a-half length win in the $5million (2400m) Group-1 classic. Moody took over the training of Incentivise from Toowoomba-based trainer Steve Tregea in July this year and has made a Group-1 clean sweep of his first three starts in Melbourne. Incentivise earned favouritism for the Caulfield Cup with impressive victories in the Makybe Diva Stakes and Turnbull Stakes, but took his reputation and career to a whole new level on Saturday. Moody, who now trains in a much more relaxed atmosphere at Pakenham, said it great to win the Caulfield Cup after many years of calling the place home. “It’s unbelievable, Caulfield was my home for 16 or 17 years and I trained a couple of thousand winners here but never this one, so it’s very important to win it,” Moody said postrace. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity, thanks to Brae Sokolski and Ozzie Kheir, that laid the seed and purchased the horse and recommended that he come to my yard. ‘And a big thanks to Steve Tregea and his team and his family, he’s the owner, former trainer and breeder of this horse.” Moody and incentivise have strong Queensland connections, with the trainer hailing from Wyandra in country Queensland

Jockey Brett Prebble urges Incentivise to a thrilling victory in Saturday’s Caulfield Cup. 254250 while the horse was born and bred by Tregea in Toowoomba. “A big shout out to everyone in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, this one’s for you,” Moody said proudly. Moody said he and jockey Brett Prebble had never panicked after drawing the widest gate for Saturday’s big race, and everything worked according to plan. “We weren’t going to rush it, Brett took his time, he found a lovely spot and knew where he wanted to be down the side, he said he wanted to be six or seven off and build into the

race,” Moody said. “He said he didn’t care how the first 1200 goes, he just wanted to be allowed to build into it from the half-way mark onwards. “He gives you a bit of a heart-flutter this horse, he hits that bit of a flat spot coming down the side, but he just kept building and it was a super effort.” Moody said he and his team now had some massive decisions to make over the coming days, with this Saturday’s Cox Plate, and the Melbourne Cup – on the first Tuesday in November – still possible targets this spring.

Pictures: REG RYAN/RACING PHOTOS “I would think Melbourne Cup after that,” Moody said. “But we’ll have a chat in the next few days … he’s in it, he’s (Cox Plate) nominated.” Incentivise would become just the second horse in history, behind the legendary kiwi Rising Fast in 1954, to win all three races in the one season if he could complete the treble on Tuesday, 2 November. Moody wasted no time notching another victory on Saturday with Oxley Road defeating a strong field in the final event on the card, the Group 2 McCafe Caulfield Sprint (1000m).

Time to dust off the kit bag By Nick Creely

Cricket season is only a matter of weeks away. 232580 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Local cricketers, it’s time to dust off those cricket kit bags and gear up for a big season. With the Victorian State Government’s announcement that lockdown will end in Metropolitan Melbourne on Thursday night at 11:59pm, community sport has been given the green light to proceed with training from Friday in a big boost for summer sporting seasons. With the reasons to leave home and curfew ending from Friday, and no travel limit imposed, cricket associations and clubs will now enter overdrive with the weekend of 13 November now almost certain to see the start of the cricket season. For the short-term, until the state reaches 80 per cent vaccination rate, there will be no travel into the regions but it won’t impact on the start of the season, with that benchmark set to be reached by Melbourne Cup weekend. While competition is not permitted from Friday, full training can begin with the minimum required, but changing rooms will be closed for the time being. While there is no group size limit for training, there will be no spectators allowed, and

there is no practice matches against other clubs permitted. In line with recommendations released recently from Cricket Victoria, the West Gippsland Cricket Association announced its season will begin on Saturday 13 November, with the season to once again be played in a one-day format. The season start means clubs should get the opportunity to get in almost three weeks of pre-season training before the season kicks off. The season will comprise of 14 oneday matches of 40 overs per side with oneday rules. The top-three grades will play with a white ball and coloured clothing, while the remaining grades will play with a red ball and white clothing unless an agreement is reached between both teams and both clubs wear coloured clothing. In other associations, the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association (MPCA) is also set for a 13 November start, the Dandenong District Cricket Association hasn’t made any official announcements, but is almost certain to be begin on the same date, while the Victorian Premier Cricket competition is exploring a 13 November start too which will be played in a one-day format once again. Thursday, 21 October, 2021

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