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A refugee’s perspective on Australia Day
Cream of the crop Community service by locals across many areas and spanning decades has been recognised on Australia Day. Virtual and in person ceremonies were held to honour Cardinia’s best and brightest citizens, including Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipients Carmel McKenna of Beaconsfield, the late Margaret Hall of Emerald, Pakenham’s Clive Stebbins and Drouin’s Lorraine Kinrade, with Xinhua Wu of Lysterfield who was bestowed the Member of the Order (AM). Read more on page 5
Beaconsfield’s Carmel McKenna joins her late husband Des as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia. 266018 Picture: MARCUS UHE
OMNI knife blitz A police blitz on illegal weapons in the South East has uncovered Fountain Gate shopping centre and bus stops as a particular problem area. With extraordinary search powers, Operation OMNI police members arrested 37 people and seized 23 knives and other weapons including a billiard ball in a sock at Dandenong station, Dandenong Plaza, Fountain Gate and Pakenham central business district and station between 20-22 January. Also seized were 300 grams of illicit drugs such as cannabis and ice.
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Among the charges were possession of drugs and prohibited weapons, as well as 11 people wanted on outstanding warrants. An alleged outlaw motorcycle gang member was charged with possessing steroids. In total, 105 offenders were identified with 17 cautions and 26 infringement notices issued. Under the proactive operation, police were given extra powers to detect illegal weapons in designated search areas. Police checked more than 650 people and 800 vehicles, leading to searches of 501 people and 59 vehicles.
Acting Inspector Dean Grande said the aim was to detect illegal weapons in “high risk locations” and “get them off the streets before they cause any harm in our community”. “Overall, we can say the operation was a success. “It’s certainly good to get (those knives) out of the community. “Those knife offences in particular are a real problem for us and a real strong focus.” Most OMNI offences were detected at Fountain Gate shopping centre and bus stops, Act Insp Grande said. Continued page 3
Acting Inspector Dean Grande signalled OMNI operations will become more frequent. 266202 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
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Thursday, 27 January, 2022
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NEWS
Funeral for former Mayor A public funeral service to celebrate the life of former City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon will be held in Berwick on Wednesday 2 February. Ms Stapledon’s family said she “was the artist of her own life, never handing the paintbrush to anyone else”, and they “look forward to celebrating the canvas of her life with you”. The service will be held at the Berwick Church of Christ, 446 Centre Road, Berwick at 11am. It will also be livestreamed from the Selwyn Allen Funerals website, selwynallenfunerals.com.au/upcoming-services Guests are asked to follow government requirements such as wearing a mask in the church. The 58-year-old former councillor - who had been rocked by an IBAC inquiry into Casey councillors - was found dead in a car in Stringybark Drive about 12.30pm on Tuesday 18 January. Her death is not being treated as suspicious, Victoria Police stated. Ms Stapledon was widely admired as a strong, unstinting community voice, especially for disability and carer issues. Many also paid tribute to her as a devoted sole carer for her family over decades. Ms Stapledon’s passion for disability support preceded her council terms between 2008-’20, including two stints as mayor. She co-founded Casey Kidz Club - an afterschool care program for disabled teenagers - and highlighted the lack of funding support. Among her major legacies were two 75-kilometre Mayors Walks for Disability - in which she spread the word on service gaps for people with disabilities and their carers. The initial feat led to her being crowned the Star News Person of the Year 2013. Ms Stapledon was also a past president of Disability Capability and had held positions on the Blairlogie Living and Learning Board,
Amanda Stapledon 194479 the Casey Cardinia and ACE (Aiding Casey Education) foundations and Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre. She was patron of the Cranbourne Football Club All Abilities Team and the YMCA
Open Doors Program. For many years, she hosted Women of Today on Casey Radio 97.7FM and penned a regular column for Star News Group. She made two unsuccessful tilts at state
politics - as an independent in 2010 and a Liberal candidate in 2014. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
OMNI blitz Teenagers arrested for series of thefts seizes knives By Gabriella Payne
The twice-annual OMNI blitzes were expected to become more frequent and target priority locations. “That’s an area that we will focus more on – at the shopping centre.” In the main, offenders were youthful – as young as 15 years. “The other side of the coin is we speak to youth who have zero to limited offending. We want to steer them to the right programs … to stop their recidivism.” The high-visibility police presence aimed to ensure the public felt safer during school holidays and post-Covid life. “We’re seeing a lot more people are going out enjoying life, kids are out and about. “We want to make sure they’re safe. We know they’re vulnerable and they’re prone to attack by those that are out to commit those offences. “Our primary role is to make sure that doesn’t happen and to prevent those offences in the first instance.”
One of 37 arrests during the three-day Operation OMNI. Picture: VICTORIA POLICE
A number of teenagers were arrested by police on Friday 14 January in relation to a series of burglaries that have been plaguing local business owners throughout the Pakenham area. Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Chris O’Brien from the Cardinia Criminal Investigation Unit said that three teens, one as young as 13 years of age, had been tracked by police with the help of the canine unit and arrested on Friday - with two having faced the Childrens’ Court on Monday morning. He said although three culprits had been identified, the investigation remained ongoing as police “believe there are others involved“ - and he urged anyone with information to come forward. The series of robberies that the group are believed to have orchestrated range from both large shopping centre attacks to small businesses, including ransacking the Henry Road cafe, Oven Kraft, three times over the last few months - the two most recent incidents occurring in the last fortnight. Oven Kraft’s owner and operator, Amit Sharma, said that it had been incredibly disheartening to be the constant target of these attacks, as business was hard enough already due to the pandemic. “We are struggling with things the way they are anyway because of this new variant... so this is just the last thing we need,“ he said.
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STAR NEWS 3
THE LOWDOWN Q&A
with Shamsiya Hussainpoor
1
The Australian Aboriginal flag was designed by artist Harold Thomas in 1970 to represent the Aboriginal people of Australia and their connection to the land.
2
The flag was first raised on 9 July 1971 and in 1995, the Aboriginal flag was recognised by the Australian Government as an official ’Flag of Australia’ under the Flags Act 1953.
3
As of January 25 2022, the Aboriginal Flag is freely available for public use after the Federal Government completed negotiations with Harold Thomas to obtain the copyright to the flag, meaning it can now be printed on clothing and merchandise without prior permission.
Shamsiya Hussainpoor. 263928 for and healed an injured bird. Before this, I used to be afraid of all types of animals, even cats and dogs. Now I have the biggest and softest spot for all animals. What was your favourite subject in school? My favourite subject was arts, I loved painting and drawing. What event past or present would you like to witness? Malcolm X’s civil rights movement. Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? Malcom X, Mohammad Ali and Alan Rickman. What are you currently listening to, watching or reading? Reading ‘And the mountains echoed’ and watching ‘The Office’ How would you describe your fashion sense? Classy, chic (love the ‘50s fashion trend)! Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life? Yes, of course! My cat, Peshu, has changed my life for the better! If you had to compete on MasterChef, what
dish would you cook? Afghan Qabuli Palaw - Spiced rice, with carrots, raisins and lamb shank. Where is your dream holiday destination? Santorini, Greece What were you like as a kid? Mum and dad’s favourite child, selfless, hardworking and cheeky What is your favourite colour and why? Emerald green, a very pretty colour that suits just about anyone and also I love nature and nature is greenery. Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert? Very extrovert What was your first job? Receptionist What are the three most used apps on your phone? Instagram, Youtube and Homescapes What’s one question that you have always wanted answered? Which is more dangerous to explore, the sea or space?
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
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Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I speak six languages, but only studied two of them - Dari and English. What are you most passionate about? Enabling people to have a voice, freedom and basic human rights. What do you love about what you do? Making people heard. Not everyone has the platform that most of us take for granted. It warms my heart when I bring the forsaken voices into the spotlight. What is your experience in the industry? My experience in the journalism industry has been mostly positive but I have also witnessed and encountered some negatives too. The positive side of this industry is that it allows people like me - an inexperienced journalist from a minority background - to have the same opportunity as those with more advantages. Something negative I saw and experienced was, often young and inexperienced journalists like myself don’t have a lot of opportunities to express our views and ideas and I feel like older and more senior journalists often take advantage of us.At times, instead of offering their help, they take the credit for our ideas and work. Who is the best person you’ve worked with? The best person I’ve worked with was a guy named Sajad. We both worked at a local supermarket as a cashier. He was very selfless, considerate, respectful, hardworking and fun to work with. He knew how to handle any problems and he always did it with a smile on his face and respect in his attitude. What would your last meal be? My last meal would have to be a really spicy Afghan potato curry and white Afghan rice (simple but extremely delicious)! What is your most memorable moment? My most memorable moment is when I cared
THREE … facts about the Aboriginal flag
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Cranbourne and Pakenham lines
Until last train 3 Feb
Westall to Cranbourne and Pakenham
4 Feb to 6 Feb
Dandenong to Cranbourne
From 8.30pm 7 Feb to last train 10 Feb
Caulfield to Westall
8.30pm to last train each night, 27 Feb to 3 Mar
Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps At night in Jan
Freeway closed between Warrigal Road and EastLink
In Jan
Lanes and ramps closed between Clyde and Cardinia road
At night in Jan
Freeway closed between Clyde and Cardinia roads
In Jan
Lanes and ramps closed between Clyde and Cardinia roads
Camms Road, Cranbourne
Until 7 Feb
Closed between Murray Court and George Street (some local access)
Fairfield Street, Cranbourne
Until 7 Feb
Closed in both directions between Camms Road and Station Street
Clyde Road, Berwick
Until 20 Feb
Closed between Enterprise Ave and Mansfield Street
Hallam Road, Hallam
9pm to 6am each night, 27 Jan to 12 Feb
Closed at the level crossing
Monash Freeway
MTIA6960
Princes Freeway
Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
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Thursday, 27 January, 2022
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NEWS
Cream of Cardinia’s crop By Shelby Brooks Cardinia’s best and brightest citizens have been honoured in Australia Day ceremonies, both online and in person, this year. The 2022 cohort of award winners include Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipients Carmel McKenna of Beaconsfield, the late Margaret Hall of Emerald, Pakenham’s Clive Stebbins and Drouin’s Lorraine Kinrade, with Xinhua Wu of Lysterfield who was bestowed the Member of the Order (AM). Mr Stebbins, 89, was driven to inspire others, particularly youth over a span of 60 years. This included 36 years with Youth for Christ, including leading the Australian and South Pacific branches. He also led the charity International Needs Australia, travelling to about 40 countries. He worked with underprivileged children in Sri Lanka for 15 years. Lang Lang’s Gavan Keane was honoured with an Ambulance Service Medal while Drouin’s Graeme Higgs received a Fire Service Medal. More locally, Cardinia Shire Council couldn’t decided between two worthy Citizens of the Year, awarding both Pakenham Cricket Club president Phil Anning and Cockatoo RSL volunteer Carol Thompson. Mayor Jeff Springfield said this year’s winners were once again chosen from a strong field of nominees. “Both Philip and Carol have contributed so much to the local community, and both deserve to be recognised,” Mayor Springfield said. As president of the Pakenham Cricket Club, Philip ensures the club fosters an inclusive competition to enable families to participate and to create a positive environment. He has tirelessly fundraised for the McGrath Foundation, with the club’s annual Pink Ladies Day luncheon raising more than $30,000 for the charity. Phil is a strong supporter of local businesses and encourages others to do the same. He is described as an icon in Pakenham with friends far and wide who deserves to be recognised for the inspiring man he is. Joint Citizen of the Year Carol Thompson was honoured for her long history of volunteering and has dedicated many hours to the Cockatoo RSL. She joined the committee as secretary and treasurer in 2015 and has also been the bar and events manager, working tirelessly with committee members to increase patronage and turnover. In addition to running the traditional Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events, Carol has been instrumental in establishing regular social events at the RSL, including the annual free Christmas Day lunch, pool and Uno competitions, trivia nights, karaoke and live music. Due to her ongoing dedication and contributions, Carol was nominated RSL President of the Year. Since she and her family moved to Cockatoo in 1998, Carol has also been involved in Cockatoo Community Creche and Cockatoo Country Market and has supported young people in need.
fun
eve
music
Carol Thompson at the Cockatoo RSL shared the honour of Cardinia Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year. 190357 Arshu Maskey who has been involved in the community in many ways, including hosting a Multicultural International Mother’s Language Day event and, as a member of the Casey Cardinia Rotaract Club, raised funds for bushfire relief efforts and supported a fundraising barbecue for the club, was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year by the shire. Ian Wake, an active Rotarian for 50 years who has held a range of club leadership positions and is the first to lend a helping hand for their community projects, barbecues and working bees, was named Senior Citizen of the Year. The Cockatoo Country Market was recognised as the 2022 Community Event of the Year.
Performances
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Bands
Pastoral and charitable leader Clive Stebbins of Pakenham has been recognised with an OAM. 265796 Pictures: ROB CAREW
Exhibitions
art
food
Arshu Maskey (right) was named Young Citizen of the Year at the Cardinia Shire Australia Day Awards. 190142
Gavan Keane of Lang Lang received an Ambulance Service Award. 265618
Workshops
Phil Anning was also named Cardinia Shire Citizen of the Year. 207455
Musicians
Carmel McKenna joins her late husband Des as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia. Picture: MARCUS UHE
Artists
Family Friendly
What's on Cardinia Festival Enjoy a month-long celebration with free pop up events and attractions at venues and locations across Cardinia Shire. Visit the What’s On Cardinia website for festival information.
www.whatsoncardinia.com.au pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 27 January, 2022
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STAR NEWS 5
NEWS
OPINION
Re-stocking the job shelf
LENSCAPE
The State Government is helping to keep supermarket shelves stocked by linking thousands of jobseekers with food suppliers to reduce critical workforce shortages. Jobs Victoria is working with major supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths and Aldi as well as wholesaler Metcash, to fill staff shortages with people looking to find work. Premier Daniel Andrews said the program would address critical issues in providing Victorians with jobs and keeping us fed. “This rapid response to workforce issues along the supply chain will help minimise disruptions to the food and essentials Victorians rely on, which is critical as we navigate Omicron,” Premier Andrews said. The program started earlier this month and has already had more than 2000 people expressing interest in the roles of pick-packers, night-fillers, cashiers, delivery drivers and forklift operators. Roles are available for anyone looking for work, especially those whose employment has been heavily affected by the pandemic. Employers will provide any training needed, including induction and OH&S. Jobs Victoria is streamlining the hiring process by undertaking initial screening support to get people on the job as soon as possible. The Government will also begin distributing 25,000 rapid antigen tests, on a cost recovery basis, to critical utilities and food supply chain services including meat and poultry suppliers. The $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund is supporting businesses with wage subsidies and large-scale employment programs. Jobseekers across Victoria are encouraged to sign up to the Jobs Victoria Online Hub to express interest in these vital roles by visiting jobs.vic.gov.au
Dancers performing the new year rain dance at the Summer Fun Day in Hampton Park.
Thank you On behalf of Amanda Stapledon’s family, we thank you all for your overwhelming show of love, support and for the heartfelt messages of concern for Amanda, her son Pete and our father Rob. It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we confirm Amanda has left us to be in the arms of Jesus. Amanda’s faith and core beliefs gave her the courage, and strength, to stand up and to tirelessly advocate in support of those who could not do so themselves. Her moral principles led Amanda to consistently be thoughtful
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up!
Thumbs up!
To pay day.
To the amazing home care workers who have continued to work through all of this crazy unknown.
Thumbs down! To the lack of planning between VicRoads and Casey Council for the debacle that is Clyde Road and Linsell Boulevard.
Thumbs up!
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Thumbs down! To having Covid-19.
Thumbs up! To the men’s doubles tennis.
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To getting my booster today.
Thumbs down! To road closures everywhere we go.
Thumbs up! To the nice weather.
Thumbs down! To all the ‘where can I find a RAT’ posts.
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.
SOCIALLY SPEAKING Rumours swirled last week that Melbourne might be the host city of the Commonwealth Games in 2026. We asked our Facebook readers which new sport they would want to see included if the games to come back to Melbourne. Here’s what they said. Sue Tomlinson: Tenpin Bowling. Sonya Boloski: Floorball would be awesome. Billy Triffett: Rapid test scavenger hunt. James Bennett: The Hunger Games. Probably be the only thing Victorians will be capable of engaging in at that point. Teresa Kemp: We need the Commonwealth Games. For the netball. We went to the netball last time. It was just The Best. Spread the sports around the state. The badminton at Drouin. Basketball at Trafalgar. Mountain bikes at Lysterfield. Shooting at Lilydale. We had the best time. Michael O’Connor: Who can get tested the quickest. Judy Wright: None and we don’t need it, a want maybe but it’s certainly not a need. Andrew Cook: Not any these new age “sports”.
NEWS
By Marcus Uhe
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REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au
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Thumbs up!
Let us continue to remember Amanda and celebrate her life. Please stay tuned as we will be releasing details of Amanda’s service soon. May our beloved Amanda truly be at peace in the presence of the almighty. The Stapledon and Lord families
Indian community marks Republic Day
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and respectful, acting with genuine integrity throughout her life. We wish that she could know of the positive impact her presence has had upon our lives. To see this wonderful outpouring of love by the community since her passing, and to understand how much her loss will affect us now that she’s gone. The ripples of good that Amanda has created with each kind act, word and action will forever flow outwards in the community she loved and lives on in the hearts and minds of those who honour her memory because she is loved in return. Our world needs more people like Amanda in it. Thank you all for your ongoing support.
Thursday, 27 January, 2022
While many celebrated Australia Day on 26 January, the Indian community also marked the date with a cultural celebration of their own. India Republic Day falls on the same date, which marks the enactment of the Indian constitution in 1950 after achieving independence from Britain in 1947. In India, the day is recognised with an address from the Indian President and the traditional Republic Day parade in the capital, New Dehli, paying tribute to the Indian military and Indian culture. Karan Gandhok is president of the Australian Indian Society of Victoria (AISV), which hostied a Republic Day dinner at Amberlee receptions in Cranbourne. The Indian flag was raised and the national anthems of both India and Australia were sung
as the community gathered to mark the occasion with a three-course meal. Mr Gandhok said this year’s festivities held particular significance as Melbourne recovers from the unwanted title of being the world’s most locked-down city, on top of being shut off from India by the Australian Federal Government in 2021. Passenger flights from India to Australia were temporarily suspended in April last year as the country found itself swamped by a surge in Covid-19 infections, in what was an “emotionally draining” period for the community. “After the trials and tribulations of Covid-19, to some extent the day definitely demands a celebration to say that we’ve reached the other side,” Mr Gandhok said. “Everybody is looking for an excuse to get out there and celebrate in person.” Data from the 2016 census shows India was one of the highest ranked countries of birth for
Victorian residents, with just under three per cent of Victorians falling into that category. Mr Gandhok is one of those, having been born in Ranchi in India’s east before moving to Australia with his family as a 17-year-old in 1982. He said he misses India from time to time, including on occasions like this, but he welcomed the opportunity to recognise Australian culture at the same time. “We do miss not being in India and celebrating the parade, but we embrace living here,” Mr Gandhok said. “Indians are some of the most patriotic citizens of Australia.” The AISV has about 400 members and works to support new migrants settling into Australia, promote active participation in community events and provide representation to federal, state and local government bodies on migrant issues. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
My perspective on the day By Andrew Gai
YOUR VOICE I have been proudly celebrating Australia Day since I became an Australian citizen on 26 January 2009. I celebrate Australia Day on 26 January because this is the only national day we have, however, I’d love to celebrate a day that all Australians are happy with, united and celebrating with one accord. As a refugee, a national day means a lot to me because I have never celebrated a national day before I came to Australia. I was born during a civil war in Sudan where South Sudanese were fighting for independence. I left Sudan before the war ended so I never had the opportunity to celebrate a national day while I was in my home country. Last year, I was part of a big Australia Day celebration which brought together many refugee communities from across Melbourne. I coordinated the event for the communities, particularly Burmese, South Sudanese and Afghan communities in Melbourne’s South East. It was pleasing to see our refugee communities coming together on Australia Day to celebrate our diverse cultures and oneness - being Australians. However, one thing that makes me uncomfortable about celebrating Australia Day is the division over the day – 26 January. It is sad that some of our First Nations people, fellow citizens and the traditional custodians of the land do not celebrate with us on a day that is called a national day.
Andrew is a proud City of Casey resident and was humbled to receive the 2020 Holt Australia Day Award in recognition of his community service. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with Indigenous people over the years and I am always struck by their generosity and friendliness. Although they never welcomed us to Australia, they never rejected us or told us to go back to where we came from. The most important things that we can do in turn is to respect the land, look after it and acknowledge our Indigenous people who looked after the land before us. Let’s not make Australia Day a victim of democracy...majority rules in a democracy. People who want Australia Day changed may be a tiny proportion of the Australian population but this doesn’t mean that the day cannot be changed. What we need in order to change Australia Day to another day is a political gut and honest conscience. Successive Australian Governments have made significant and small changes that have meant a lot to the Indigenous people. These
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I am writing this piece to offer my perspective as a refugee/migrant on Australia Day, particularly to other refugees and migrants who might have not paid much attention to the significance and debate surrounding the Australia Day. Some folks may think that refugees and migrants are turning a blind eye to what many Indigenous people really feel about Australia Day being held on the 26 January. On January 26, 1788, 11 convict ships (known as The First Fleet) from Great Britain landed at Port Jackson in New South Wales and there, Governor Arthur Phillip raised the British flag, essentially marking the beginning of the new British colony. So, for some of the First Nations People, 26 January is a painful day, as it marked the beginning of the dispossession of their land and the traumatic events that followed; including the Stolen Generation. I have now been in Australia for over 15 years and every year, there is fierce debate as to whether Australia Day should be held on 26 January. However, the debate quickly fades away a week after Australia Day but for some the deep feelings and views do not fade away. I have met Australians (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) who choose to celebrate Australia Day and do not have an issue with it and those who do not celebrate Australia Day at all. There are some Australians, particularly Indigenous people who would rather go to what is now call Invasion Day (26 January) protests. I firmly believe that our national day should not be a trigger for a divisive debate every year; rather it should be a day that unites us, a celebration of everything that makes us one People and one Nation.
include the National Apology in 2008 and the recent change in the national anthem, from “we are young“ to “we are one“. All Australians are already acknowledging and paying their respects at the opening of every official meeting and Welcome to Country is performed by the Indigenous elders at official events and ceremonies. I believe many Australians are prepared to acknowledge the truth about Australia’s history and are open to working towards achieving a meaningful reconciliation with our First Nations people. This is vital for our children and the future migrants and refugees who will call Australia home. In conclusion, I believe continuing to celebrate Australia’s National day on 26 January is re-traumatising for many First Nations people. We should not allow the continuation of such painful reminder every year. There are many dates that we could look at to move Australia Day to. For example, Australia becoming a nation on 1 January 1901 is something worth celebrating and we could pick another day in January. Yes, I acknowledge that changing the day alone will not address the many challenges still facing the First Nations’ people today. However, it is the small changes that will lead to a better and meaningful change, which will promote healing for our First Nations people. Let’s not let the debate about Australia Day drags on for another 100 years. Let’s pick a day when ALL Australians will unite and happily celebrate as one people. Andrew Gai is South Sudanese Australian and co-founder of the South Sudanese-Australian Academic Society Inc. Andrew is passionate about social cohesion as this is the best way to achieve a flourishing society. This article originally appeared on ABC Religion and Ethics on 23 January 2022.
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 27 January, 2022
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STAR NEWS 7
NEWS
Libraries delivering joy By Marcus Uhe The generosity of Casey Cardinia residents was on full display over Christmas with more than $17,000 worth of gifts and non-perishable food items donated to the Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) Deliver Joy campaign, nearly doubling the amount raised in 2020. Deliver Joy has provided a call to action for people wanting to pay it forward and help those doing it tough over the festive period. Dot O’Neill is a food support coordinator at Transit, whose brilliant team of 70 volunteers helped to distribute donations of food and gifts in the Narre Warren area. She said her organisation were blown-away by the extent of the community’s kindness, somuch-so that they struggled for storage space at the Narre Warren Christian Church on Webb Street. “We didn’t expect this much but we were delighted with it,” Ms O’Neill said. “We found we had to find space in the church but we found some really delightful people who were able to give presents out for Christmas. “We had a lot of children’s gifts, like games, and things for teenagers and older people as well. And the food was really really important. “One person in particular said ‘without you, we would not have had a Christmas’. It makes the whole thing worth it.” In years past, library members were able to get their library fines waived in return for donated gifts and food, however, in 2018 CCL permanently removed overdue fines, which changed the focus of the 2021 campaign. CCL chief executive Beth Luppino said it was inspiring to witness the generosity of library members, even when the waiving of overdue fines was no longer an incentive. “The removal of overdue fines at CCL has proved a great success.“ Ms Luppino said. “There has been a relatively small increase
Transit volunteers Lisa, Michael, Dot, Alek and Natalina Colmanet from Bunjil Place Library with donations from the community. 265532 Picture: MARCUS UHE in overdue items, more items are being borrowed and there has been a marked reduction in ‘lost items’. “CCL partnered with seven local charities during the six-week campaign, including Transit Outreach Service, The Andrews Centre, Cranbourne and Casey North Centre for Infor-
mation and Support Service (CISS), Hampton Park Primary School, Emerald Lions Club and the Salvation Army (Pakenham), to ensure the donations were distributed to those who needed them most. “Public libraries can contribute to stronger and more resilient communities in so many dif-
ferent ways. Libraries really do change lives.” Outside of the festive period, Transit provides meals and food to those doing it tough from the Narre Warren Christian Church. You can donate to Transit by contacting them online at transitoutreach.org.au
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Cardinia Shire Australia Day Cardinia Shire Council is proud to announce the nominees and winners of the 2022 Australia Day Awards.
Citizen of the Year nominees
Young Citizen of the Year nominees
• Binita Maskey
• Annabelle Morton
• Elise Turnedge
• Charlotte O’Sullivan
• Rachelle Mechielsen • Shoheli Sunjida
Winners Philip Anning and Carol Thompson
Senior Citizen of the Year nominees
• Selby McDonald • Jacynta Howden
Winner Arshu Maskey
Event of the Year nominees
• Geoffrey Pepperell
• Beaconsfield Australia Day family drive-in movie night
• Graeme and Ann Taylor
• Eid Bazaar in Cardinia
• Jenny Reynolds
• Eid Prayer in Cardinia Shire
• Magda Lane
• Vaccination pop-up clinic
Winner Ian Wake Winner Cockatoo Country Market
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Thank you for your contribution to our community
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BUSINESS IN FOCUS
Meridian Lifestyle options
An artist’s impression of Lifestyle Meridian.
Lifestyle Meridian’s pool is very inviting. Shelley gave the example of the customisation studio available for homeowners wanting to put their own stamp on their homes through internal and external colour choices, flooring, and outfitting. It’s come a long way since the old days of having four colours to choose from - and hav-
The Lifestyle Meridian clubhouse kitchen. ing that range of choice and quality is what people expect when buying into a brand spanking new home. No one gets left behind though. Lifestyle Communities has, over the years, undertaken refurbishments of some of its more established properties to the tune of almost $25
million including homes, buildings, pools, and landscaping. Lifestyle Meridian in Clyde North is the newest of the 20 Lifestyle Communities developments across Victoria and has just launched, with homes starting from $382,000. To find out more call 1300 50 55 60.
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Lifestyle consultant Shelley Storen has had thousands of conversations with hundreds and hundreds of prospective homeowners in her 10 years with Lifestyle Communities. “I get a real buzz out of my job,” she said. “It’s never the same, it’s never boring.” Shelley is now working on the latest Lifestyle Communities’ development in Melbourne’s booming southeast, Lifestyle Meridian. This one is something special, with a community solar grid designed to boost sustainability and reduce electricity costs for homeowners. Just launched, it has hit the ground running, with a lot of interest in the next-generation home designs, the multi-million-dollar clubhouse and the focus on sustainability and smarts. Shelley’s enthusiasm for the different communities she’s worked on and the company is obvious. It’s an interest shared across three generations – her mum has moved into Lifestyle Kaduna Park and her daughter also works for Lifestyle Communities. As an experienced consultant, Shelley said Lifestyle Communities had a big customer service focus and understood homeowners were often making a big decision about their next steps. The home and the experience needed to be right for them. “It’s a really big thing when someone is moving out of the home they’ve lived in for decades. It can take many hours, questions and visits before someone is ready and we are always transparent, up front and focussed on what they need,” she said. A company with 20 years specifically focused on Victorian downsizers, Lifestyle Communities has adapted with the times and continues to respond to the needs of homeowners looking to downsize their home but not their life.
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Surgery block cuts deep “Restart elective surgery and do it straight away.” Victorian Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier, also in attendance on Tuesday, warned of potential long-term consequences of the ban. “Category two and three (surgeries), some of those conditions will become more debilitating, put more pressure on people’s health conditions and they will become life-threatening,” Ms Crozier said. “There will be people that sadly succumb because they haven’t been seen to in a timely manner.” Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released on Tuesday 25 January shows the number of patients being treated from Australia’s public hospital elective surgery waiting lists increased during 2020–21 as the hospitals worked to clear a backlog left by Covid-19-initiated suspensions the previous year. Non-elective surgeries were temporarily suspended nationally in March 2020, reducing the number of elective surgeries performed in 2019-20 and contributed to creating a backlog of surgeries that had been delayed, according to AIHW spokesperson Dr. Adrian Webster. “‘Nationally, there were 754,600 admissions to hospital from the public elective surgery waiting lists in 2020–21, up from 688,000 admissions in 2019–20 but slightly lower than the 758,000 admissions in 2018–19,” Dr Webster said. There were 893,000 patients added to elective surgery waiting lists in 2020–21, up from 838,000 the previous year, and similar to the number added in 2018–19. The AIHW defines elective surgery as “planned surgery that can be booked in advance as a result of a specialist clinical assessment.”
By Marcus Uhe Cranbourne resident Noelene Nolan is leading a call for the Victorian Government to restart elective surgeries which had been paused due to the pandemic. Elective surgeries were temporarily suspended on Thursday 6 January to reduce the pressure on the Victorian health system, as a rise in Covid-19 diagnoses saw a spike in hospital admissions and severe shortages in available hospital staff. Ms Nolan sustained significant injuries as the victim of two terrifying home invasions in Hampton Park in 2017. She has been waiting since 2019 for facial surgery to treat the wound on the right side of her face, where her patorid gland was slashed during the home invasion. The injury has caused the onset of Freys Syndrome, a condition where saliva leaks from the wound on her face onto her cheek when she eats or drinks. Delay in receiving treatment for Freys has meant she cannot receive treatment for respiratory issues, sleep apnoea or further surgery for vocal chord dysfunction. “It started off as a category three, it is (now) category two semi-emergency and soon moving to category one, because I risk permanent disfigurement,” Ms Nolan said. “I have severe diabetes, I have severe lymphedema, I have the vocal chord dysfunction, and through constant long-term use, because I can’t get into a respiratory clinic, they’ve put me on prednisolone, which is a high-strength steroid which is now starting to cause the early onset of glaucoma, which means I will eventually lose my vision.” The beating sustained by Ms Nolan during the home invasion resulting in “numerous back fractures” and significant damage to both knees, so much so that she requires a walking frame and limits time spent standing to 10-minute intervals to avoid experiencing
Matthew Guy talking with Ms Nolan in her Cranbourne home. 266178 substantial pain. Ms Nolan has also criticised the decision to resume in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures in Victoria, announced on Sunday 23 January, citing double standards. “How do we justify starting IVF treatment, and putting that above people who have serious medical conditions, which can be critical, and people are dying left right and centre? “My biggest fear is that I’m scared I’m going to fall through the cracks, because all my other health conditions until my surgery, are being neglected.” Speaking from Ms Nolan’s Cranbourne
Picture: MARCUS UHE
home on Tuesday, State Opposition leader Matthew Guy said Victorians were experiencing a “health crisis”. “People are suffering in this state because elective surgery has been stopped,” Mr Guy said. “It is no longer tenable for the government to just say ‘we’ll get around to it’. “You can’t just do this to people. You can’t treat people like this. “The government’s got to stop treating people like pawns in a political game with Covid-19.
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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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BUSINESS IN FOCUS
Great service at Dandenong Market.
Market has no shortages Dandenong Market continues to buck the trends with none of the shortage of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood that have been reported by the supermarket giants. “Our traders are buying direct from farmers or wholesalers every market day, or they are farmers themselves,” Ms Jennifer Hibbs, general manager Dandenong Market explained. Grocery shopping has been a hot topic throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with supermarket shelves empty due to the Omicron variant affecting food supply chains and product availability nationwide. “Everyone at the market is here to serve the community, navigating the changing restrictions, isolation requirements, and frustrations of Covid-19, just like everyone else,” Ms Hibbs says. “Our loyal customers continue to shop with us and we welcome new ones every week. “Once people realise there is no shortage and no limits at the market, plenty of variety and at great prices, they become regular customers. We have weekly shoppers from Camberwell, Warrandyte and the Mornington Peninsula who wouldn’t shop anywhere else now.” Dandenong Market has more than 200 small businesses so it becomes a one-stop destination in addition to the weekly grocery shop. “You can get your keys cut, grab your lotto ticket, pick up some flowers, collect some printer ink, buy new school shoes, get a new watch,
have your phone repaired or your jewellery polished – the list is endless,” Ms Hibbs said. “We also encourage all of our customers to swing by Market Square for lunch or to take a meal home. We really do have some of the best street food in Melbourne, representing many different countries with more than 150 authentic dishes. Of course, we have customers coming just for our world fare on a plate too.” Dandenong Market is open on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 7am-4pm and Sunday 9am4pm.
Fresh food at Dandenong Market.
Tash from Peninsula Organic Farmgate.
Peter from Dandy Free Range.
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Show’s super weekend By Shelby Brooks The district’s best animals and produce were on display in the 125th annual Lang Lang Agricultural Show over the weekend of Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 January. Cattle, sheep, poultry and the exhibit pavilion all featured in Saturday’s line up, while the annual dog show was held on the Sunday. Horse events ran across both days. Lang Lang P A and H Show secretary Barbara Bullen said it was a super weekend. “We had a lot of nice feedback on Facebook and via emails,“ she said. “We are very pleased.“ Spectators were allowed this year after a spectator-free 2021 show. “A lot of people said they came to see the animals,“ Ms Bullen said. “A little girl of my neighbour is saying she wants a pony now.“ The show received 500 dog entries on the Sunday and even featured an interstate judge. As for the exhibit pavilion, Ms Bullen said entries were lower than usual due to the last minute nature of the event, however, she said overall, the committee was pleased with the outcome. “It was lovely to have the pavilion back and our long time supporters were excited,“ Ms Bullen said. Winners of special categories in the pavilion classes at Lang Lang Show will next compete in the regional judging after all the local shows have been completed, and from there regional winners progress to the Royal Melbourne Show in September.
Champion Ram Class won by Kane Hildred with ‘Boonong Park’. 264359
Champion cow Diamond Mist Stainless Steel with Gavin Iseppi, Lang Lang Show Committee Pictures: ROB CAREW president Leigh Kirby and Peter Wenn. 264359
Those winners were VAS Senior Photography- K. Wallace, Junior - R. Collier, VAS Handknitted cardigan or jumper- L. Edden, VAS Hand Embroidery- C. Summerfield and VAS Carrot Cake- G. Wilde, Junior Carrot and Date Muffins- Jacob Bennett. The Most Successful Exhibitor was Carol Summerfield who was presented with the Valmai Walker Memorial Shield. This is a new addition to the trophies and is in memory of Valmai who was a long time exhibitor and winner as well as a pavilion steward for many years, Liz Wilson pavilion chief steward said. “Congratulations to each exhibitor, both young and old, for the great efforts made to have entries in the 2022 show,“ she said. More on page 15
The Hampshire Down lamb over two years” event in the Short Wool Sheep Section. 264359
Many Horse events judged on the main arena. 264359
FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA
Discover the new retail space at Opening Night
The costume design room is also a part of the new renovations at the store.
The year ahead is an exciting one for Opening Night Supplies with the store doubling in size over the holidays, including the installation of a dedicated shoe fitting area as well as a fabric and trims area. Ray Rose Ballroom shoes will be available in the coming weeks and many more fabulous dance and calisthenics products are available. With an exciting Pointe Shoe Fitting Program beginning, the staff at Opening Night will help you to understand why you should wear the style chosen for you, and how to best maintain your foot health and shoe quality. Priding themselves on a high quality of service and a wide range of products and suppliers, Opening Night Supplies caters to all performers locally as well as far and wide. Opening Night Supplies services calisthenics clubs, dancing schools, costume designers and other performing enthusiasts around Australia. Owners Melinda Moutsos and Carolyn Grant have been involved in calisthenics and pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
dance for over 20 years, and love helping performers reach their full potential and shine on stage. Melinda and Carolyn would like to thank the community for their support over the tough times in lockdown, along with their landlords at Seebeck Property Group and fabulous local and international suppliers. The growth of the business over the last three years has enabled Melinda and Carolyn to hire young local performers to work at the shop, and the business looks forward to supporting local events such as the Morwell Festival of Dance and Longbeach Calisthenics Competition later in the year. Opening Night Supplies is located at Shop 2/32 Treloar Lane, Pakenham. For more information, visit www.openingnightsupplies. com or phone (03) 5941 5713. Opening hours: Monday to Tuesday - 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Friday - 9.30am to 5pm, Saturday - 9am to 1.30pm.
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Bookings open for your personalised fitting service
Call in and see our new look store. Shop contact details: ph: 03 5941 5713 Shop 2, 32 Treloar Lane, Pakenham 3810 online: www.openingnightsupplies.com
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Melinda (right) fitting Ballet Shoes with Pippa as a part of the new extension at Opening Night Supplies.
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Rebecca won the ridden hack section of the Off The Track classes for retired racehorses.
Rebecca Phillips, the winner of Fashions On The Field.
Pictures: SUPPLIED
Excellence in equestrian to Covid but overall we were really pleased with the turn out and the quality of entrants was superb, second to none.” Ms De Winter said a popular feature event was the Off The Track classes for retired racehorses, the ridden hack section won by Rebecca Phillips from Narre Warren. Ms Phillips was also the winner of Fashions
On The Field with Evening Star STR. Local rider Clint Bilson took home the Champion Hack for owner Chennelle Jenkins aboard Bellaire Cartier. Sunday saw hundreds of breed horses and harness competitors attended for another fantastic day of showing in the beautiful sunshine.
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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.
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the two day event over 15 and 16 January was “hugely successful”. “We were very happy, especially in these times when other shows have gone under or had to cancel,” she said. “We were very lucky to have it go ahead. “Entries were probably a little bit down due
202102197591_1-SN09-21
In a Covid safe environment, the Lang Lang Agricultural Show was able to go ahead and it was a huge weekend for horse competitors with over 1000 classes run and won, from the kids on their ponies in the Fun and Pony Club Rings having the best time to the beautiful show hacks. Horse show secretary Anne De Winter said
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Snooksy’s legacy lives on By David Nagel Grown men shed tears as the Cardinia Cricket Club bared its soul on Saturday as it honoured one of its greatest characters and best-ever cricketers – feared fast-bowler and club legend Wayne Snooks. Snooks, who passed away suddenly on 6 March last year, will never be forgotten at the Bulls’ home ground at Gunton Oval after the club bestowed on him a magnificent honour – naming its new training nets ‘The Wayne Snooks Training Facility’. A large crowd consisting of life members, current and past players, committee, friends, and most importantly family, gathered late on Saturday morning to pay respects to a muchloved club champion at the official opening of the new nets. Fellow speedster and brother-in-law Ben Sargent, and life member and life-long friend David Webster told of their love for a man who was about to play in his 48th season for the club on the day of his death. A life member, he was inducted into three teams of the decade, and the ‘Team of the 50 years’ at the Bulls’ 50th anniversary gala event in 2019. One of the greatest Bulls of them all, he won a host of individual honours – including the 1991/92 A Grade league bowling average after recovering from a horrendous accident that saw him lose sight in one eye. As a sign of his remarkable longevity, he won Bulls bowling awards in ’77/78 and again, 16 years later, in ’93/’94. Webster said the naming of the new facility was a special and significant day for the club. “It’s a big day because this particular fella was a massive part of the club,” Webster explained. “He’s the only player to have played across five decades and he’s been named in the Team of the Decade on three occasions, and then of course he was picked in the Team of the Half Century. “More to that, he was the sort of fella that would help out anyone, and the reason the nets have been named after Snooksy is because every training night he would be down there helping the kids. “I look at the kids out there playing in our firsts and there’s not one of them that Snooksy hasn’t helped out in some way.” Webster remembers clearly the first day of a long and much-loved friendship. “I remember driving home from work and my father said, ‘I’ve just to call into this house down on the corner here, there’s a young bloke who has moved in who is looking for work and I believe he’s a bit of a sportsman, so I want to get him down to play footy and cricket at the club.” Webster recalled. “It just snowballed from there and Snooksy became part of our family, not only of our family at the club, but my family at home as well. “We were always at each other’s place and he became like another son to my mum and dad.
Wayne Snooks holds a special place in the heart of the Cardinia Cricket Club. 177797 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
The legacy of Wayne Snooks will live on forever at the Cardinia Cricket Club. “Our friendship just grew and grew and grew and along with Trevor Hobson we became the three musketeers…that type of thing. We enjoyed so much time together, just having a chat and enjoying each other’s company.” Webster also recalled an incident that gave Snooks plenty of fodder to hang on his great mate over the years. “My biggest disappointment, and one that Wayne never let me forget about, was that as captain I declared when he was on 86, so we could go for an outright,” Webster said. “He never, ever let me forget it, and rightly so. “When he made his first hundred, 120 up at Narre Warren East, I went up and he gave me the biggest hug and said ‘Righto, you’re off the hook’. “He went on and made another ton as well so I didn’t feel quite as bad after that.” Webster said Snooks was a bowler of the highest quality, ruthless and relentless in the search of wickets, but was well-respected by the entire cricket community. “I’ve never known a bowler who could move the ball like he did,” Webster explained. “The ball could be 30 or 40 overs old and he would move it like it was a new one. And he was so determined; everything that he did had to be done right. “He had few nick names and one of them was hungry, because it was hard to get the ball out of his hands.
From left, the widow of Wayne Snooks, Verlinda, with son Bradley, daughter Jenni, and Cardinia life member Dave Webster.
Life Member and great friend of Wayne Snooks, Dave Webster, helps to officially open the Wayne Snooks Training Facility on Saturday.
“But in reality, no one wanted to get the ball out of Snooksy’s hand because he was such a good bowler and none of us could have done better. “After his horrific accident, to come back and win the A Grade bowling average was just incredible.” Snooks was helping to remove a stump from his place in Nar Nar Goon, when the chain snapped, wrapped around his face… leading to a lost eye. “He was such an amazing man to come back from that, in a short time really, he was so determined,” Webster said. “I remember when he got up and got his award at Devon Meadows, everyone in that room was up and clapping and that’s the respect he had throughout the whole league. Mention Snooksy’s name…he’s a legend around these parts.” And how would Webster describe his great mate as a person, from the feared competitor to the man he shared many great times with? “Get him out on the ground and put a ball in his hand and he only had one option, and that was to get you out, it didn’t matter how he did it, he got you out,” Webster said. “But you get him off the ground, he was just an amazing man who cared about our club and the opposition. “Say if he got a young kid out, after the game he would talk to that kid and tell him what he did wrong. He even did it during games, helping kids out, and kids prosper in that environment.
“He was fiercely competitive but also wanted to see kids grow and wanted to see the game grow…he was a ripper like that.” Webster thinks Snooks will be sitting back and quite content with Cardinia’s magnificent gesture. “I reckon he would be saying, yep, that’s about right, and you know what, it is right, he had the respect of everyone and there will never be another Snooksy, we were very lucky to have him. “Everyone just loved him.” The Cardinia Cricket Club has honoured Wayne Snooks with a tribute in words, which sit on a large banner on the side of the nets. The words read: WAYNE MARTIN CHARLES SNOOKS 1957-2021 Wayne Snooks, the only player to play at Cardinia in every decade. Such a dedicated man to the club he truly adored. Cardinia cricket Club was ‘Snooksy’s’ second home. The passion he showed playing transitioned into the passion he showed educating and developing young players just like himself. On the 6th of March 2021, the day of his passing, he was due to play which would have marked 48 seasons straight with the desire of achieving 50 years. At the Cardinia Cricket Club, and at the Wayne Snooks Training Facility, ‘Snooksy’s’ legacy lives on.
Panthers set to dance with the big boys By David Nagel District contender Devon Meadows will look to upstage the three best teams in West Gippsland cricket on Sunday when the Panthers line up for the semi-finals of the Twenty20 Kookaburra Cup at Starling Road in Officer. The Panthers, under skipper Lucas Ligt, have progressed to the semi-final stage of the tournament with wins over the mountain men – Gembrook and Emerald – but will face a much tougher assignment when they hit the Officer Recreation Reserve at 10am on Sunday. Waiting for the Panthers in the first semifinal will be a red-hot Tooradin, who dismantled Kooweerup in a lop-sided one-day contest at Kooweerup on Saturday. 18 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 27 January, 2022
The Seagulls have fire-power to burn, with Tom Hussey, Cal O’Hare, Dylan Sutton and Aaron Avery just some of the players to look out for on the weekend. The Panthers have been well served by Ligt (296 runs), Trent Delaney (252), Nathan Worsteling (180) and Kyle Salerno (151) with the willow this season, while Lucas Carroll has claimed 15 wickets to lead all-comers in the District competition. The likes of Jacob McVicar, Coby Podd, Jamie Cape and Ben Hussey will need to support Carroll if the Panthers are to progress to the 2pm grand final. Semi-final two promises to be an absolute corker, with last season’s WGCA Premier Division grand finalists – Kooweerup and Cardinia – set to lock horns at 10am on oval two. Koowee skipper Chris Bright is one of the
most dangerous batters in the competition and the Bulls will be fired up to claim his important scalp early. The day promises to be an absolute beauty, with high-quality cricket assured with the calibre of players on show. The two Officer grounds, both visible from some vantage points, will provide the perfect backdrop for Sunday’s semi-finals and finals. And it won’t be just in the centre of the oval that there will be heaps of action. There will be a jumping castle for the kids, plenty of giveaways, and a DJ will play nonstop music throughout the course of the day. TIPS TOORADIN v Devon Meadows Kooweerup v CARDINIA CHAMPIONS - CARDINIA
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Devon Meadows batter Trent Delaney will need to fire if the Panthers are to progress to the final of the WGCA Twenty20 Kookaburra cup on Sunday. 262689 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
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The Cranbourne Racing Centre will spring to life on Friday night, January 28, with the running of the hugely popular Tricodes event. 265828
Two out of three codes ain’t bad HOWZAAAAAT!...the Pakenham team goes up in search of a Vikings’ wicket. 265581
Picture: ROB CAREW
Lions clawing back By David Nagel and Tyler Lewis Momentum is everything in sport and Pakenham (2/121) is building a nice head of steam after the Lions made it four-straight with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Carlisle Park (120) on Saturday. Another glorious innings from the imperious Chris Smith (70 not out), and the dominance of an underrated but versatile bowling attack, led the Lions to victory on their home ground. The Lions had to overcome some early resistance from Vikings’ openers Ravi Kodithuwakku (60) and Dave Nutting (24) but completely dominated proceedings from that point forward. It was a complete shut-down. Skipper Dale Tormey (3/5) took top marks with the ball, with Troy McDermott (3/40), James Close (2/9) and crafty-spinner Jason Williams (2/34) taking the last eight Vikings’ wickets for just 24 runs! Smith then carved five boundaries and two powerful sixes in another brilliant display of batting. Williams (32 not out) joined the party as the Lions coasted home with 20 overs still left to bat. Tormey said signs were good for the Lions, who struggled in the early rounds of the season “We’ve probably improved a few percent
from earlier in the season, but we’ve still got room for improvement, we’re fully aware of that, but we know what we’re capable of and we’ll keep working towards playing that type of cricket “ The Lions’ skipper was also impressed with his team’s improving depth – the absolute key component in the helter-skelter of one-day cricket. “Being 3/13 last week was a bit of a concern to start with, but I’ve got full confidence in our batting line up, and having Zac Chaplin back is going to be massive for us…there’s no better number six in the competition I would have thought,” he said. The Lions captain was lavish in his praise of Smith, who has had a bumper season with the willow. “He’s in unbelievable form, just playing traditional cricket shots and he’s taking advantage of the two-men out in the early overs and playing fantastically well,” Tormey said. The Lions will look to continue to build a head of steam, at home, against Cranbourne Meadows this Saturday, while Kodithuwakku, Nutting and co will look to snap a lengthy losing streak, also at home, against Kooweerup. In other games, Tooradin defeated Kooweerup, Cardinia rolled Clyde and Merinda Park produced an epic run chase to down Cranbourne Meadows.
It was a shocking day to be a bowler at Lang Lang Recreation Reserve on Saturday. In the District West-Gippsland Cricket Association, Caldermeade Oval saw a whopping 444 runs scored...and just 14 wickets falling... from 79.1 overs. There were 39 fours across the two teams – Lang Lang and Officer – and the economy for the day was 5.6 runs per over. The Swamp Tigers won the toss and opted to bat, before posting a crushing total of 8/220 from its 40 overs. Opener Dale Cranston made an almost run-a-ball 108 (111 balls), guiding his side to a mammoth total. And when the home side had the Bullants 3/33, then 4/67, they would’ve felt rather comfortable with its total. But as they have done all summer, this Bullants unit found a way. Ash Smith carved out 65 from 76 balls, batting at number five, while his skipper Brett Monagle thrashed 86 not out from just 72 balls. Though skipper Monagle will rightfully receive thorough plaudits, Smith was additionally the pick of the bowlers across the two innings, claiming 4/40 in the first dig. The Bullants reeled in the total with five balls to spare, just six casualties down. The win keeps this powerful Officer side atop of the District ladder and boosts its average runs scored to a scintillating 172 this season.
Cranbourne’s hugely popular Tricodes event will take on a slightly different look and feel this year when the unique meeting takes place at the Cranbourne Racing Centre this Friday 28 January. This year’s event – still set to be a great evening of entertainment for the family – could be renamed ‘Dualcodes’, with the greyhound part of the action not taking place due to unplanned mechanical works that need to be undertaken to fix the greyhound rail infrastructure. “While this is disappointing, it is important that we start the process to get important works completed on the track,” said Andrew Fennell, CEO of the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club. Despite the late change, there is still plenty to look forward to on the night, with confirmation that there will be a range of FREE kids activities to enjoy plus a Blues Band playing after the last race which will ensure a lively and family-friendly atmosphere on what is looking like being a very pleasant evening weather-wise. Cranbourne Turf Club CEO Neil Bainbridge has confirmed that all three clubs have committed to working together to stage another Tricodes meeting later in the year to showcase the Cranbourne Racing Centre complex. “We still encourage everyone to get down for what will be a fun and actionpacked night”, said Mr Bainbridge. Hospitality packages remain available, general admission tickets are only $15 and kids are FREE. To purchase tickets visit cranbourneturfclub.com.au, phone 5996 1300 or email sales@cranbourneturfclub.com.au
No Par fears as Norman storms to victory at Deep Creek DEEP CREEK GOLF CLUB Par competitions are often dreaded by club golfers – but several players tucked away their fears to play some brilliant golf at Deep Creek Golf Club on Saturday. Peter Norman (7) was the star performer in A Grade, shooting the equivalent of a fourover par round of 76 to win with an impressive score of plus 3. Nick Gray (7) was also in outstanding form, carding a score of +2 to finish runner up to Norman in A Grade. The best score of the day came from Royce Thompson (20), who shot the lights out with a great score of 4up to win B Grade by a single shot from the unlucky Matt Brown (20) on 3up. Les Jones (24) won a very tight C Grade battle with Russell Allan (25), winning via a countback after both players signed off on some very pretty looking scorecards…3up. Players had to better their handicaps to get a ball on Saturday, with down the lines going to Leah Barker 3up, Fergus O’ Gallagher, Peter Dempster, Andrew Heagney, Mark Hatton, Ben Fitzpatrick and Steven Van Roy 2up, and to Jarrod Leontini, Rod Beard, Barry Williams, Brian Webster, David Mair, John Pattison, Doug Barrot, Mark Woodbridge, Stephen Van Ingen and pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
From left, Club President Rob Nobelius, Harry Elyasie and Alex Green prepare to tee off on the 10th tee at Deep Creek on Saturday. 265580 Picture: ROB CAREW Anthony Franzi with a score of 1up. Nearest the pins went to Peter Reilly on the second (1.68m) and to Brian ‘Worm’ Webster (1.54m) on the 16th. Last Monday’s stableford competition kicked off a fine week of scoring with Ben Fitzpatrick (7) having a cracking round of golf - scoring 41 points off his single-figure handicap – to win by three shots over Jimmy Pari (14) on 38 points.
The B Grade winner was Jack Hines (24) with an even-par 36 points, finishing one clear of Les Jones (25) on 35 points. Down the lines went to nine players who all finished on 35 points, these included Philip Mott, Graeme Durran, Tony Sheahan, James Dimtsas, Mick Boyd, Chris Kondarios, Warwick Cakebread, Stewart McDonald and Ray McGrath. Nearest the pins went to Mick Boyd, who had the radar dialled in exactly the same on both the second (3.00m) and 16th (3.00m) holes. A hole-in-one to Graeme Steel was the highlight of Wednesday stableford competition. Steel achieved the greatest feeling in golf on the longest par-three on the course, the difficult 11th, to kickstart his back nine in the ultimate style. But despite his heroics, Steel didn’t find himself on the leaderboard…which was chockfull of terrific scores. The best of those came from Bob Naismith (18) who won A Grade with a super-impressive score of 42 points. Runner up in A Grade was Colin Maclean (14) with 37 points, while the B Grade victory went to the in-form Les Jones
(25) who scored 39 points for a countback victory over Tony Vallance (30). Down the lines went to Andrew Hale, Matthew Boon and Rob Nobelius 37, James Dimtsas and Ross Stewart 36, Brian Bateup, Simon Fay and Antonio Mafodda 35, and to Stephen Northcott, Bill McDonald, Gary Clymo, Jimmy Pari and Alex Green with 34 points The Supercomp Front 9 winner was Rob Nobelius 22 points with nearest the pins going to the sweet-swinging Barry Williams on the second (2.80m) and to Roger Parker (1.28m) on the 16th. Carol Beard (29) had the ball on a string during Thursday’s Ladies competition, accumulating 40 points to win by two points from the equally in-form Yvonne Barrot (29) on 38 points. Down the lines went to Yvonne Smith on 37 points and Julie Cheng with 35, with nearest the pins (second shots) going to Yvonne Smith (0.50m) on the second and Cheng (1.44m) on the 16th. And Sunday’s stableford competition saw the end of a good week for the single handicappers at the club with Heath Barclay (8) scoring 37 points to win the day’s event by one stroke from Shaun Hegarty on 36 points. Thursday, 27 January, 2022
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Thursday, 27 January, 2022
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