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Star News’ Person of the Year Jaswinder Singh. 262580 Singh’s most difficult challenge of the year when his beloved father Balwinder Singh died in May.
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The year of 2021 brought new trials and victories to Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) founder Jaswinder Singh who tackled the coronavirus pandemic, floods, storms and personal hardship while selflessly serving his community. Over the past year, the charity produced more than 129,370 meals to those in need. It all started after Mr Singh travelled from Haryana, North India to settle in Australia in 2014. He said he wanted to give back to his new community. “We just wanted to do something and we wondered what our contribution was going to be and how we would be remembered,” Mr Singh said. From that thought, the charity comprised of first generation migrants was formed and has been growing ever since - now with about 500 volunteers. Although the charity was named Sikh Volunteers Australia, about 50 per cent of its volunteers are from varying religions including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. In 2021, the charity celebrated the Sikh festival Vaisakhi at Bunjil Place, where 300-plus volunteers were called to the stage and awarded for their efforts. “When you see them all up there in their traditional clothes, you can understand it’s not a Sikh group anymore and that is what we’ve successfully established,” Mr Singh said. “Being such a multicultural community, we have created a bond and I think that’s our best achievement.” For the second year in a row, SVA combated Covid-19 lockdowns and delivered 1500 meals a day by utilising software called Routify which mapped out delivery points for its drivers. The team ran the massive operation while managing social distancing and supply shortages. But the pandemic brought about Mr
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“He’s the one who taught me everything and told me how to help others but at his final day, I was not there,” Mr Singh said. “I wanted to be with my family but I couldn’t. “A lot of people have been through that - the only thing I got from it was how it actually feels to be in lockdown. “Everyone has sacrificed a lot to overcome this pandemic.” The pandemic was not the only disaster in which SVA assisted the community with in 2021, with teams heading out to respond to the NSW floods in early April as well as local storms in early November. Mr Singh said ASV was built to assist the nation as a whole, rather than a single suburb. “We want to create an organisation that will keep on performing like this regardless if we are not there or not; a self-driven organisation that looks after the community where if someone requires help and the organisation has the capacity, they will go and help without question,” he said. SVA received the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in 2021 and Mr Singh has been nominated for City of Casey’s Australian of the Year. Although SVA has been showered with achievements, Mr Singh said that was never the aim of the charity. “Our motive is to give back to the community but now they are giving back to us in terms of respect and in terms of honour, and I accept them in a humble way, but that is not our goal,” he said. The charity is fully funded by community donations, led by Dasvandh - a concept that the 10th part of one’s income should be donated to charity. In 2017, 34 volunteers donated $1000 each to purchase the food van and equipment, starting the service that has been running twice a week for the past seven years. Continued page 3
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The tablet’s lithium battery caught on fire.
Three Pakenham Fire Brigade trucks attended the scene.
Truck fire leads to warning By Jamie Salter Three CFA trucks responded to a report of a garbage truck on fire at about 3.40pm on Tuesday 4 December. The garbage truck drivers noticed the flame and pulled over into a car park at 10 Army Road. Upon arrival, CFA crews found an electronic tablet’s lithium battery had shorted and caught alight. CFA members then used a thermal imaging camera to determine if the fire had spread. Lieutenant Matthew Emmerson congratulated the drivers for taking the proper safety precautions. “We got paged to a garbage truck that had caught fire and on arrival the crew saw a battery had caught fire and there was no fire spread to the truck itself,” Mr Emmerson said. “The truck drivers did really well to follow their safety protocols.” Mr Emmerson said it was a reminder for people to dispose of their batteries in a safe manner. To find your local battery recycling service, visit the Cardinia Shire website cardinia.vic. gov.au
CFA crews assess the truck for hazards.
Jaswinder Singh gives back throughout trying year From page 1 A new facility is currently in construction in Cranbourne West and is set to be completed by February 2022 which will allow SVA to produce 10,000 meals a day. Mr Singh said the charity was also establishing a fleet of vehicles to respond to disaster situations. “If a disaster situation comes anywhere in Victoria, we want to be in the position to be
able to send a van full of food there and have two other vans for volunteers and equipment - that way the first van can start offering immediate relief,” Mr Singh said. “We want to fleets like this so we can send them in different directions at the same time and that way we can utilise the volunteers’ power to offer relief.” Mr Singh said the initial disasters the charity responded to helped the SVA streamline its service.
“The first big crisis we responded to was the Bunyip bushfires in 2019,” Mr Singh said. “We learnt a lot there, that place was one and a half hours away and we went there believing there would be 100 people, but there was much more. “Now we send someone ahead to give us on the ground information regarding the numbers.” Mr Singh has many plans for the years to
come and said he was hoping to develop a support service run by paid professionals to combat loneliness within the community. “I consider myself fortunate, a lot of people want to do this but didn’t get the right opportunity,“ he said. “More than others, I have supported myself.” Mr Singh thanked all the SVA volunteers for their contribution throughout 2021.
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STAR NEWS 3
2021 PEOPLE OF THE YEAR
Kiln’s future is secured By Shelby Brooks Officer’s historical kiln was saved after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld the ruling Cardinia Shire Council made about the future of the site back in September 2020. Timbertop Estate had wanted to turn the James Hicks Pottery site on the Princes Highway Officer into two subdivisions, which Cardinia Shire councillors had unanimously voted against. The site sits within a Heritage Overlay and contains a brick kiln, chimney and clay pit dating back to the 1880s. In a VCAT hearing held on 14 June 2021, the tribunal upheld the refusal. “Rather than conserving the setting and the existing fabric of the heritage place, the proposed subdivision will adversely affect the significance of the place by inserting a lot between the kiln and the former clay pit, on which a development would then be undertaken that disrupts the existing visual links between the two associated parts of the heritage place,” the ruling read. “While the former clay pit’s association with the kiln may not be readily apparent to the casual observer, that is capable of being addressed using interpretative methods that form part of a conservation management plan for the heritage place. “In conjunction with my concerns outlined above, the proposed smaller lot, considered in conjunction with any future development on the larger lot, will diminish the prominence of the kiln.” Dancers from Suzie Ryries at a photo shoot at the heritage site. 187984
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Dir ty on dining
By Gabriella Payne
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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.
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2021 PEOPLE OF THE YEAR
Flaming locks fall By Shelby Brooks Long red locks fell to the floor in an Officer home in November, as Iley Rushton had her head shaved for cancer awareness. Iley decided to take the plunge and participate in Movember to support her father Graham Rushton who is fighting his fourth cancer diagnosis. An avid member of the Berwick Bowling Club, Graham previously survived bladder, prostate and bowel cancers, but has now been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. “He’s doing pretty well and responding well to chemo. The tumour hasn’t shrunk but it also hasn’t grown either,” Iley said. “Unfortunately, his surgeon has deemed this one incurable so we’re praying for a miracle.” Graham had the honour of shaving his daughter’s head on Saturday 13 November as Iley’s fundraiser reached over $8000. “It was amazing, though also rather emotional, scary and exciting,” Iley said. “Dad said while he was doing it, ‘I’m actually really enjoying this!’ “I wasn’t too worried- he couldn’t really get it that wrong.” Iley said she had a positive response from friends and family to her new do. “I’ve had a really beautiful response,” she said. “I had very long red hair and hadn’t had it
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Graham takes to Iley’s hair with the clippers. cut shorter than shoulder length in 20 years. “So it’s strange but also a beautiful release into a new season of my life.” Iley and Graham hoped by taking part in Movember, they may be able to help others going through a similar experience. “It was more about raising awareness to other people affected by cancer,” Iley said. “Men especially, it’s something they’re not always checking for. “If this story touches someone else, I’ll be happy.”
Iley and her father celebrate the successful shave.
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Thursday, 6 January, 2022
Longwarry woman Shauna Evans’ All Hands on Deck campaign was established in concert with the Pakenham SES to help those recovering from the wild weather events in June. Organisations and community members came together from across the Cardinia Shire to help those in need after the flooding in Gippsland and the storms in the hills. Food collection stations were established across the shire, at both the Long-
warry and Officer football clubs. The first collection was held in Longwarry on Wednesday 16 June and another was held at the Officer Football Club on Friday 18 June, with the final collections taking place on Tuesday 22 June at both clubs before all the supplies gathered were sent to help those in either flood or storm affected area. “I saw how quickly things were happening and how quickly people were being im-
pacted and I figured if I can help someone out and make their day, I suppose give them something positive out of a negative situation, then that’s better than doing nothing,” Ms Evans said. “People are just trying to get back up on their feet [after Covid] and they’ve been knocked back down again, and yeah it just started with a small ambition and it’s just gotten bigger and bigger and evolved, which is just amazing.” pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Rapid tests nowhere A surge in demand for rapid antigen tests (RAT) has hit Pakenham pharmacists who are currently experiencing a lack of supply. Rapid antigen tests are a faster way to test for Covid-19 than traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Although the rapid tests are now available to purchase at participating pharmacies, supermarkets, and other retail outlets, many locations are facing a supply shortage. Cardinia Lakes Pharmacy owner Ron Whitney said he has had difficulties obtaining stock from his wholesale provider. “Stock levels everywhere are no good now,” he said. “We had more than 200 rapid antigen tests in the week before Christmas and we sold out on Christmas Eve. “We get a couple hundred phone calls a day from people looking for the tests and a lot of foot traffic.” Mr Whitney said despite placing big orders for the rapid tests, he will have to limit the purchase of the product to about two tests per person to ensure stock does not run out. “We have orders in with our wholesalers but we don’t know how much we will get,” he said. “I feel for the members of the public who need them.” Pakenham’s Good Neighbour Pharmacy head pharmacist Matthew Gauke said the recent demand for rapid antigen tests has been “ridiculous”. “I’m getting a phone call every five minutes,” he said. “It really picked up a couple days before New Year’s Eve – it’s worse than toilet paper!” The pharmacy has only been selling rapid tests for about three to four weeks and Mr Gauke said it was difficult to get his hands on the highly sought-after kits.
Victoria recorded 236 lives lost in 2021.
Focus on road trauma as Victorian toll rises Cardinia Lakes Pharmacy has sold out of rapid antigen tests. 263845
By Jamie Salter
“I can’t buy them from our pharmaceutical wholesaler,” he said. “We didn’t see the high demand coming and I don’t see it getting better anytime soon.” A concern for local pharmacists has been whether the Federal Government would provide the rapid antigen tests free of charge. But on Monday 3 January, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said rapid antigen tests would not be made free. “We’ve invested hundreds of billions of dollars getting Australia through this crisis. But we’re now in a stage of the pandemic where you can’t just make everything free because, when someone tells you they want to make something free, someone’s always going to pay for it and it’s going to be you,” Mr Morrison said on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program.
The Victorian Government is reaffirming its focus on tackling road trauma after the number of lives lost on Victorian roads increased from last year. Over the past year, 236 people died on the Victorian roads, compared with 211 in 2020 meaning many Victorians will be spending their first summer holiday without a family member, friend or colleague. The year-on-year increase was primarily impacted by an increase in the number of lives lost on metropolitan roads, where there were 117 deaths compared with 84 in 2020. There was also an increase in single vehicle fatal crashes, which accounted for 46 lives lost, compared with 33 last year. Tragically, 36 people died while not wearing a seat belt, well up on the five-year average of 23, while 96 fatalities were in vehicles more than 10 years old that often lack modern safety features. There were 20 pedestrians in metropolitan Melbourne and nine in regional Victoria who lost their lives, while 10 cyclist fatalities were down on the 14 recorded in 2020. Motorcyclist deaths increased to 41 from 32 in 2020 and were equal with the five-year average, with 26 of these occurring on metropolitan roads. Despite the state-wide increase, regional Victoria recorded its second-lowest number of lives lost on record with 119 deaths compared with 126 in 2020. Crashes on high-speed roads continued to be a challenge in regional Victoria where people are often fatigued driving longer distances. Transport Accident Commission chief executive officer Joe Calafiore reminded
Booster wait times cut By Jamie Salter People are now eligible to receive their Covid-19 booster shot four months after they received their second vaccination, instead of the previous time frame of five months. The change, recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, came into effect on Tuesday 4 January. Wait times for the booster shots will be reduced further on Monday 31 January to just three months to increase protection against infection with the Omicron variant. Booster doses are not mandatory but are recommended to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection, severe illness and death from Covid-19. People who are 18 years and older and have waited four months since their second dose
can now receive the booster shot. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australia has delivered more than 2.5 million boosters. “This is the start of the process where people who are four months or more from their second dose will become eligible for the booster,” Minister Hunt said. “And I think this is a great thing. “There is enough vaccine for every Australian to have their booster already in country and all orders are being met.” The change to wait times comes just before Australia’s Covid-19 vaccination program will be extended to all children aged five to 11 from Monday 10 January. Victoria recorded 14,020 locally acquired cases on Tuesday 4 January.
people to drive safely in 2022. “Whether you’re driving, riding or crossing the road, please make the right choices – pay extra attention, share the road safely, click in your seat belt, stick to the speed limit and don’t drive drunk or on drugs,“ Mr Calafiore said. “Victoria’s road safety agencies are working together to protect Victorian road users and will continue rolling out the measures required to achieve this, but we can’t do it alone - everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe.” Victorian Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll agreed there was more to be done to end road trauma. “Far too many families feel the pain of losing a loved one or having their lives changed forever due to serious injury, which is why we’re continuing to make significant investment in education, technology, infrastructure and vehicle safety to end road trauma,“ Mr Carroll said. “We have looked out for each other over the last two years and now as Victorians enjoy travelling and the holidays in the new year let’s carry that attitude with us and help each other stay safe by being calm and taking it easy on the roads.” The government will continue to work with the Road Safety Partnership, industry partners, and the community. The Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 and Action Plan works across policy, education, technology, enforcement, vehicle safety and infrastructure to improve safety for vulnerable road users. The strategy sets targets to halve road deaths and significantly reduce serious injuries by 2030 and sets the state on a path to zero road deaths by 2050.
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2021 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …
Shelby learns about asparagus. It was a cold day. 243431
Our journalists on the job 2021 proved challenging for many industries, including those who work in the media. Although lockdown saw journalists confined indoors more than usual, our reporters still had opportunity to connect with local communities. Whether that was visiting small businesses, schools or community events, our journalists loved meeting people from all walks of life. Here’s a few behind the scenes photos of our journalists out and about on jobs this year.
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Cam and Gabi give a thumbs up for being back in the office together. 259860
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Marcus stops by Burden Park Bowling Club. 259230
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Shelby and Taylah at a press conference in Emerald after the storms in June. 240894
Dani and Shelby speak at Lakeside College about being journalists. 237494
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Parker enjoys the smell of pine as he learns about Christmas tree farming. 256595 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
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STAR NEWS 9
2021 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
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Looking back on lockdown By Marcus Uhe and Shelby Brooks After the horrors of 2020, we all thought Covid-19 was behind us, but before long we were back into the familiar constraints of a lockdown. We first went into a circuit breaker lockdown between 12 to 17 February amid chaotic scenes at the Australian Open as fans were removed from the stands mid-game to comply with stay-at-home orders. After a locked-down Valentine’s Day we had 14 weeks of bliss where community events, including the winter sports which completely missed out on their 2020 season, made a rollicking return. But as the days got shorter and the maximum temperatures plummeted, case numbers began to rise, sending us into a 14-day lockdown from Monday 28 May to Thursday June 10. By then frontline workers had begun to get vaccinated in what was our best strategy to combat the pandemic. We would go on to spend the entire winter bouncing in and out of various restrictions regarding hospitality, visitors and mask requirements. Between Friday 16 July and Tuesday 27 July we were back in our homes as the Delta variant tightened its grip. We were granted just seven days of freedom before we received the dreaded news that we would be back under stay-at-home orders for our sixth lockdown for what was initially expected to last just one week. One week became two and before we knew it, it was 21 October when we emerged from our enforced winter hibernation and began readjusting to a new Covid-normal. The Casey and Greater Dandenong local government areas were considered Covid-19 epicentres in November due to persistent high case numbers and low vaccination numbers. Casey hit a peak of active cases in late October with 2617 in the community. Even late in the year, December saw the emergence of our newest holiday season ornament, the Omicron variant, hanging around
People queued for vaccinations. 246845 like a nosey relative on Christmas Day. In early December the City of Casey had the unwanted recognition of being one of the first
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS LGAs in Melbourne to record a positive case of the variant. Remember to follow the health advice and
get your booster shot when available to give us our best chance of making the pandemic yesterday’s news.
Vandals reign of terror at Toomuc Recreation Reserve By Shelby Brooks Senseless acts of vandalism were plaguing community sport organisations based out of Toomuc Reserve as bored youths repeatedly defaced facilities while in lockdown. The Pakenham Football Club and the Pakenham Lions Netball Club were the latest clubs to experience considerable damage to their facilities in October, following September’s attacks on the Pakenham Cricket Club’s nets and Pakenham Junior Football Club scoreboard facility room. Pakenham Football Club president Travis Hamilton told Star News he caught about 20 youths inside the construction site of their pavilion at the reserve on 30 September. “I caught them in the act and went in to confront them,” he said. “They were throwing building materials around and kicking in all the plaster wall. “We’ve had enough. This is not the first time damage has been done to facilities. It’s been going on for months.” Travis said Toomuc Reserve was a known hang out for kids from Pakenham and Officer and he hoped Cardinia Shire Council and Pakenham Police could support the clubs with better security. “The hardest thing is that we’re all just volunteers,” he said. “How much do you have to get involved? “We need security down there and help reinforcing the building site and facilities so they can’t be broken into.” In September, the Pakenham Junior Football Club’s scoreboard room was broken into and defaced for the fifth time in 10 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 6 January, 2022
Toomuc Rec Reserve construction site and damaged netball courts. 253603 as many months. “The first two times they pried the door open and took some footballs and other equipment we had stored there. The third time they kicked the door in, causing big
damage. But this fourth and fifth time was the most substantial amount of damagewe’ll have to replace the majority of the walls,” president Salv Mileto said. “Council will be helping us with reinforced
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS doors and steel framing to make it harder for people to break in. “I get that it’s just kids who are bored. Hopefully when lockdown ends it will deter them.” pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
2021 PEOPLE OF THE YEAR
Former refugee’s plea for help Former Afghan refugee Barat Batoor described what people in Afghanistan would be experiencing as the Taliban forced its way into homes and overtook the government in August. Batoor fled for his life from Afghanistan in 2012 and works as an organiser for Asylum Seeker Resouce Centre. Kabul’s international airport was swarmed by desperate masses pleading to be saved by foreign governments. “They have started searching houses look-
ing for people like political figures, social activists and pilots,” Mr Batoor said. “The news came as a big shock. I haven’t slept properly for the last couple of nights.” He said the looming humanitarian crisis was devastating for Australian Hazaras – the fourth largest diaspora in the world with many of them in Melbourne’s South East. Batoor called on the Australian government to offer more support to help family members of the Australian-Afghan community. “We have a moral obligation and practical
obligation to help these people,” Mr Batoor said. “Australia should play a bigger role to at least open 20,000 extra places for re-settlement.” Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of “lethal negligence” for his “deliberate delays” in resettling eligible Afghan migrants. He said Afghans in Australia waited on average 43.6 months for a partner visa compared to up to nine months for people from Western Europe or the USA.
Barat Batoor was worried for his friends and family in Afghanistan during the Taliban’s Picture: SUPPLIED takeover in August. 247918
Steven Spoljaric shows his style. 190166
Spolly makes Tyler’s top 10
Is journeyman Steven Spoljaric the greatest local cricketer of all-time? Picture: GARRY SISSONS pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
The power of the people has come to the fore. In one of the early editions of Tyler’s Top Ten, some social media comments surfaced on how Steven Spoljaric could fill the ‘best individual seasons’ on his own. 1. Cranbourne (DDCA 2014/15): New club, no worries. A lazy year with 711 runs @ 79, and 33 wickets @ 13.12 gets the job done for his third Wookey in four years here. Spolly bowled okay In R4 against Lyndale, finishing with match figures of: 41 overs, 21 maidens, 11/59. 2. Kingston Hawthorn – Formerly known as Hawthorn Monash (VPC 2007/08): One of the finer Premier Cricket seasons of all-time. He started like a house on fire; including all cricket (twenty-20s), Spolly had 531 runs and 20 wickets BEFORE the Christmas break. In this season, he won the prestigious Jack Ryder Medal with: 579 runs @ 34.06, 35 wickets @ 25.37 and to cap it off… he took 16 catches. It’s almost insulting how good this guy is at cricket. 3. Cranbourne (DDCA 2015/16): What’s better than six Wookey Medals? Seven Wookey Medals! The gun all-rounder belted 578 runs @ 57.80 with the bat and sent back 37 batters @ 9.11 and didn’t win the league medal. Teammate Matt Chasemore won the award with 561 runs @ 46.80 and 19 wickets @ 15.90. Genuine robbery. 4. Parkfield (DDCA 2010/11): His first Wookey Medal season almost gets forgotten… probably because he only made 757 runs @ 94.63, passed 50 in seven of his 11 knocks and only took 17 wickets @ 15.65. 5. Parkfield (DDCA 2013/14): All these seasons are a bit silly in terms of pure dominance, but his last season at Parkfield is certainly up there for ultimate mickey taking. Just a laconic 672 runs @ 67.20 with the stick and 27 scalps @ 13.26 with the ball. This season was highlighted by a R11 performance where Spolly bowled for 33.5 overs, 14 maidens, 6/54. A spell that was complimented nicely by his 42 not out in the second dig.
6. Cranbourne (DDCA 2016/17): After one of the bigger robberies in Wookey Medal history the year before, Spoljaric found his rightful place back at the top of the mountain. The return was done with 681 runs @ 85.13 and 25 wickets @ 18.40. 7. Parkfield (DDCA 2011/12): Another fine all-round season, left a bit in the tank with the bat by his standards, averaging below 50. But he made up for it with the ball. 490 runs @ 49 with the willow, and 26 wickets @ 12.54 with the Kookaburra. If this is not even in your top five, three, or one best seasons as a player, you’re simply really, really good at cricket. 8. Springvale South (DDCA 2017/18): Sometimes league medals are all about timing your run. In a similar year to the most recent Wookey Medal winner – Ruwantha Kellepotha – Spoljaric scored 457 runs @ 45.70 and collected 26 wickets @ 10.62. But Spolly didn’t win. Kellepotha won the award last year – albeit in a one day season making it all the more impressive – with 353 runs and 35 wickets, reaching the league record for votes. Two remarkable seasons for the journeyman, in ‘17/18 and ‘15/16, both without league medals. 9. Springvale South (DDCA 2018/19): Business as usual for Spolly at the Bloods. But in this season, he didn’t bowl as much as previous years. However, what he left behind with the ball, he certainly made up for with the bat. 752 runs @ 50.13 with eight scores over 50. Just seven wickets for the year with the ball, with three coming in one innings. Like previous years, he launched out of the gates, entering the Christmas break with 457 runs to his name. 10. Bundalaguah (Sale-Maffra CA 2019/20): Continuing the trend of setting the tone at his new club, Spolly made his mark pretty early out in the country. 576 @ 44.31 in his first season with the bat, complimented by 29 wickets @ 12. 28 with the ball. It’s a pretty easy game for the nearly 45-year-old. Thursday, 6 January, 2022
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Casey Cardinia for Refugees at a Berwick intersection. 263384
Raising refugees’ plight For nearly four years, members of Casey Cardinia for Refugees have taken up their positions at a major intersection in Berwick, rain, hail or shine. Their purpose? To draw attention to the plight of refugees and seek public support for their calls to local politicians for more humane treatment for refugees and asylum seekers.
And last month they marked the 100th of those vigils in the centre of Berwick’s High Street, at the intersection of Lyall Road, Clyde Road and the Princes Highway. Despite the interruptions of Covid lockdowns, members remained upbeat, according to spokesperson Marg. Each week, members invite drivers to honk in support of their cause – and just a few weeks ago they clocked their highest tally of
toots ever, at 470. They’ve also received positive comments from members of the community – sprinkled with the odd abusive yell. But they’re confident support for their cause remains high. At the 100th vigil on Saturday 18 December, they were joined by a passer-by, Jack. Jack said he had seen the group’s vigils and
decided to come down and join them. “It’s a good cause and it’s not hard to show a bit of support,” Jack said as he took up a sign and a spot on the verge. Marg said the group welcomed any help from other people in the community. “We’re causing a commotion!” she laughed. “We’re not going away until this [treatment of refugees] is sorted.”
FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA
Fun and easy rock and roll classes with Suzie
* Rock ’n’ Roll * Swing * Jive * Westcoast Beginners & Advanced
Citizens Hall on the corner of Codrington Street and the South Gippsland Highway Both nights offer beginner and advanced rock ‘n’ roll classes open to all with no partner required. The program also includes a special class at the end of the night for partners only to learn
some of the different styles associated with rock ‘n’ roll including swing, west coast, jive, triples, line and partner dances and cha cha. The classes are designed to be fun and easy to follow for those aged 10 upwards. Dancing is great for fitness, co-ordination, balance and memory, with many people form-
ing great friendships through the classes. Rockn Suzies also runs a monthly charity dance at the Pakenham Hall which has been running for 15 years. A different band plays each month. Everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to attend. For information call Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670.
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Rockn Suzies dance classes are now in their 19th year teaching at Pakenham and Cranbourne. Pakenham classes are held in the library complex on the corner of John and Henry streets. The Cranbourne class is held at the Senior
Classes held at Cranbourne & Pakenham CRANBOURNE TUESDAY NIGHTS Starting 11th January at 7pm PAKENHAM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Starting 12th January at 7pm Double vaccinated COVID rules apply $10 per night - No Partner required
Contact Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670 12 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 6 January, 2022
Dancing is great for fitness, co-ordination, balance and memory. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
2021 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ...
NEWSMAKERS
Court rules on spud guns Two spud guns seized from an Officer premises were found not to be firearms in a landmark case at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court in October. Amanda Lewis faced charges of possessing unregistered Category E longarms and possessing firearms whilst a prohibited person after police found the two PVC pipe guns on New Year’s Eve 2019. The seized spud gun was capable of being loaded with a potato or lemon, then fired by igniting hairspray with a sparkplug in the device’s combustion chamber. A police ballistics expert said spuds could be fired at 130-140 metres a second – or 440 kilometres an hour. Much less than a bullet at 330 metres a second. Category E longarms include machine guns, rifles, bazookas and rocket-propelled grenades, which are “inherently lethal”, however, Mr Bryant was doubtful that homemade PVC devices were envisaged in the same category. Mr Bryant concluded the spud guns – also known as vegie cannons, fruit cannons and lemon bazookas – were not firearms under the Act. His deliberation referenced military general Hannibal, Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson and comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.He dismissed the charges, but stated his decision “should not be interpreted as a green light for the citizens of Victoria to arm themselves with these types of devices for any purpose”.
Dandenong Magistrates Court. 244718
Picture: GARY SISSONS
FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Experience the Walhalla Goldfields Railway To add to your experience, and for those young train buffs, the railway also offers a Ride in the Cab Experience. For a small extra fee you can experience a different perspective from the vantage point of the locomotive. See the amazing track work and bridges from out front and chat to the knowledgeable crew along the way. Make Walhalla Goldfields Railway your next family day out! Trains depart Walhalla at 11am, 1pm and 3pm Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday weekly. During school holidays the rail operates daily (except Christmas Day). Bookings can be made at: www.walhallarail. com.au For more information phone 03 51 656 280. Please note that due to current restrictions all passengers over the age of 16 years must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of this when checking in.
Take the kids on board the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
The best road trips in Australia The Great Ocean Road has been shortlisted as one of Australia’s greatest road trips. With the holiday season upon us, lockdowns, closed states and no overseas holidays dominating the past 24 months, the GOR is a perfect getaway destination this summer. The question has been posed by dash cam manufacturer Nextbase, putting one of the great Aussie pub questions to the people of the nation. Ten iconic road trips have been shortlisted, from the world famous Great Ocean Road to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of driving the Birdsville Track. The full list of shortlisted road trips: Great Ocean Road, VIC Bright, Falls Creek, Omeo loop, VIC Tasmanian Ring Road, TAS South Coast including Eurobodalla Shire
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Walhalla Goldfields Railway
OPEN DAILY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Trains operate 11am, 1pm & 3pm The Great Ocean Road has been named one of Australia’s best road trips. Region and Narooma , NSW · Alice Springs to Uluru, NT · Cairns to Normanton (on your way to NT), · Darwin to Kakadu, NT QLD · Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys, · Longreach to Rockhampton loop includ- WA ing Emerald and Carnarvon, QLD · Birdsville Track, QLD and SA
Please note: due to restrictions bookings must be made online and all passengers over the age of 16 must provide proof of vaccination.
Thursday, 6 January, 2022
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Spend an unforgettable day with the family at Walhalla Goldfields Railway. Relax and take in the breathtaking views as the train winds its way through the spectacular Stringers Gorge on what is considered one of the country’s most picturesque rail journeys. On departing the historic Walhalla Station on your one-hour journey you will travel through the station yards with the sheer, stunning cliff face on one side and the winding Stringers Creek on the other side. Winding down through the gorge past Happy Creek Station on your way towards Thomson Station you cross seven bridges which in themselves are a marvel of engineering before reaching the spectacular Thomson River bridge. Upon arrival at Thomson Station passengers disembark and have the opportunity to peruse the station and surroundings before boarding for the return journey.
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Supporting girls in STEM By Danielle Kutchel A Nossal High School student is on track to achieve her dream of a career in science, thanks to a helping hand from the Inner Wheel Club of Narre Warren. Mint Inchomnan was the recipient of the club’s inaugural Supporting Girls in STEM award, presented last month. She received $1000 to put towards the cost of studying at university this year. The Year 12 student said it was an honour to be selected for the award which will help her complete her education and work towards a career in science. She’s looking to enrol in a Bachelor of Science at either the University of Melbourne or Monash University in 2022. “Not only does this relieve so much financial stress, but it is also a huge encouragement to stay strong in pursuing my goals,” Mint said. STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – has long been an area of interest for Mint, and she took up VCE maths methods, biology and chemistry to finish school. “There’s so many interesting things to learn and discover. Learning about biology and chemistry has really opened my eyes to the world we live in which has been so fascinating,” she said. Historically, women have been underrepresented in STEM education and careers, which is something Inner Wheel Narre Warren hopes to change through their award. President Linda Wallace said the award was born out of an idea from member Diana Farmer, after the club’s successful fundraising for cord blood research earlier last year. Diana wanted to help support women to enter the STEM field and continue to undertake important scientific research. She was encouraged by her grandson who told her he
knew of girls who needed such support. “Around the same time, I had met a young lady named Priya Naidu who was a scientist undertaking research with stem cells. She told me how difficult it was for her to pursue her chosen career in the sciences as a female living in Singapore,” Linda recalled. The project also tied in with International Inner Wheel’s themes for the year, Pink First and Strong Women, Stronger World. “It was a simple idea but a powerful one, to support a year 12 female student studying STEM,” Linda said. The club partnered with Nossal based on its broad science program and location in the heart of the club’s community. The award recipient was selected based on academic ability, enthusiasm for the sciences and a genuine desire to pursue further studies in STEM. Teachers at Nossal presented a short list of students and the club met with nominees, including Mint, over Zoom. Linda said the club’s members were impressed by Mint’s interview and the amazing academic results she achieved despite the impact of Covid on her final two years at school. She said the club was proud to support Mint and would watch her studies and career with interest. Nossal High School principal Roger Page congratulated Mint on her achievement. “It’s really impressive and we’re really thankful to the Inner Wheel Club for this excellent initiative encouraging girls to take more interest in STEM. “Mint will benefit from this greatly – she’s an excellent student and will make very good use of the additional support, both financial and moral, that Inner Wheel are showing.” Mint Inchomnan receives her award. 263370
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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”.
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Nicole, Christian, Thomas and Tom pick out their tree.
The once popular Spoonville trend appears to have hit a dead end. Picture: FACEBOOK
Understanding your home’s value is W H AT A R E YO U WA I T I N G F O R ? as important as ever, that’s why we’re Ray White Pakenham • 1/11 John Street, Pakenham VIC 3810 continuing with our virtual appraisals. 03 5940 8355 • raywhitepakenham.com
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Christmas tree winners The Cooper family home is smelling distinctly of Christmas after winning the Star News reader real Christmas tree giveaway from the Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm. Tom Cooper of Berwick was the winner. Congratulations Tom. He took the whole family to pick up the tree. “Thank you for the opportunity to enter your Christmas Tree Giveaway competition and win,” he said.
“We went down to the Officer Christmas Tree Farm and met up with Russell, Neil and Neil (yes two of them). “They were very helpful and happily sent us on our way with a lovely 7ft tree all wrapped up along with a medium size stand. “We are very grateful – our home smells like Christmas! Thank you for your time – wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy Christmas season.” pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Fire restrictions start By Jamie Salter The Fire Danger Period for Casey residents is set to begin at 1am on Monday 10 January. The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Victoria released in November 2021 identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2021/22 fire season. Much of Victoria has experienced average to above-average rainfall during winter and spring which has led to above-normal pasture growth across paddocks and roadsides and an increased grass fire risk throughout the summer period. Grassland and drier forests including woodlands and heathlands have been assessed as normal, however, shorter-duration fires are still likely to occur on hot, dry and windy days. Deputy chief officer Trevor Owen said even an average fire season can still be a bad one. “Conditions through the last fire season were similar to what we’re expecting this year, and during those months we saw significant grass fires in the north and west of the state,” he said. “Once again we’ve had plenty of winter and spring rainfall which delayed the introduction of fire restrictions across the South East Region. “The grass and bush has very rapidly dried out over the Christmas and New Year period with little rainfall and some hot weather. “Grassland fuels are abundant this season
The Fire Danger period will begin on Monday 10 January. and in many locations over waist height, further increasing the potential grassfire risk over the summer period.“
Mr Owen said property owners needed to play their part to reduce the risk of fires this summer.
“Some grassland fuels in paddocks that has an annual cycle life have fully cured and will burn readily on the smallest ignition source,“ he said. “Reducing fuel loads in these areas is critical to ensuring if a fire does break out, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading. “While CFA and our partner agencies Fire Rescue Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria are doing everything we can to prepare for the bushfire season, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.” People using fire to clean up around their properties should register the burn at the Fire Permits website, firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511. Mr Owen said CFA has a zero tolerance approach to any fires caused by negligent behaviour once the Fire Danger Period comes into effect. “Expect any escaped or uncontrolled fire you start to be investigated by CFA and Victoria Police,” he said. The Fire Danger Period applies to the municipalities in CFA’s South West Region including Cardinia Shire, Bass Coast Shire, City of Frankston, City of Greater Dandenong, City of Kingston, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Baw Baw Shire, South Gippsland Shire, Wellington Shire, Latrobe City and French Island.
Life Saving Victoria promotes focus on water safety Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is preparing for the continued impacts of Covid-19 on water safety, as the challenges of season 2020-21 are expected to persist into season 2021-22. With patrols planned across LSV’s 57 lifesaving clubs, LSV will have eyes on the sand, skies and water to keep Victorians safe this summer. LSV has identified five top challenges and tailored responses to address them in 202122: 1. CHALLENGE: Significant increase in people recreating in and around waterRESPONSE: Need for additional lifesaving services outside traditional locations and times 2. CHALLENGE: More people crowding at popular waterway locations RESPONSE: Need to address crowding outdoors in case of Delta and other more virulent strains of COVID-19
3. CHALLENGE: People missing out on gaining water safety knowledge and skills RESPONSE: Need to respond to communities that are less prepared to be safe in and around the water 4. CHALLENGE: Greater demand and uncertainty for the lifesaving workforce RESPONSE: Need to support and sustain the lifesaving workforce of predominantly volunteers and casual staff 5. CHALLENGE: Pandemic fatigue impact on water safety risk management RESPONSE: Need to better coordinate and localise prevention, preparedness and response arrangements LSV chief operating officer Mevan Jayawardena said the organisation has already extended the lifesaving season, including lifeguard, rescue watercraft (jet skis) and aerial lifesaving services and refreshed its COVIDSafe plans. “In 2020-21, COVID-19 and bushfires cre-
ated the perfect storm for water safety that saw Victoria face one of the worst drowning tolls on record, despite record levels of lifesaving services, preventative actions and rescue efforts,” Mr Jayawardena said. “The risks and challenges of the past season are expected to continue into 2021-22 following continued extended lockdowns, border closures and reduced water familiarity, requiring targeted actions to keep people safe around water.” LSV is also working closely with the wider aquatics industry to address the shortage of swim teachers, to help the public catch up on the approximately 160,000-plus swimming lessons missed each week during lockdown. “With the potential for large groups of people with minimal experience participating in outdoor activities recreating at a variety of coastal and inland waterways this summer, supporting the aquatics industry to implement catch-up activities for swimming and water safety education is vital.”
Despite the increase in lifesaving services, Mr Jayawardena is reminding everyone heading to Victoria’s waterways to swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled location wherever possible, always know and stick to their limits, actively supervise children and never swim alone. “Our lifesavers and lifeguards are there to keep you safe, but please remember, if we cannot see you, we cannot save you,” he said. “We have expanded the red and yellow flags to allow for social distancing while recreating in the water, so that is the safest place to protect you from aquatic risks such as rips, as well as against COVID-19. “LSV wants everyone to safely enjoy returning to our waterways after two years in and out of lockdown and for everyone to return home safely from their day at the beach, pool or inland waterway.” Details: https://blog.lsv.com.au/
Surge in DIY home renovations during pandemic Australians are being asked to think twice about asbestos as new research reveals a surge in DIY home improvements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey of 1506 home improvers commissioned by the Asbestos Safety Eradication Agency, for National Asbestos Awareness Week (22-28 November 2021) found: 46 per cent of those intending to do home improvement works cited pandemic-related motivations for doing so; 38 per cent have worked on a risky property built between 1940 and 1990, the decades of greatest concern and; 28 per cent of those who had found asbestos admitted to illegally disposing of it, most commonly placing it in their household bin or a neighbour’s. Asbestos Safety Eradication Agency CEO Justine Ross said the increase in home improvement has prompted concerns over an increase in asbestos exposure. “For anyone who thinks asbestos-related diseases are a thing of the past, think again. Asbestos is still causing cancer in Australians,” she said. Around 700 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in Australia each year and the estimated annual health system expenditure for mesothelioma is more than $27 million annually.
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It is estimated that over 6 million tonnes of legacy asbestos remains in the built environment and at the current rate of disposal is
likely to remain in significant amounts until at least 2060. It is in 1 in 3 homes nationwide. “Australia has huge amounts of legacy as-
bestos in the built environment, all of which is reaching the end of its product life. We are using technology to help us better understand the location and density of it so it can be better managed.” The agency is developing a national residential asbestos heatmap using data-driven artificial intelligence, the first time this cutting-edge technology has been applied to find solutions to manage Australia’s residential asbestos legacy. “This work is already under way and once completed next year, it will allow governments to target awareness and removal programs where they are most needed, protecting homeowners and tradespeople. “It also means we can better target infrastructure and resources, such as waste disposal facilities, in areas that will need it most. “While there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, with the right knowledge and tools, we can safely manage asbestos, and avoid exposure to its deadly fibres to prevent a new wave of suffering.” “We want to see Australians treat asbestos with the same caution as electricity. People working on homes built before 1990 can stay safe if they know where asbestos is, if they don’t disturb or damage it, and if they seek professional help to locate, manage or remove it.” Thursday, 6 January, 2022
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STAR NEWS 15
NEWS
Bunjil Place night events By Jamie Salter
Night MODE: Summer Edition events are coming to Bunjil Place. ral offering, the additional option of a threecourse fine dining experience curated by Bunjil Place’s in-house chef. Performance tickets are $10 inclusive of a glass of champagne or bottle on non-alcoholic drink, with the fine dining add on at $70.
MSO principal conductor in residence Benjamin Northey conducts excerpts and short works from much loved music in a relaxed family-friendly concert. “Whether you’re a lover of orchestras or brand new to classical music, (this) will be
a fun and engaging way to experience the magic of the MSO live in concert,” Mr Northey said. “What a way to start the new year!” To book your spot, visit bunjilplace.com. au/night-mode-summer-edition
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Bunjil Place is launching its first quarterly latenight opening, Night MODE: Summer Edition - a free series of events held as as an introduction to the summer months. The after-hours opening on Thursday 27 January features live performances, bar and lounge access, adult art making sessions, gallery viewings and tailored screen programs. The Thursday night launch aims to encourage nine-to-fivers and busy day timers to relax and experience Bunjil Place’s offerings. Night MODE: Summer Edition allows the public to catch the latest gallery exhibition, participate in artist-run activities and enjoy a drink in the ambience. Summer Edition will include a cocktail workshop with renowned crafter and designer Kitiya Palaskas. The outdoor lounge will see the performance of Melbourne’s latest Reggae and Soul eight-piece King Canoe and DJ set and percussion combination by Cuerpo Negro and Gustavo on the big screen. Within the gallery, visitors get a chance to meet and hear from artist David Rosetzky on the moving image artwork, ‘Gaps’, 2014, featured as part of the exhibition Video Art from the ACMI Collection. There will be a dedicated chill out zone and plenty of places to grab a drink or alcoholic slushie and soak up the art with friends. Visitors can purchase or pre-order snack packs, from smaller picnic packs starting at $20 to deluxe hampers at $69. The gallery, outdoor cafe lounge, and bar will be open until 9pm with drinks and snacks at menu prices. The summer program continues to impress, with The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra gracing the stage on Saturday 29 January. Symphony Summer comes with an inaugu-
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STAR NEWS 17
SPORT - 2021 IN REVIEW
GENERAL SPORT
Our champions overcome By Nick Creely and David Nagel While 2021 has provided some bright moments, the challenges felt by our local sporting community from the Covid-19 pandemic have once again been profound. However, through thick and thin the rich sporting region of the south-east has seen many achievements to celebrate, and give optimism that 2022 will be one uninterrupted and allow the community to more widely come together as one. The major sporting story of 2021 was the Tokyo Olympic Games in July where some of our local athletes truly shone on the international stage. Amy Lawton (Emerald, hockey), Heming Hu (Dandenong, table tennis), Laetisha Scanlan (Berwick, shooting), Sergei Evglevski (Berwick, shooting), Bec Henderson (Narre Warren, athletics) all represented the local region and their country with immense pride, Scanlan, 31-year-old, in particular got close to a memorable Olympic medal, finishing fourth in the women’s trap final, while Amy Lawton had a very promising Olympic debut campaign for the Hockeyroos. While the results didn’t quite go our locals’ way at times, there were so many things to smile about, with Bec Henderson putting in a great effort in race-walking, Sergei Evglevski showed tremendous spirit, while table tennis champion Heming Hu was a captivating athlete to watch. Another story that pulled at the heartstrings was at the Berwick Montuna golf course, where people from all walks of life can together to remember their great mate – Ash De La Rue. His was a life tragically cut short by cancer, leaving behind a loving family - including a young son. But his was a life that will never be forgotten. Two of De La Rue’s great mates, Justin Stanton and Jeff Bernard, organised a golf day they lovingly named Flynn’s Sporting Journey as it was held to raise funds for young four-year-old Flynn as he progresses in his chosen endeavours, be they academic or sporting. “Ash was just one of these guys who was actively involved in a number of areas throughout the community, as well as being a construction manager at Mirvac,” Stanton said. “He touched a lot of people in different ways, either by providing them with employment, or just being involved socially. Jeff and I decided that if we put a golf day together, we’d try and raise some money to put into a trust account for Flynn that Ash’s sister Sheridan could manage. “It was just one of those things where the local guys wanted to do something to acknowledge the passing of Flynn’s dad Ashley and have this as an annual event.” With the majority of sporting competitions such as Big V basketball, state-league soccer, hockey and winter baseball managing to get a season start, Covid-19 had the final say in the end with all competitions cancelled with an eye on 2022. Disappointment was evident across the region at the cancellation of community sport, and with a sense of dejà vu after 2020; the importance of staying connected was all the more important. But there were still so many wonderful achievements from local clubs, leagues and sportspeople before Covid hit once more. At the elite level, reigning A-League Men premiers Melbourne City officially moved into its new base at Casey Fields. The local boxing scene was in full force in April, with the Doveton Boxing Club sending three boxers over to compete against Tasmania in the annual regional tournament, finding great success with 13-year-old Isaac Johnson picking up a win, 26-year-old Eden Hansted also showed terrific signs with a win, while 38-year-old Shane Lynch fought hard in his matchup. Emerging para-athlete Jack Howell is another athlete to keep an eye on as he gears up for the Paris Paralympics in 2024. Howell – a student from Kambrya College in Berwick – is a para-athlete booming in able18 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 6 January, 2022
Berwick teenager Izzy Rampant was one of the stories of 2021. 257768 bodied triathlons, with the dream of reaching the Paralympics. The 17-year-old was born with a congenital amputation of his left hand from the wrist. “I still have growth and development to gain in the sport, but to already be competitive shows that I have the potential to race at an elite level in the future,” he said. Casey Basketball Association (CBA) continued its rapid rise in the world of Victorian basketball with September’s announcement that the Cavaliers will join the Coles Express NBL1 South competition in 2022. “We are excited to join NBL1 South as it’s something we’ve been striving towards across the last few years,” Casey general manager Tammy Bower said. “For us, being in NBL1 South is the reward for our hard work – I feel we’ve put in a lot of effort in to being the best in everything we do and joining NBL1 South is an amazing outcome for everyone involved in our association. “Our players, coaches, board members, staff members and volunteers have done an amazing job getting us to this level and we’re ready to take the step up.” One youngster who defied Covid-19 was Berwick teenager Isabella Rampant who pushed the negativity of lockdowns to one side to smash out an incredible 100-consecutive days of CrossFit workouts at her local gym. The 14-year-old - better known as Izzy ticked off the magical milestone on her ongoing journey at Cardinia CrossFit in Pakenham in November. “Through Covid lockdowns we did Zoom classes. I had equipment at home and it became something to do every day,” she said. “It was lots of fun and there was always someone else on Zoom so I had someone to chat too as well. You would see them every day, it was really good and it helped me keep sane mentally.” And a review of 2021 would not be complete without a look back at the win of King Magnus in the $500,000 Listed TAB Cranbourne Cup (1600m). Heavy rains – that almost called a halt to the cup meeting at his home track – turned into a perfect storm for Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths after the popular local claimed his first home-town cup success. Griffiths, who now trains in partnership with Mathew de Kock, has been a familiar face at Cranbourne for 30 years, when a young jockey decided to dip his toes into the training ranks after rising weight became a burden on
Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS
Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock celebrate the win of King Magnus in the $500,000 TAB Cranbourne Cup (1600m). 257758 his riding career. Griffiths trained his first winner in 1992 – Go Raami – and won his first Group-1 in 2016 when The Quarterback won the Newmarket Handicap. But you get the feeling that the Cranbourne Cup win ranks right alongside that Group-1 in terms of importance. “This is big, this is very special because to win your hometown Cup, especially this year, the inaugural running of the TAB Cranbourne Cup, in our first year as a partnership, it’s very, very special,” Griffiths said post-race. “Neil Bainbridge (Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive officer) and the team have done a fantastic job so it’s very special.” King Magnus, a six-year-old gelding out of Magnus/Influential Miss, was having just his second start in heavy going, running last of 13 the only time he had stepped out on heavy ground at Sandown in June last year. But King Magnus had been a model of consistency since then, finishing top two in six of his eight starts since that poor effort at Sandown, that came after putting on a buckjumping display.
Jockey Lachlan King settled King Magnus midfield, but made a sweeping run around the home turn to emerge as a leading contender. King Magnus dug deep in the home straight, surging with 100-metres to run to hold off the late efforts of race-favourite Our Playboy, with So Si Bon back in third. Griffiths said King Magnus will now have a well-deserved break before possibly being targeted at a huge prize in the autumn. “He’s going to have a break now, we spoke to Greg Carpenter (handicapper) the other day about nominating him for the All-Star Mile,” Griffiths said. “Whether he’s good enough I’m not sure, but he’ll have a lot of backing, people will follow him, that’s for sure.” The Cranbourne Cup meeting was almost abandoned before the first race, with three leading riders inspecting the track after unseasonal heavy rains had the track teetering on a heavy-10 rating. But the rains, that had caused so much damage later in the week, finally eased to allow the program, which carried a record $1.6million in prizemoney, to proceed. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT - 2021 IN REVIEW
CRICKET
Dreams can come true By Nick Creely and David Nagel Hallam Kalora Park brushed aside the disappointment of recent years securing its first DDCA Turf 1 premiership since 2001/02 - a 20-year period not lost on the many loyal Hallam people who were in full voice all the way through a thrilling grand final against Berwick. But the premiership cup could legitimately have gone into the hands of Berwick skipper Matthew Chasemore if not for a few brief little moments, and that is ultimately how tightlyfought and fierce the clash was. It was utterly absorbing. Every single ball, wicket, and run seemingly had implications. It was a grand final truly befitting its title. The momentum swung so rapidly, and so intensely that it was almost hard to keep up. The Hawks batted first, with opener Ben Hillard gritting out one of the more important half-centuries of his career, compiling 54 to help his side post a tricky 7/151. Man of the match Steven Gilmour’s 30 in the context of the game was clutch – he turned the strike over beautifully late in the piece and held the Bears at bay when it looked like they were going in for the kill. The Bears looked buried in reply, falling to 7/84 after a superb bowling performance from the Hawks quicks – particularly Will Whyte and Steve Gilmour – but James Wilcock (34) and Brendan Rose (33) almost got Chasemore’s side home, before Kevin Kean’s catch put the Hawks back on the top of the Turf 1 tree with just seven runs separating the two sides. There was a sense of euphoria for Hallam Kalora Park captain Jordan Hammond in the aftermath of an incredible premiership victory. It was the club’s first Turf 1 flag since 2001/02, where Jordan’s father John was the skipper in that premiership glory, ending a drought spanning almost 20 years in emotional scenes at Frawley Road. Jordan’s uncle Richard, a club great coached the side this season too. “It’s unbelievable, its personally one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in sport,” he told Star News. “Apart from last year playing with Casey, I’ve been playing with these boys for about eight or nine senior seasons, the same group of blokes, so it’s been a long time coming. “There’s three or four that I’ve played cricket with for 15 years, from being juniors, Ryan Hillard, Ben Hillard, Rob Parker and even guys like Jagveer Hayer who left at the start of the year, Leigh Booth, Lee Brown, it’s unbelievable. “That’s why I play cricket, to be with my mates - I don’t play to get money or for shits and giggles, I play to win and for my mates, and that’s the reason why the other 10 blokes play. “We’ve fallen short a few times, but every year we’ve just gotten better - finally this year we went this step further, I honestly can’t believe it.” The prestigious Alan Wookey Medal for champion Turf 1 player went to none other than Ruwantha Kellepotha, who compiled a season almost needed to be seen to be believed. The Berwick star leggie – who has now moved on to Premier Cricket with Casey-South Melbourne – belted 375 runs at 37.5 for the season, and took an astonishing 43 wickets at 11.9. In Turf 2, the Gartside Medal went to Dandenong West all-rounder Gurpreet Singh, who put together a season featuring 233 runs at 21.2 and 26 wickets at 12.7. Narre Warren (4/94) saluted with the Turf 2 premiership, defeating Dandenong West (92) in a dominant performance. Quick Josh Dinger was the star of the day, snaring incredible figures of 6/21. Cardinia’s home-ground fortress at Gunton Oval was rocking long into the night after the Bulls secured an emotional 28-run victory over Kooweerup in the 2020/21 West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) Premier Division grand final. The Bulls compiled a moderate 9/111 from their compulsory 40 overs – an innings which included just two sixes and no fours – before a pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Hallam Kalora Park broke a two-decade drought in the Dandenong District Cricket Association. 232575
Picture: ROB CAREW
Cardinia won its first WGCA Premier Division title since 2008/09 in a gruelling 2020/21 grand final against Kooweerup. 232697 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS relentless bowling performance saw the home side secure its first top-flight premiership success since 2008/09. The victory was the high-point of an emotive period for the Bulls, with the passing of stalwarts Ian Campbell and Wayne Snooks leaving an indelible mark on the club. “I’m all over the place right now, out of control, it’s overwhelming and there are tears everywhere,” said a reflective Ricky Campbell – Ian’s son - after playing his part in the Bulls’ success. “This year was all about keeping my place in the team and doing this for Snooksy and the old man. “We’ve done it now and I can’t believe it. I’m so proud of the club, so proud of our team, and so proud that we could pull this off for those two blokes in particular.” The Bulls victory was chock-full of merit, defeating a Kooweerup side that has won an
astonishing seven premierships in the last 11 years. Premiership captain Jake Prosser said he was still confident, even with the Demons seemingly in command at 2/50 from 15 overs in reply. “We like to build pressure on our home ground and teams crack and that’s been the story for most games this year,” Prosser said. “We don’t give away singles and we try to bowl maidens, it’s a simple game plan. The ground is slow and teams get frustrated and they eventually make mistakes. It’s a massive advantage playing here…we’ve been undefeated here all year.” Up-and-coming Bull Travis Wheller secure the Lex Duff Medal, courtesy of a game-changing spell of 3/24, which included the key wickets of Kooweerup guns Chris O’Hara and Jess Mathers in the space of three balls. The premiership capped off a memorable
season for one Bull in particular, with superstar spinner Dwayne Doig claiming the 600th wicket of an astonishing career, earlier in the season against Pakenham. Cardinia captain Jake Prosser won the Premier Division Player of the Year Award, with Lucas Carroll (Devon Meadows – District), Gavin Hackett (Nyora- Sub District), David MacDonald (Emerald – B Grade), Scott Kunziak (Merinda Park – C Grade), Jaxon Burdette (Emerald) and Nadun Alwis (NNG/Maryknoll – D Grade), Nicholas Whitelaw (Officer – E Grade) and Shannon Allum (Clyde – F Grade) also taking top honours in their particular grades of competition. And Kooweerup champion Jess Mathers gave us all an insight into his recent battles after being diagnosed with testicular cancer early in 2020. The Demons’ superstar bravely told his story in the hope it would help men take better care of their health and to listen to their bodies. Thursday, 6 January, 2022
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