News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 17th February 2022

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Thursday, 17 February, 2022

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Terror at the dog park

‘Gone walkabout’ By Jamie Salter

Narre Warren Police Station senior constable Imogen Brill said police are searching for Sam.

Sam’s mum Elizabeth Thompson is concerned for his welfare.

Samuel was last seen at his Lysterfield South home on February 9.

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phone from his friends or his family,” she said. She said the note that was found was “cryptic”. “Yes, he mentioned he was going walkabout and he said he would be back, but because it was inside the book and he was taken by the story of that book when he read it a year ago, that has caused us great concern. “We don’t know what’s going through his head. “The emotions of all of his family and friends have been a fair roller-coaster since Friday and we just want him safe. “We really want him to give us a call or a text because we all love him and miss him.” Sam is in possession of a Blue Pioneer hiking pack, a sleeping bag, and a red and black tent, purchased before he went to Swan Hill. Police believe he is heading west towards Mildura and are making enquiries in the area. Anyone with information has been urged to contact their local police station, Narre Warren Police Station on (03) 9705 3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. “Any information at this point is greatly appreciated from members of the public,” police said.

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A family is pleading for information on the whereabouts of their 19 year old son Samuel, who has gone missing following a planned camping trip. Samuel was last seen at his Lysterfield South home on 9 February. It is believed he could be imitating the main character in the novel Into the Wild. The story is about a young man who goes off-grid on his own in the bush and dies after eating a poisonous plant. Narre Warren Police Station senior constable Imogen Brill said a note from Sam was uncovered at his home saying he was “going walkabout”. “He’s potentially taking inspiration from that narrative in that book. We are aware of the ending of that book and it does play into our concerns but that’s not the reason we’re searching for him,” Snr Cst Brill said. Sam’s car has been located 20km outside of Swan Hill and police believe he is travelling on foot. He was then picked up by hitchhikers and spent the night camping in his tent in their backyard. The hitchhikers took him to a town called Nyah, about 20km north west of the Swan Hill area, police said. Snr Cst Brill said local units were searching campsites and making enquiries with local residents to see if they’ve seen Sam. “He doesn’t have any cooking equipment, food, money or a mobile phone, so we’re concerned he is in a remote location, he’s not able to contact anyone and doesn’t have enough possessions to be able to last a long period of time in the bush.” Sam’s mum Elizabeth Thompson said she started to get concerned by February 11 after Sam didn’t answer his phone. “Our concern is none of Sam’s friends know where he is and he hasn’t answered any of the numerous messages that have gone to his

NEWS

SES takes steps for mental health

E-scooter tragedy By Jamie Salter A 20-year-old Narre Warren man died after being struck by a car whilst trying to cross Princes Highway on an electric scooter about 5.15pm on Thursday 10 February. The driver of the car was not injured and stopped to assist. They were spoken to by police and cleared of any wrongdoing. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives attended the scene to assist in determining the specific circumstances of the collision. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have dashcam footage, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

By Jamie Salter Narre Warren SES members recently took part in the Stadium Stomp to help raise awareness for mental heath issues, joining forces with Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp and the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF). ESF supports the emergency management sector to prevent, promote and address the incidence and impact of mental injury for its 125,000 volunteers and paid staff. Narre Warren SES members participated in the ultimate stair climb on Saturday 12 February at the Melbourne Cricket Ground - boasting a seating capacity of 100,024. Crew leader Tracey Hayward participated in the event for the first time alongside Bryce Wickham and Amy MacDonald. Tracey said it was a worthwhile challenge. “The Emergency Service Foundation supports the mental wellbeing of emergency service personnel and it’s amazing what we go through,“ she said. “When people are running away from incidents, emergency services are running towards it.“ It took the Narre Warren SES members just under two hours to complete the full course, covering more than 7,300 stairs. Tracey said her legs were still sore. “You’re climbing up all these stairs and you’re taking breaks, chatting to peope from different organisations like the CFA, so it was like a bonding experience,“ Tracey said. “It was just amazing to see everyone come together.“

Narre Warren SES members join other emergency services in the Stadium Stomp. Picture: SUPPLIED The Emergency Service Foundation raised more than $10,000. Ms Hayward said she was looking at participating again next year with an even bigger group from the Narre Warren Unit.

“It was a beautiful day and fantastic if you ever want to see the MCG without the crowds,“ she said. “I saw people of all different fitness levels participating - anybody can do the Stadium Stomp.“

An e-scooter rider has died in a Narre Warren collision. 268484 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel and upgrading highways to make traveling around Melbourne quicker and safer. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

8.30pm to last train each night, 27 Feb to 3 Mar

Caulfield to Westall

8.30pm to last train each night, 6 to 8 Mar

Pakenham Line

8.15pm to last train each night 13, 14, 20, 21 Mar

Caulfield to Dandenong and Pakenham

9pm 9 Mar to 21 Mar

Dandenong to Pakenham

In Feb

Lanes and ramps closed

Some nights in Feb

Freeway closed between Warrigal Road and Eastlink

Princes Freeway

Some nights in Feb

Freeway closed between Princes Highway and Cardinia Road

Racecourse Road, Pakenham

9pm to 5am each night, Mon to Sat, until 19 Feb

Closed at the level crossing

Clyde Road, Berwick

Until 20 Feb

Closed between Enterprise Ave and Mansfield Street

Hallam Road, Hallam

9 Mar to 2 Apr

Closed at the level crossing

MTIA6960

Monash 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, 17 February, 2022

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Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps

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NEWS

Terror at the dog park By Shelby Brooks The owner of puppy allegedly attacked by a dog at Don Jackson Reserve is calling on owners to take responsibility for their aggressive canines. Pakenham’s Kate Withers recalled feeling “shell shocked” as she watched her eightmonth-old Cocker Spaniel Rudy be bitten by a bigger dog at the off leash park last week. “The man and dog in question came in at about 6.30pm and the dog immediately made a beeline for Rudy,” Kate said. “In an instant it had Rudy pinned to the ground and had latched onto his front leg and wasn’t letting go. “Rudy was screaming the house down, it was so shrill and so traumatising.” Fortunately a woman closer to the incident was able to pull the bigger dog off Rudy before any significant damage was done. “Rudy wouldn’t get off the ground, he wouldn’t walk,” Kate said. “I just scooped him up straight away, I just said ‘nope we’re out of here’. “The owner of the dog did nothing, just stood there like a stunned mullet.” After moving only a month ago to Pakenham, Kate said she and Rudy frequented the dog park every night. She is now reluctant to Rudy back to the park. “I think I was a bit naïve,” she said. “Physically Rudy fine now but I’m not sure what that’s done to his little psyche. If someone hadn’t intervened, I shudder to think what could have happened. “People take their dogs to the park in good faith, thinking the owners will do the right thing and that’s what it comes down to, it’s the onerous is on the owner, not the dog’s fault.” Kate said it wasn’t until she was safely home with Rudy that she realised this wasn’t an isolated incident. Fellow dog owner and Don Jackson Reserve user Jacqui Nassau had reached out to say it wasn’t the first time that dog had been accused of bad behaviour. After witnessing Rudy’s attack, Jacqui had made a Facebook post about it on a local community page where she received messages from others stating the same dog had shown aggression before. “It was horrifying,” Jacqui said, who was at

Kate and Rudy Withers hope dog owners will be considerate of others when taking their pooches to the park. 268141 the park the night of Wednesday 9 February with her two small dogs. “It clearly doesn’t take much for this dog to go for the neck. This dog has gone to attack Rudy for no reason. “I don’t know if we’ll go back. My dogs may not want to go back there. I don’t think it will feel safe for them.” After hearing other people had reported the dog to Cardinia Shire Council before, Kate said she was baffled as to why the dog was there in the first place without a muzzle or leash. “It’s even more infuriating to know that this has happened before and the owner seemed so blase about the whole thing, showing no regard for any other dog or owner,” she said.

“I don’t know how in good conscious you could bring your dog, which you know to be aggressive, to a park where there are little dogs and puppies. “Hearing that people have lodged complaints against the owner before, either nothing has been done about it or he isn’t heeding the warnings. I don’t know how you police this.“ Kate said she has lodged her own complaint with the shire about the incident and hopes something is done to protect other dogs in the future. A spokesperson for Cardinia Shire said the council’s compliance services team was aware of an alleged dog attack at Don Jackson Re-

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

serve on 9 February and was investigating the matter. They said any resident who witnessed the incident was encouraged to contact them on 1300 787 624. “As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” they said. “When a dog attack is reported to the council, the compliance services team will investigate the circumstances of the incident. “In some cases, the person responsible may be prosecuted, liable to pay for medical and veterinary bills, and can also receive fines. Dogs that have been involved in attacks may also be required to comply with special conditions.”

Witness welfare probed in wake of Stapledon death By Cam Lucadou-Wells An inquiry has been launched into the management of witnesses’ welfare by IBAC in the wake of the sudden death of former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon. Victoria Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee announced on 10 February that it would hold public hearings on the issue. It will examine IBAC (the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission) and other state integrity watchdogs - the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner, the Victorian Inspectorate and the Victorian Ombudsman. Committee chair and Labor MP Jill Hennessy said the committee unanimously resolved on 9 February to make the issue its “focus” in its annual review and monitoring of the integrity agencies’ performances.

Ms Stapledon, 58, was said by friends to have been rocked by an IBAC inquiry into alleged corruption by Casey councillors. She 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. Her close friend Kerril Burns was among several who said the two-year IBAC inquiry had a deep impact on Ms Stapledon. She called for a thorough investigation of the treatment of IBAC witnesses. At the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry in 2020, Ms Stapledon conceded that she’d failed to properly declare a conflict of interest at council – namely a $25,000 state election donation from property developer John Woodman who had a stake in rezoning industrial land in Cranbourne West. After the 2016 council election, Ms Stapledon also omitted declaring being part of Mr

Woodman’s $100,000 campaign for a group of “like-minded” candidates. She had said she was uncertain whether Mr Woodman had funded the campaign. The inquiry also examined her meeting with Mr Woodman shortly before being elected as mayor in 2018. “Mr Woodman has never asked me to do anything for him,” Ms Stapledon told the inquiry. “I need to be very clear there: he has done nothing improper in that regard.” An IBAC spokesperson said that IBAC “welcomes the opportunity to participate in the IOC’s regular annual review of integrity agency performance, and answer questions on witness welfare and other aspects of IBAC’s role”. The inquiry’s report is due to be tabled in Parliament by 23 June.

Former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon. Picture: GARY SISSONS

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Thursday, 17 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with State Opposition Leader Matthew Guy

Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I treat my Cavoodle, Wally as my fourth son. What are you most passionate about? Bringing better government to Victoria. What do you love about what you do? I meet so many people from so many walks of life, it’s such a privilege. What is your experience in your industry? I’ve been a member of the Liberal Party since I was 16 and an MP since I was 32. Who is the best person you’ve worked with and why? Before politics, I worked at the Victorian Farmers Federation. My then CEO taught me a lot about good teamwork and bringing people with you. I loved working with him. What would your last meal be? A big asado steak, waldorf salad, chimichurri and of course, beer. What is your most memorable moment? Turning around and seeing my wife walk down the aisle at our wedding. What was your favourite subject in school and why? Geography! I love maps, places, cities and countries. Always fascinated me. What event, past or present would you like to witness? The defeat of the Andrews government at the 2022 Victorian election. Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? My grandfather, my uncle and my uncle from Ukraine. What are you currently listening to, watching or reading? After Life series 3 on Netflix. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? Pumpkin risotto with sage. Where is your dream holiday destination?

Matthew Guy meeting people in Belgrave. 173369 The beach at Mar del Plata, Argentina. What was your first job? Pumping petrol at Mobil Montmorency. In those days we served you. What are the three most used apps on your phone?

The BOM, Instagram and nowadays Service Vic. What’s one question that you have always wanted answered? Where did I leave my keys and USB flash drive in July 2008.

THREE … ways to show you care postValentine’s Day

1

Cook dinner for your partner Surprise them by taking over in the kitchen and whipping up their favourite meal, they’ll appreciate the effort you made and you won’t have to do the dishes! You could also spend some quality time cooking something from scratch together, such as home made pasta or even an apple pie. Extra points if you set the table.

2

Buy them flowers, not just on Valentine’s Day Most people love to receive flowers, especially if it is a surprise. You don’t have to break the bank by buying a giant bouquet, pick up a small bunch of flowers that are their favourite colour from your local supermarket.

3

Send them a message to show you care Whether it’s a note in their lunch box or a good morning text, it will make their day a bit brighter and let them know you are thinking of them.

Don’t travel to high risk areas on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days. If you plan to travel through Victoria, during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day. If the rating is Extreme or above, avoid travelling to high risk areas, including to cities and towns.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12520570-AV07-22

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Thursday, 17 February, 2022

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NEWS

Lovett faces 88 charges By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Charlee Zammit with her kart. 267876

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Life in the fast lane By Jamie Salter Ever since Charlee Zammit got behind the wheel at age 11, karting has become her life’s passion. The Narre Warren South resident recently had the opportunity to compete for the first time in almost a year on February 5 after Covid-19 lockdowns pressed the pause button on competitive racing. Charlee said there was nothing quite like the thrill of being back on the track. “It makes me really happy to be in that environment,” she said. “I was a bit nervous to be out there again but I felt right back at home after the qualifying and heat races.” When Charlee is racing, she travels as fast as 100km/h. “You can’t really tell you’re going that fast,” she said. Her dad Anthony introduced Charlee to the sport and the pair trained for a year before Charlee entered her first competition in 2016. “I was building a trailer and she came out and said, ‘is that for me?’ Anthony said. Anthony is known as Charlee’s mechanic, checking the engine and changing the tyres prior to an upcoming race. Race meetings take place at tracks across Australia every weekend at four levels – Club, Zonal, State or National. Charlee started racing in Cadets (ages nine to 13) then Juniors (ages 13 to 16) and then Senior racing (ages 16 and above). Although Charlee competes with adults in the Seniors category, she said she wasn’t intimidated. “It’s just about trying to get the fastest time and trying to get past other people and get quicker every lap,” Charlee said. Motorsport has often been considered a male-dominated sport and mum Sandra said Charlee was one of the only girls in competing in karting.

Narre Warren South’s Charlee Zammit is ready to race. 267876 “It’s not widely accessible to girls - everyone probably thinks it’s a man’s sport,” she said. As a concerned mother, Sandra struggles to watch Charlee fly down the track. “She had an incident when a kart went right over her and she had a tyre mark on her helmet,” Sandra said. Charlee’s dedication keeps her going while spending long days on the track, usually from 6am to 6pm. The sport is extremely expensive as the costs of tyres, engine rebuilds, accommodation, and travel add up, with races held in Adelaide, Gippsland, Puckapunyal, Seymour as well as Port Melbourne and Oakleigh a bit closer to home. “We do it on a budget and I think we do it well,” Sandra said. Assistance from Charlee’s family helps her enter the races, as well support from the Melbourne Kart Centre team. But it’s not just her family supporting her racing journey, with Charlee’s Alkira Secondary College friends and teachers cheering her on along the way. Charlee now plans to get into the finals of the Australian Kart Championship and to beat her personal best. She dreams to compete in V8 Supercars one day. Those interested in sponsoring Charlee can contact the Zammit family at sangbrash@gmail.com

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Former AFL footballer Andrew Lovett is facing scores of charges involving multiple alleged assaults and family violence order breaches against a woman in Berwick. Lovett, 39, appeared by video link from remand prison at a Dandenong Magistrates’ Court hearing on 15 February. His lawyer David Grace QC sought extra time to resolve the list of 88 charges, which include assaults, recklessly causing injury and property damage between February 2020 and June 2021. He said following negotiation with prosecutors, the charges would be reduced if a plea of guilty went ahead. Police allege that Lovett became controlling and “physically violent” with his then-partner three months after they began a relationship. It descended to “extremely toxic” levels, police stated in a summary tendered to the court. Many of the assaults were in alleged defiance of family violence intervention orders. In January 2021, after the victim blocked his access to their joint credit card, Lovett allegedly abused her over the phone, including a message: “I hope you, your mum and you(r ) nan passes away you c***. Typical c***. F*** I hate you. Dog.” At the time, her grandmother was seriously ill. According to police, Lovett, accusing her of a text showing she was ‘cheating’ on him, threw her i-Phone into the bathroom tiled wall where she was showering last March. The phone reportedly shattered into glass and plastic

Lovett denied to police that he then allegedly punched her several times to the head, and that he kicked her to the stomach while she lay on the floor. The victim alleged she blacked out before waking to see blood pouring from her face running into the shower drain. Some of the other alleged assaults included being picked up and thrown by Lovett into a pool fully clothed, struck to the face with a purported shoe, and her face slammed into a steering wheel while driving, police stated. Several persistent family violence order breaches and stalking offences occurred while on bail between last August-December, police allege. Recently, Lovett had unsuccessfully applied for bail at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. Lovett played 88 games for Essendon between 2005-’09. His next scheduled hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court is on 10 March.

Join Cardinia Shire Council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee This committee is a forum for residents, businesses, and community groups representing the interests of people with disability in Cardinia Shire. The committee provides advice to Council, monitors and reviews the implementation of Council’s disability policy, strategies and plans. Local people with a lived experience of disability and/or carers, as well as representatives of disability community groups and disability organisations are encouraged to apply.

Applications close: 25 February 2022 For more information visit: cardinia.vic.gov.au/accessandinclusion

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2 Tango Circuit Pakenham (off Commercial Drive)

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Online application: https://forms.office.com/r/q55z5BjkMH Phone: 1300 787 624 Email: accessandinclusion@cardinia.vic.gov.au

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Thursday, 17 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

Helping homeless friend By Jamie Salter Hallam man Brett Barrow is launching a GoFundMe campaign in an effort to help his homeless friend get back on his feet. With the funds raised, Mr Barrow plans to buy his friend a van that can be converted into a home. “He carries his whole life in three Aldi bags and he sleeps at the park,“ Mr Barrow said. “He is a great person stuck between the cracks and unsure what tomorrow holds - he is truly is a deserving person, and I wish I could do more for him.“ Mr Barrow met his friend through his latest

contract position based in Endeavour Hills. “I noticed him hanging around and over eight months we’ve built up a friendship, he’s a very humble person that doesn’t ask for anything,“ Mr Barrow said. The homeless man (who would like to remain anonymous) is 62 years old - three years away from receiving the age pension. He has struggled to find work due to a shoulder injury and is having difficulty accessing monetary support. Mr Barrow said his friend did not know with certainty that his Centrelink payments of a small sum would continue, making it difficult to hold onto a unit or room.

“He’s looked at bonds but he’s stuck with payments not coming through,“ Mr Barrow said. “I’ve spoken to him about staying at mine but he doesn’t want to impose and I thought the next best thing was a van.“ Mr Barrow said ideally the van will have a bed and a fridge which his friend could use to get to work. “If it needs work, I can put in time and a bit of money,“ Mr Barrow said. “He doesn’t want a flash camper van, just somewhere he can call home where he can leave his stuff and a place to sleep. “He needs somewhere to call home and a

vehicle to get to work - he can work casually if he had the opportunity.“ Mr Barrow’s friend pays for a motel room once a fortnight just so he can take a shower. Having a van “would change his life“, and give him a level of independence, Mr Barrow said. “A lot of people probably think it’s a luxury and not a home, but it’s everything he needs to get back on his feet - I can’t stress enough how worthy he is of help.“ Mr Barrow said he hoped people would hear his plea for help. To view the GoFundMe campaign, visit bit. ly/34TMaub

OPINION

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On Wednesday 16 February it will be exactly 39 years since the Ash Wednesday fires. I was called to bring the bus out to Coorinda School Camp that night to help evacuate the Bayswater South Primary School children to the Gembrook oval. The camp was owned by Chris and Gwen Wale. When I arrived, Gwen had the teachers and children ready to board the bus, each with their pillows. Gwen counted the children on the bus to see they had the right number of children and stayed with us when we got to the oval.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs Down! To the disrespectful tenants in community housing that continue to disturb the peaceful life’s of surrounding property owners, day and night. No help from the housing body that own this complex.

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

Thumbs Up! To Janine for being so lovely.

Thumbs Up! To all the cute couples around the lake tonight with your loved ones. It was so sweet to see.

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Thursday, 17 February, 2022

The kids all fell asleep on the bus that night. The next morning at around 8am Gwen got the children and teachers out of the bus for breakfast, a play and a stretch. When we left the oval to go back to their school, Gwen was still with us. When we arrived back at the school, Gwen counted them all again and made sure every child’s parent was there to pick them up. The parents all thanked the both of us. The teachers, parents and myself reckon she was some sort of an angel. Writing this there was tears in my eyes. Vale Gwen Wale 21.2.22. Norm Smith, US bus driver Gembrook

To the massive mark up on flowers for Valentine’s Day.

Thumbs Down! To the mess people made looking through our hard rubbish pile. Take what you want but please be respectful and not make a mess.

Thumbs Up! To the progress made at the Clyde Road level crossing removal. Looking forward to next week when it is completed.

Thumbs Up! To all the parents, carers, doing a great job with the RAT tests for school children.

Thumbs Down! To roadworks!

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.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

SOCIALLY SPEAKING After more than three decades, an inspiring husband and wife teaching Len and Loretta Cooke duo have bid adieu to their beloved workplace and home away from home, St Francis Xavier College. Here’s what our Facebook readers had to say about the story. Karen Lawlor: By far one of the best teachers I ever had! I don’t think I ever heard him raise his voice! He was always happy and spoke you everyone as equal!! Wishing Mr and Mrs Cooke all the best Sonya Boloski: I remember both as my daughters did their high school learning here. May they enjoy their news lives in good health and awesome memories. Wendy Mcgrath: All the very best wishes for your retirement. Thanks for being there for my kids, and those that went to Spain for WYD. Rhonda O’Connor: Leonard Cooke and Loretta, you are the heart and soul of SFX. Generations of young people are better off because of you two! AWESOME couple and legacy! Pauline Gill: What a great couple, so devoted my girls attended this school so thank you. Sonia Šaruni? Rameša: A pleasure and honour to know and love you both. Well deserved retirement. Thank you for always having the College’s best interests at heart. Always in my heart. Maree Kitson: Happy retirement Loretta and Leonard. Kerry Townsend: What a duo! Congratulations. Kellie Walden: Great story Leonard Cooke. Leonard Cooke: Thank You. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Wetland Wonders opens Cardinia Shire Council officially opened the new Wetland Wonders boardwalk project at Deep Creek Reserve on Friday 11 February. Deep Creek Reserve is an environment, education and recreation destination in Pakenham. The Cardinia Shire Council has converted 480,000 sqm of former farmland into the Deep Creek Reserve, transforming the space into a regional environmental precinct which last year won the Premier’s Sustainability Award. Last year, the council was successful in receiving a grant of $200,000 from the Victorian Government through the Integrated Water Management Forums that are run by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning which funded half of the Wetland Wonders project. The grant helped to fund the construction of the boardwalk, interpretational aspects of the Wetland Wonders area, as well as the Bunurong Traditional Owner story of Waa, which tells of the importance of the wetlands to the Bunurong people and of their unique relationship to Country in the Deep Creek Reserve precinct. Cardinia Mayor Jeff Springfield was thrilled to see the Wetland Wonders project at Deep Creek Reserve as he toured the area with Bass MP Jordan Crugnale. “This has been a real team effort to get this amazing project to where it is today,” Cr Springfield said. “I encourage all of our residents and their families to head along and experience the newly completed Wetland Wonders at Deep Creek Reserve.” “It’s a very exciting day for local communities particularly children and families and our First Nations communities. Ms Crugnale said it was a fantastic addition to the 48 hectare Deep Creek Reserve showcasing the stunning 6 hectares of wetlands, a place of environmental significance. “It’s a massive community asset for Cardin-

State member for Bass Jordan Crugnale, and Cr Jeff Springfield were delighted to be at the official opening. 268575

Deep Creek Reserve was acknowledged for their Premier’s Sustainability Award during the opening. 268575 Pictures: JONTY RALPHSMITH

The Wetlands Wonder Boardwalk project was officially opened on Friday 11 February. 268575

ia and everyone that comes into Cardinia,” Ms Crugnale said. “The Wetlands Wonder Discovery Trail and boardwalks, each with viewing platforms, are a fantastic addition to 48 hectare Deep Creek Reserve. “Special thanks to the Bunurong Land

amazing open space with your friends and family to explore, play and to learn about our local protected environment.” For more information about the project, visit the council’s website at www.cardinia.vic. gov.au/deepcreek or call the parks and environment team on 1300 787 624.

Council, Cardinia Shire Council and South East Water for their dedicated work for this project. Whether it’s the walking trails, educational centre, accessible playground or wetlands there is something for everyone here and it is a tremendous local asset. “Now is the perfect time to experience this

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‘Red shirts’ re-opened By Cam Lucadou-Wells South Eastern Metropolitan MP and ex-ALP powerbroker Adem Somyurek has won a narrow vote in State Parliament for a revived investigation of the ‘red shirts’ rort. The vote was won after his former factional ally and Labor back-bencher Kaushaliya Vaghela sensationally crossed the floor in the Legislative Council on 9 February. The red shirts affair refers to Labor’s misuse of $388,000 of taxpayer funds on electorate office staff campaigning in the 2014 state election. The motion referred the allegations again to the Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass, in the hope of her referring them to IBAC’s Operation Watts inquiry. It also referred allegations of the role of Premier Daniel Andrews in ‘red shirts’, branchstacking of all ALP factions, the Premier’s social media unit and the stacking of “ALP activists” in the public service. Mr Somyurek told Parliament that Mr Andrews - whose Mulgrave seat is a short drive from Mr Somyurek’s former Dandenong office - “crossed the line” in “designing” the redshirts scheme. “At the end of the day what we had was that we were desperate to win … he did something well beyond what he should have. He crossed the line. He designed this system. “He told me personally, ‘You’ve got to take part in this process whether you want to win or not’, and that reflected his mentality at the time.” He and 24 other MPs were “forced by the leadership” to sign off on false time-sheets six months in advance for their electorate officers, Mr Somyurek said. “We signed false documents saying that our staff worked in our offices. They worked for the

Adem Somyurek appearing at the IBAC Operation Watts inquiry into ALP branch-stacking. ALP campaigning, right? That flipped an election. “I am very scared about the red shirts issue. I am very scared, so if this gets through today … I will be going home and not being able to sleep at night. “But there is a principle on the line.” Ms Glass in an earlier report referred to the red-shirt scheme as an “artifice” but didn’t recommend charges. Her investigation was constrained by a lack of coercive powers to compel MPs as witnesses and subpoena documents, Mr Somyurek said. Mr Somyurek recently admitted to Operation Watts of branch-stacking by him and his Moderate Labor faction, as well as being in-

volved in ‘red shirts’. He was gone from the party soon after the branch-stacking allegations broke on 60 Minutes in June 2020. Mr Andrews has consistently denied knowing about the rort. Opposition Upper House leader David Davis accused the government of “hindering” a Victoria Police investigation, which cleared more than a dozen Labor MPs of wrongdoing. “The truth of the matter is that Daniel Andrews and many in this government should be in jail,” he told Parliament. “They took the money, they stole the money, the theft happened, the crooked stuff happened—and they should be in jail.

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“If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear, and in this case you can see that Labor has a lot to fear because it is corrupt to the core.” Against the motion, Labor MP Nina Taylor said the Victorian Ombudsman and IBAC had the resources and legislation needed to investigate alleged corruption. “It is absolutely appropriate that they determine the scope of these investigations free from attempted political interference.” Reason Party MP Fiona Patten took issue with the “lack of faith” shown in the Ombudsman, and with Mr Somyurek’s “absolutely selfserving” motion. “I am also troubled that we would say that our independent organisations are not good enough, that we have to direct them, that it is up to us as politicians to direct those independent organisations.” Greens leader Samantha Ratnam opposed “a person who is subject to a very serious investigation by IBAC and the Ombudsman bringing a motion … seemingly to change the terms of reference”. After crossing the Upper House floor, Ms Vaghela is predicted to either resign or be kicked out of the ALP. She and a swathe of MPs from Mr Somyurek’s faction had lost ALP pre-selection ahead of the 2022 state election. In a statement she said the Socialist Left faction and other factions must be investigated. “Branch stacking is endemic in the ALP, and I understand it has been for decades, therefore what happened at IBAC was a grave injustice because it was discriminatory. “I am a migrant in this country and thought that everyone was equal when it comes to the law, apparently some people are more equal than others.” Mr Andrews has pointedly refused to comment on Mr Somyurek and the motion.

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John Hurley. 267378

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Hurley bids farewell Endeavour Hills’ Thomas Mitchell Primary School has bid farewell to their founding Principal, John Hurley, who retired on Friday 11 February. The school’s founding father was celebrated with a special assembly on Friday morning before the students put on a parade for him with music and presented him with their artwork. Mr Hurley was touched by the effort put in by all involved in the festivities. “It was just absolutely spectacular,” Mr Hurley said. “The amount of work that everyone went to make it a lovely day for me was amazing. “The fact that everyone was so involved in it

was absolutely fantastic.” Mr Hurley said that he knew that there would be a ceremony or celebration of some kind to mark the occasion, but he was pleasantly taken aback by the extent of it, culminating in the afternoon as his staff provided him with a guard of honour as he left the school grounds for the final time. “It (the guard of honour) made it really difficult to wave goodbye.” Speaking in the following days after his send-off, the former principal said that he was still coming to terms with being retired. “I have made no plans yet. I’m still wakingup and thinking, ‘I’ve got to get up to do this and that.’”

School captain Ahdia with a portrait of Mr Hurley. 267378

The students express their thanks to Mr Hurley on his last day. 267378

By Marcus Uhe

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Warriors, Goannas unite By Marcus Uhe Pakenham’s Cardinia Life Stadium was the place to be on Sunday 13 February as the Pakenham Warriors Big V Mens Basketball team welcomed the Australian Goannas for an exhibition game. The event doubled as a preseason hit-out for the Warriors and a fundraising day for the Goannas, a team comprised of Australia’s best deaf basketballers from across the country. Local DJ Luke Harrison provided the soundtrack to the 105-52 Warriors victory, while junior teams provided the half time entertainment and former ‘The Voice’ contestant Maddison McNamara sung the national anthem. $7000 was raised for the Goannas, which massively exceeded expectations of Warriors coach Rob Roberts. “The day was more about fundraising than the game itself,” Mr Roberts said. “We were hoping to raise around $20003000. To raise as much as we did was an unbelievable result.” Mr Roberts was the brains behind the idea, having previously coached members of the Goannas squad at a previous club. Tickets were priced at $5, while a silent auction was held and a signed South East Melbourne Phoenix guernsey and donated gift packs from Pakenham’s Victorian Junior Basketball League teams were raffled-off, helping push the final mark to what it reached. Both squads arrived at the venue earlier than required to assist with junior teams’ training sessions as the camaraderie between both sides built throughout the day. The Goannas are not funded by Basketball Australia and therefore players pay their way to represent the national team, gathering from across the country throughout the year for training camps, with a standard cost of ap-

proximately $200 per athlete. Head coach of the Goannas, Brent Reid said that donations of that capacity would make a world of difference to the members of his team. “It’s very humbling that a club and some specific individuals appreciate what the guys do enough to be able to put something like that on,” Mr Reid said. “It probably means two people are covered to go to our next tournament, they don’t have to fund their own seat. “We’ve got guys who have funded themselves and paid $20-30,000 over the years. “Now they’re at the age where they’re getting married, having kids, they’ve got houses and are still committed to playing and put deaf basketball on the map. “I think the whole experience was pretty amazing.” Mr Reid said that the pandemic and border closures had made it extremely difficult for the squad to gather in recent years, including not attending the rescheduled 2021 Deaflympics, to take place in May 2022 in Brazil, and lacked the crucial continuity required for team sports, which was ultimately reflected in the final margin. “We’ve literally been together twice in the last two years. “It’s basically been 12 months since we trained and we had one training camp in 2020.” Both sides expressed their gratitude to all the volunteers and contributors for making the occasion so memorable and hope that the fixture can be regular occasion in the years to come. “This is a whole new board of administrators at the Pakenham District Basketball Association and for them to get on board and support the event was amazing,” Mr Roberts said. “Without the work they put in to get this up and running, it wouldn’t have happened.”

The Pakenham Warriors and Australian Goannas gather after exhibition game on Sunday in Picture: MELISSA SUDERO PHOTOGRAPHY Pakenham. 268331

Former ‘The Voice’ contestant Maddison McNamara performed the national anthem on Sunday. 268331 Pictures: GARRY SISSONS

Brent Reid discusses tactics with the Goannas during a timeout. 268331

The opening tip. 268331

Alistair Parker pushes the pace. 268331

Shane Crick contests a Warriors shot. 268331

Morgan Williams looks for an opening in the defence. 268331

Sam Cartledge takes a freethrow. 268331

Joe Davis rises-up for a left-handed shot. 268331

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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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New ambulance branch for Clyde The State Government is boosting ambulance resources in Clyde North with the announcement of a new multi-million-dollar ambulance station coming to Matterhorn Drive. Minister for Health Martin Foley and State Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale on Thursday 10 January announced Bowden Corporation has been appointed to construct a new multimillion-dollar facility. The new 24-hour ambulance branch will feature a four-bay garage for ambulances, four rest and recline areas, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen and improved security and car parking facilities. The location of the new station allows easy access to main roads and major sites including schools, shopping precincts and community facilities. State Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP said that better emergency care for families living in Clyde North and surrounds is just around the corner. “This modern, advanced and well-located ambulance station will help ensure families living in our growing South Eastern suburbs receive the best lifesaving emergency care, now and into the future,” Ms Crugnale said. The State Government is investing around $249 million to upgrade and rebuild ambulance stations to provide better working con-

Cleaning up district

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP with Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards MP, Steve McGhie MP, ACT Regional Director Narelle Capp and Area Managers Julie O’brien and Steve Doyle. 268185 Picture: SUPPLIED ditions for paramedics and ensure lifesaving emergency care is available across Victoria. Delivered by the Victorian Health Building

Authority, the new Clyde North Ambulance station is on-track to be completed by the end of the year.

Cardinia Shire residents, businesses and schools are encouraged to sign up for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 6 March. Cardinia Major Jeff Springfield said with 24.5 cubic meters of rubbish collected and removed from our community last year, it is an important community event to help protect and conserve our local environment. “I encourage everyone to gather your friends and family and get involved this year,” Cr Springfield said. “You can find a local park, reserve or walking track and register as new ‘clean up’ site or sign up to attend a local spot already registered on the Clean Up Australia Day website.” All Cardinia Shire residents who register a site will receive a free clean-up kit including bags and gloves. Cardinia Shire will also assist with the collection and disposal of all rubbish collected on the day. This national event started in 1990. Since then, over 19 million Australians have donated their time as part of Clean Up Australia Day activities over the last 30 years. Schools and local businesses can sign up for Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday 2 March and Schools Clean Up Day on Friday 5 March. Head to cleanupaustraliaday.org.au for more information.

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

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Audiology professionals are urging Victorians to look out for their loved ones during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic With the use of masks now a normal sight across the state due to COVID-19, those that are hard of hearing are continuing to suffer heightened anxiety and struggle to communicate given lip reading is common for the hearing impaired. One in six Australians is affected by hearing loss and may rely on lip reading. These people have been left with reduced means to understand and communicate with those around them. Chief audiologist at Specsavers, Nick Taylor, says that there are many reasons why masks are challenging for those with hearing loss. “Wearing a face mask can have some unintended consequences for those with hearing loss,” Nick says. “It may break down the ability to communi-

Keep in mind the struggles that people with hearing problems may face during COVID-19 and mask use. Picture: ISTOCK cate as we know lip reading is a common work around. “A face mask can also muffle speech, which along with the loss of visuals, can mean extra concentration is needed to listen. “If you are aware that you may have hearing difficulties and have been putting it off, I would strongly advise that you visit an audiology professional to discuss your options.

“It’s essential to our lives that we communicate, especially when such important health messages are being conveyed. “We can all work together to make sure this isn’t so anxiety provoking for those that are hard of hearing.” Nick says the same goes for those that may be noticing they are having trouble hearing for the first time now that masks are on. “Similarly, if you think a loved one is struggling please speak up and let them know that you think they would benefit from seeing an audiology professional,” he says. “Hearing loss can be incredibly socially isolating, and we need to look out for everyone in the community, now more than ever.” Specsavers Audiology remains open as an essential health service, and we are here to help discuss your options with you. For more information, visit www.specsavers.com.au/hearing.

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Foot pain is extremely common, affecting more than 80% of people at some point in their lives, with heel pain being the most common of all human foot complaints. Despite their frequency, these conditions are often mismanaged and incorrectly treated. This leaves many sufferers spending time and money on treatments without long-term solutions or relief. But why are such common problems seemingly so hard to treat effectively? We asked one of Australia’s leading foot, knee and leg pain experts and practitioner to some of the worlds best athletes, Dr. Paul Dowie, from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, to explain. “Besides the fact that the feet are one of the bodies most complex structures and we are on them all the time, there are two major reasons foot pain and particularly heel pain treatment is often ineffective, especially long-term. Either only the symptoms are being addressed and not the underlying cause or the exact nature and cause of the condition are not being identified or understood.” For example, most heel pain is incorrectly assumed to be an inflammatory condition when it is nearly always a result of nerve impingement or tissue degeneration. Tissue thickening is often mistaken for inflammation, contributing to incorrect diagnoses and treatment. This is a big problem because treating a degenerative condition with anti-inflammatory treatments can actually cause further tissue damage, making your condition worse.” If you have any foot, heel, knee or leg pain, you can see Dr. Dowie at Foot and Leg Pain Clinics in Berwick, call 1300 328 300.

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How to reduce expenses TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH

and associating it with one of the following three separate categories: 1.Fixed expenses (ones that don’t vary much month-by-month and over which you have little control) 2.Variable expenses (ones that do vary monthly and you can do something about) and 3.Staff expenses (salaries, superannuation, payroll tax and subcontractors) Fixed expenses include things like rates, rent, capital loans, light and power etc. While you may be able to take action like applying for rates reductions and rent relief (good luck!) and taking steps to reduce unnecessary power consumption, the impact of such actions usually take some time to materialize (if at all) and may not yield massive savings, so I recommend

looking at this area after considering your variable expenses. Variable expenses include everything else except staff expenses and may offer potential for savings so these should be considered first. Variable expenses include consumables such as fuel, stationery and travel so finding ways to reduce vehicle mileage, cheaper suppliers and reduce phone usage etc may all help. If you planned expenditure on marketing or training, then these should be reviewed but take care with cuts here since these should be thought of as investments (i.e. they should give a financial return on the expenditure) and hence it is not always wise to simply slash these outgoings. Lastly, although staff expenses are nearly al-

ways the biggest expenditure for any business, simply getting rid of staff in lean times should be considered as a last resort. As you will hear many bosses say, ‘staff are typically the company’s greatest asset’ and trying to replace them when business starts to improve won’t be that easy, especially under the current situation where good staff are at a premium. Having said that, if the business has little choice but to let staff go, then the process is best effected by preserving the respect and dignity of staff that have to leave and providing support such as use of company facilities in finding new roles or perhaps even outplacement programs. Ian Ash is the managing director for OrgMent Business Solutions.

12530945-AV02-22

At some stage during the running of a business there will be a need to look at expense management. When the business is doing well and making good sales, chances are this may not be looked at with any degree of rigour, but as situations change (such as they did when Covid first hit) and sales may not be quite so easy to come by, taking a critical look at how money flows out of the business becomes extremely important. The first step to take is to set a budget. If you don’t have one, this is best done by looking at what cash has come into the business over previous months and also what cash has gone out, month-by- month. The further back you look, the more you will get an accurate perspective of the business cash-flows and looking back over a complete previous year is very useful since annual fees should then not be omitted. Identifying a monthly pattern of income and expenditure will enable you to apply a similar pattern looking forward over the coming months so that you can derive a forecast or budget for each future month. It is very important to be conservative here, i.e. don’t assume that all payments you expect to come in will actually make it when due and also assume a slight increase on forecast costs so that you allow for price increases and minimize the chance of unpleasant surprises. Once you have a budget for the next period (it should be for the next six months at least), then reviewing expenses is the next step. I recommend going through each expense line item

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Witness welfare probed By Cam Lucadou-Wells An inquiry has been launched into the management of witnesses’ welfare by IBAC in the wake of the sudden death of former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon. Victoria Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee announced on 10 February that it would hold public hearings on the issue. It will examine IBAC (the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission) and other state integrity watchdogs - the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner, the Victorian Inspectorate and the Victorian Ombudsman. Committee chair and Labor MP Jill Hennessy said the committee unanimously resolved on 9 February to make the issue its “focus” in its annual review and monitoring of the integrity agencies’ performances. Ms Stapledon, 58, was said by friends to have been rocked by an IBAC inquiry into alleged corruption by Casey councillors. She 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. Her close friend Kerril Burns was among several who said the two-year IBAC inquiry had a deep impact on Ms Stapledon.

She called for a thorough investigation of the treatment of IBAC witnesses. At the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry in 2020, Ms Stapledon conceded that she’d failed to properly declare a conflict of interest at council – namely a $25,000 state election donation from property developer John Woodman who had a stake in rezoning industrial land in Cranbourne West. After the 2016 council election, Ms Stapledon also omitted declaring being part of Mr Woodman’s $100,000 campaign for a group of “like-minded” candidates. She had said she was uncertain whether Mr Woodman had funded the campaign. The inquiry also examined her meeting with Mr Woodman shortly before being elected as mayor in 2018. “Mr Woodman has never asked me to do anything for him,” Ms Stapledon told the inquiry. “I need to be very clear there: he has done nothing improper in that regard.” An IBAC spokesperson said that IBAC “welcomes the opportunity to participate in the IOC’s regular annual review of integrity agency performance, and answer questions on witness welfare and other aspects of IBAC’s role”. The inquiry’s report is due to be tabled in Parliament by 23 June.

Former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

FOCUS ON … JOIN YOUR LOCAL CLUB

Lions’ long and proud history is alive and well

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The 2022 senior coaches at the Pakenham Football Club, from left; Rick Stalker (Womens), Shane Easton (Reserves), Ash Green (Seniors) and Salv Mileto (Under 19s).

The Pakenham Football Club committee for 2022, back from left; Salv Mileto, Peter Holland, Derrick Brown (President), Aaron Green, Greg Marshall and Brian Jagoe. Front row; Graham Winter, Paul Beswick, Rick Tyrrell, Belle McGee and Tony Mase.

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players new players to join the club,” Green said. “There is genuine excitement for the depth of talent across all teams, with great balance across the playing group and we are thrilled to welcome past players back to the club as well.” Pakenham is looking to continue to expand its already successful Women’s team in 2022, under the experienced coaching and direction of Rick Stalker. Stalker’s coaching style suits all standards of female footballers, from those looking to learn the basics right through to players who are looking advance their games. The club is looking forward to a huge first home game against arch rivals Officer on Sunday 24 April, incorporating Anzac Day celebrations. All of the new amenities for both football and netball will be proudly opened on the day. The club acknowledges and expresses its appreciation to their outstanding partners and their valued sponsors. “Sponsorship is so critical to the running of community sport, and the club’s ongoing partnership with them is paramount to us, and we value the contribution of all parties involved,” Brown said. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the Pakenham Football Club and we are looking forward to the opportunity of having an uninterrupted season in the Outer East Football Netball League and keeping the proud and long tradition alive for all supporters of the club.”

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The willingness of volunteers is certainly alive and well at the Pakenham Football Club. The dedicated and passionate team at Pakenham – both on and off the field - are putting together what will be an exciting chapter in their club’s long and proud history. In Life Member and premiership player Derrick Brown - in the president’s role for 2022 - you get the true sense of the passion he and his team have for this mighty football club and all who call it home. One of the club’s focuses for 2022 is to continue to strengthen and broaden the strong connections already established within the community, especially with their key stakeholders and beyond. “At Pakenham there is a real sense of community, family and connection,” Brown said. “It’s proudly a place where community sport shows all the positive benefits it can bring, especially after two challenging years that community sporting clubs have faced through the Covid pandemic. “There is a real sense of optimism at preseason training for 2022. “Everyone from the committee, coaches, players, support staff, life members, sponsors, supporters and volunteers are all gearing up for a successful season. “Everyone has a key role to play in the club’s success and I am very happy to have the team of new committee on board.” The cornerstone of success in 2022 is demonstrated by the experienced committee on board, together with the exceptional coaching team headed by knowledgeable and experienced senior coach Ash Green. Green’s leadership, commitment and passion for Pakenham is unquestionable. Speak to the coaching team of Green (Seniors) Shane Easton (Reserves), Salv Mileto (U19s) and Rick Stalker (Womens) for just a few minutes and the respect, passion and admiration they have for Pakenham and its players is truly evident. The committee and coaching teams have been working diligently together in the off season in preparation for pre-season for the Outer East Football Netball League. Football Operations Manager and Vice President, Aaron Green, described the buzz around the club as electric. “The club has worked hard in the off season on our recruitment, and retaining players, and seeing past players return and seeking new

www.pakenhamjfc.com.au

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Remains are confirmed

Remains of Drouin man Russell Hill have also been identified.

Remains found near Dargo have been confirmed to belong to Carol Clay.

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River Creek Track in the Wonnangatta Valley on 21 March. In November 2021, police released images of a blue four-wheel-drive - believed to be a mid-to-late-1990s model Nissan Patrol - taken by a safety camera in the area at the time Russell and Carol went missing. Police are still searching for a rusty silver/ blue 7x5 trailer with off road wheels that was attached to the Nissan Patrol, which is believed to have been sold on Gumtree between March to July last year.

Dir ty on dining

By Gabriella Payne

Pop-up dining spaces sprang up throughout the city last year as Covid safe practices restaurants and forced cafes to turn to the streets for space, and after a successful summer initiative is set to run, the be months - a decisionextended over the coming that has left some munity members comvery unhappy. The pop-up outdoor dining program originally developed was as a way for businesses to adapt to the ever-changing Covid ronment and saw temporary platformsenviseating areas quite and literally “pop up” Cardinia, with seating around spaces in many areas, taking over car parking including in Pakenham’s Main Street. Whilst many people are enjoying making use of the new al fresco spaces, longtime enham local and Pakactive community Jack Mitchell said member that the lack of cleanliness and maintenance of the Main Street was “an absolute disgrace” and neededspaces addressed by the to be council. “I travel all over the state and I have seen a main street never in as bad a shape Street, Pakenham,” as Main Mr Mitchell said. “It’s just dreadful, everywhere, there’s there are cigarette butts bird and the street pavementspoo all over the place Outdoor dining spaces are falling apart. are proving quite “Why anybody divisive along Pakenham’s would want to Main Street now go to the Main Street. is beyond me,” Mr Mitchell said. Picture: CARDINIA The other, less glamorous SHIRE COUNCIL view of the Main Street outdoor dining Mr Mitchell has be going anywhere lived in the area area. anytime soon, as since 2004 dinia Shire and said he has the Carraised Picture: JACK MITCHELL dinia Shire Council this issue with the Car- sions of Council are now calling for expres- dining spaces had proved popular interest for businesses mer and helped over many times, but avail. to support businesses sum- the shops - but it’s to no new, free “parklets” to apply mainly the dirtiness after a the problem,” - hoping to see more for difficult year. that’s “They told me porary outdoor he said. temthat they’ve got seating areas spring “Outdoor dining but it’s just getting big plans, Cardinia. “We have this big, certainly brought up across the worse,” he said. low-hanging tree a buzz to and streets of the shire outside all these parrots following a tough “Taking away the Cardinia Mayor keep coming along year. It’s great to see parking out the Brett Owen said making a mess. of the shops for and the community front a successful summer that after Cardinia some embrace venues and show trial of the parklets, unbelievable - most outdoor seating is just council Yesterday the council them some much the needed love,” were excited of the seats can’t came because she said. used.” complained to even be ing areas installed to see more outdoor dinwe them and they But the owner and throughout the area. said ‘yes, it’s very dirty’, but Mr Mitchell said “We trialled the they told us that Kebabs, Sam Bayraktar operator of Pakenham clean that the council parklet concept we should sending “someone should be mer in it up.” told over Star News that he sum- and other business Pakenham and we’re down there to clean as the council are owners on Main now on the look- that it up” out for new Mr Bayraktar said Street felt “accountable” for the restaurants, cafes that the area had the spaces are worthwhile ensuring the shire ly become “a dumping recentand bars across saster outdoor seating areas had been that would love to “a difor us”. ground” for people and usable if they are going to be taking leave rubbish and host a parklet from to March onwards,” Cr Owen unwanted junk as up car parking spots. “It’s a total mess,” said. that he didn’t have well, and Mr Bayraktar said. However, the pop-up Councillor Tammy the resources or “We can’t even use dining spaces won’t to be cleaning up the time the seating, it’s so highly of the concept, Radford also spoke less. the “ridiculous” point- side. mess outstating that the al fresco First of all we lost “It’s become more our car parks in of a dumping ground front of and an eyesore than something nice,” he said.

“About Children, Being Children”

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Forensic tests have finally confirmed that human remains found near Dargo in November last year are those of missing campers Carol Clay and Russell Hill. A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed that forensic testing on the were now complete. “The Coroner has advised Victoria Police that the remains are that of Russell Hill and Carol Clay. As the matter is before the court, we will not be providing any further comment,” they said in a statement. Victoria Police announced on Tuesday 23 November that a man had been arrested in relation to the disappearance of Pakenham’s Carol Clay and her camping partner Russell Hill, of Drouin. The man was later identified in court as 55-year-old airline pilot Greg Lynn, who was charged with two counts murder. Finally, the families of the missing pair were given some answers to their loved one’s fate. In November, Victoria Police’s Missing Persons Squad Inspector Andrew Stamper was heading up the search for their remains, with assistance from Missing Person Squad detectives and specialist resources including Search and Rescue and Major Crime Scene Unit. Carol, 73, and Russell, 74, were last heard from on 20 March 2020 when they were camping in the Wonnangatta Valley. Russell left his Drouin home on 19 March, collected Carol from her home in Pakenham in his white Toyota Landcruiser, and then travelled via Licola spending one night at Howitt High Plains before heading into Wonnangatta Valley on 20 March. Russell was last heard from on 20 March via HF radio stating he was at Wonnangatta Valley in the Victorian Alps when he made the call. Campers found Russell’s vehicle with signs of minor fire damage at their campsite, which was completely destroyed by fire, near Dry

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STAR NEWS 17

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Patrick Smith with the new garden he helped design and build. 265902

The Leonie King STEM Centre was opened by business manager Bromwyn Minihan, left, former principal Leonie King and current principal Liz Davies. 265902

Crispian Deacon holding the school history book that he wrote and compiled. 265902

School principal Liz Davey with a picture found in the school archives, believed to be the schools first female principal. Pictures: ROB CAREW

Primary school’s century By Jamie Salter It was a momentous day for Hampton Park Primary School as it celebrated its 100th anniversary over the weekend. The sun was shining as school tours were led throughout the day, showcasing the campus amenities and the secrets to its ongoing prosperity. School principal Liz Davey said the event was an “outstanding success“. “We were really pleased with the diversity of people who came - we had a good representation of people who have attended the school over the years,“ Ms Davey said. “People who attended in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s caught up and I know some of them had

dinner afterwards, which shows this provided that community event to continue that linkage. “This was our launch event and we’re going to hold more, smaller events for the students throughout the year.“ The Leonie King STEM Centre was officially named and opened by Leonie King herself, who was instrumental in its development. The school’s centenary garden was also officially opened with plants found in the four corners of the garden representing native Australia, Pacific Isles and New Zealand, Middle Asia and East Asia. The four quadrants of the garden were named after staff members who have had a significant impact on the school; Bromwyn Minihan Mews, Denise Morris Motorway, Lyn Perry

Place, and Michael Long Lane. In the centre of the garden is the same Peppercorn tree that was planted 100 years ago. Once visitors worked up an appetite following the tours, they enjoyed a barbecue as well as scones and tea on campus. And it wouldn’t be a birthday celebration without cake - an official cake cutting ceremony was held at 2pm as guests sang Happy Birthday. Musician Fred Hess, former principal from Harkaway Primary School, added to the ambience as he played music from across the decades. Another highlight of the event was the launch of the Student Voices book which had author Crispian Deacon meet with people who have been involved with the school since

the very beginning. The book is broken up into each decade and depicts what happened around that time and the memories of those who attended the school. “The idea was to bring together the whole community, it was for anybody who had a connection along the way,“ Ms Davey said. Copies of the book were available to purchase on the day and those who would still like to buy a copy can get in contact with the school. People also still have the chance to sign the guest book which will be buried in a time capsule. The 100th anniversary celebration was held on Saturday 12 February from 11am to 3pm.

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Elective surgery back on Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley has announced that all elective surgery across public and private hospitals can resume by the end of the month, as Covid-19 case numbers due to the Omicron stabilise. From Monday 21 February public hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne will be able to perform Category two surgery, while the Minister will also consider further changes to allow all surgery to resume from 28 February, subject to supporting streaming sites, with a focus on treating Category one and Category two patients within clinically recommended time. The rolling seven-day average of Covid-19 hospitalisations is 457 patients, decreasing from a peak of more than 1,200 patients in mid-January 2022. The number of staff unavailable due to Covid-19 has dropped by around two-thirds, currently at around 1,400 people.

All elective surgery can resume by the end of the month in Victoria. 268970 Picture: UNSPLASH Mr Foley has signed off on a plan that balances the health system response and workforce pressures with ensuring Victorians can ac-

cess important surgery they’ve been waiting for. “With hospitalisations steadily declining and staff availability improving, we’re in a strong position to remove the remaining restrictions and ensure delayed appointments can be rescheduled as quickly as possible,” Mr Foley said. “Our entire healthcare workforce has done an incredible job getting us through the Omicron wave. Our approach needs to be cautious and steady to ensure they’re able to cope without being further affected by fatigue and furloughs.” “We understand that this has been a difficult time for many people waiting for surgery and we thank them for their patience while we managed the peak of the Omicron variant.” Each hospital will individually assess their own capacity based on staff availability and

Covid-19 demands, with 44 hospitals still operating as Covid-19 streaming hospitals. Private hospitals will also be able to increase their elective surgery activity as long as they can continue to provide support for public hospitals. From Monday, 21 February, private hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne can undertake up to 75 per cent of any elective surgery activity, increasing from 50 per cent. Minister Foley will then consider increasing this on Monday, 28 February to up to 100 per cent. In regional Victoria, the cap for private hospitals will increase from the current 75 per cent to up to 100 per cent on Monday, 21 February, while regional public hospitals continue to deliver any elective surgery based on their individual capacity.

Drug raid: Beakers at the ready in Beaconsfield A former painter and decorator has pleaded guilty to being equipped for an ‘ice’ clan lab in his Beaconsfield home nearly three years ago. Kristian Joel Tyers, 46, now living in Officer, was spared jail at the County Court of Victoria on 9 February for possessing materials and equipment for drug trafficking. Police raided his home at dawn on 5 March 2019. They seized 40 items, including an array of scientific beakers, other glassware and labware such as air-purifying respirator, heaters, retort stands and foam beads that were allegedly for cooking meth. More than 120 grams of a meth-contain-

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Abrehart Transport is looking for a semi driver, Cranbourne to City. Regular work and hours. Good pay and conditions. Small, friendly, professional, company. Must be reliable and able to work unsupervised (after training). Immediate start available. Apply to Gary Abrehart: 0419 371 131 or Jackie Abrehart: 0437 440 004 or

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sidered “good”. His early guilty plea, court delays due to Covid and lack of offending while on bail for three years were noted in his favour. His relevant past drug offences, including cannabis growing, dated more than 10 years. Tyers, who was in cancer remission, intended to seek help for his drug addiction and to restart his business. He had never had the opportunity to reform on a CCO, the judge noted. Tyers was sentenced to a two-year supervised CCO combining punishment and treatment. It included 250 hours of unpaid work as well as drug and mental health therapy.

anagiotidis said. He did admit that he had been “in the (drugs) game” for years, and using drugs to self-soothe his stress, depression and anxiety. Prosecution submitted for a jail term followed by a community corrections order (CCO), Tyers’ lawyer argued for a CCO only. Judge Karapanagiotidis said the offence was “serious” but it was unusual for police to seize such low quantities during such a drug raid. The sentence should also generally deter others. Manufacturing and distributing drugs such as meth caused great harm to the community, Judge Karapanagiotidis said. Tyers’ rehabilitation prospects were con-

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Production/Farm/ Logistics Support Fresh Leaf is a herb farm growing everything from Basil to Lemongrass, and everything in between. We currently have a number of positions open across our farm. Based in Clyde, we are looking for part time or casual staff, with rates starting at $20.33 for part time or $25.41 for casual. If you are interested please feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation. Email HR@Freshleaf.com.au

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ing mixture was seized in a condenser, bags and containers. Much of it was of low purity, suggesting it was “cut” rather than “cooked”, judge Nola Karapanagiotidis noted. Also seized was up to 520 grams of substances, including iodine - potentially used as a pre-cursor for meth-making. However, other key chemicals required to create ‘ice’ were not found in the house. Two ninja sai daggers – which Tyers argued were “ornamental” only - were also found in a walk-in wardrobe. In a police interview, the then-unemployed Tyers denied making drugs but wasn’t “entirely upfront and “frank”, Judge Karap-

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SPORT

Scott’s in the wars By David Nagel Pakenham trainers put their ‘home-track’ advantage to good use last week with locals winning half of the eight-race card on a stunning Thursday night of racing at Tynong. The usual suspects were there, with gun trainer Phillip Stokes preparing a double, but it was two of the more unsung heroes of the Pakenham training ranks that got the night off to a flyer. Mick Huglin’s promising three-year-old gelding Silly Salmon took care of business in the opening race on the program, proving too strong under the urgings of Brett Prebble to take out the $35,000 Three-Year-Old Maiden Plate (1200m). Huglin then handed over the reins to Colin Scott, a former Pakenham local who has spread his wings over the journey before settling back into the familiar surroundings of the Pakenham Racing Club. It was almost a decade ago when Scott was taken on his most exciting journey in racing, when his talented gelding Speediness won over $1million in prizemoney…taking on the best of the best in Melbourne and Sydney racing. Speediness won in both Group-3 and Listed company, but his quality was mostly defined in defeat, with multiple placings in Group-1 company including the Emirates Stakes, Toorak Handicap and George Ryder Stakes. Scott and Speediness were the talk of the town at the time, emerging from the Pakenham Racing Club’s former training facility on Racecourse Road to mix it with the biggest stables in the country. And while not in Speediness’s class, Scott may have found a new current star of the stable after his four-year-old gelding Denim Wars took out race two on the card, the $35,000 Four-Year-Old and Up Maiden Plate (1200m). Denim Wars was formerly trained in Western Australia, at Ascot, by Daniel Morton, but was shipped across the Nullarbor after running last at Northam in early September last year. That disappointing effort was his sixth career start. Thursday night’s win was achieved at his seventh race start – and his first for the Scott yard. The returning Pakenham local said it was great to see the son of War Chant/Calico Blue begin his career at the stable with a bang. “It was, really, really pleasing, he’s quite a gross sort of a horse, when we got him, he was still a bull, we gelded him and he’s quite thick winded, so he’s quite a hard horse to get a gauge on where he’s at, fitness wise,” Scott said post-race.

Christopher Temby came from fourteenth to win the Front Row Challenge for Wingless Sprints. 268897 Picture: GEOFF ROUNDS

Jockey Luke Nolen completes a classic ride by steering the Colin Scott-trained Denim Wars to Pictures: ROSS HOLBURT/RACING PHOTOS victory on his home track at Pakenham. 268379

Pakenham trainer Colin Scott was a happy man after the impressive win of Denim Wars. 268379 “But he had a quiet little jump out on the poly track, and then a jump out a week later where Vlad Duric rode him and he jumped out really well. “He settled out the back and Vlad was really impressed him. “He said he feels big but he pulled up really well.” Duric’s glowing report saw Scott enter for Thursday’s night race…but Denim Wars initially missed the field after being named an emergency. “We put him in this race with the intention

of just having a look, he ended up getting a run and we chanced our hand,” Scott said. “Luke Nolen rode him an absolute treat, he rode him for luck, he had to get back because we were a little bit of a query with his fitness, but I think he’s a nice horse. “I think he will get a trip…I think the horse goes okay…I think he’s a nice horse in the making. “He’s coming off a bleed, been gelded, we’re looking after him with his bleeding issues, he’s done a great job this horse.” Scott also had further praise for Nolen. “He’s a great rider, he’s been a great rider for many a year, and I’ve had a lot of luck with him here at Pakenham…I thank him as well.” Nolen rode a classic race, settling back in the second half of the field and riding for luck, not drifting any further than two horses wide for the entire trip to collar the leader – Harmsworth - in the shadows of the post. Nolen believes Denim Wars will be even better for the outing. “He had a nice run into the race, but then he got to them and probably peaked just a little bit late, so he’s open to further improvement which is really encouraging signs,” Nolen said. “I think Col has got his hands on a nice improving horse, and placed to advantage the team are going to have a lot of fun.”

Pink Ladies Day to hold extra significance By David Nagel One of the great social events on the local sporting calendar – Pakenham Cricket Club’s (PCC) Pink Ladies Day – will hold extra significance on Saturday with the PCC honouring two remarkable women and survivors of breast cancer. Now in its eighth year, the PCC Pink Ladies Day has raised almost $50,000 for the McGrath Foundation – an organisation that is dedicated to its mission of ensuring that a McGrath Breast Care Nurse is available to anyone experiencing breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support. Two women who have experienced the challenging journey, Annie Porter and Andrea Berkhout, will be honoured on Saturday. Pakenham and Tooradin will be playing for the Annie Porter Shield, while the Player of the Match will receive the Andrea Berkhout Award. Pakenham president Phil Anning said it was a fitting tribute to two women that have been a massive inspiration throughout the community “Annie and Andrea have inspired many people, not just within the Pakenham Cricket Club, but all around the community with their positive attitude and true fighting spirit,” Anning said. 22 STAR NEWS

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Pink Ladies Day at Pakenham…a great social event on the local sporting calendar. 164857 “Through adversity they have provided inspiration to us all and it is fitting that they are being recognised by having these awards named after them.” The PCC is expecting a bumper crowd of 170 people to attend on Saturday, with an ambition to raise $7500 at this year’s event. Guest speaker this year will be breast cancer survivor Amanda Sidebottom, while McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director, Tracey Bevan, will also attend and speak on the day. An afternoon tea will be provided, while the

Thursday, 17 February, 2022

popular refreshment ‘Phil’s Pink Drinks’ are also available at $5 each. Those attending are encouraged to embrace the Pretty Pink Pig Raffle, with a first prize of $500 and nine other prizes to be won. Further raffles will be run, with tickets $2 each or three for $5…with the now famous pink shovels part of the prize pool. “It’s an event we are very proud of and we look forward to another wonderful day in support of the McGrath Foundation,” Anning said.

Temby trip ends in triumph The trip to the Simpson Speedway – 50 clicks past Colac – has paid off handsomely for Narre Warren racer Christopher Temby. Temby would come out on top in one of the majors on the program, the 15th running of the Front Row Challenge for Wingless Sprints. This unique race offers the top pointscorer the chance to grab more money if they choose to take the Challenge and revert the top six drivers towards the back of the field. Temby would start from 14th on the grid, with multiple Challenge winner Luke Weel next to him for the 25-lap feature. Both had to work hard to overcome early race leader Mick Rigby, which Temby did with 17-laps to go. The final 15 laps would see the top six remain how they had been for most of the race with Temby coming home first from Weel, Rigby, Chris Halesworth, Jake Dooley, and Sam Wren. Temby said he was nervous and reluctant to try his luck from back in the pack. “I was really hesitant about taking the Challenge to be honest,” Temby said. “Having Luke (Weel) and Harry (Ross) around me was a bit daunting. “I knew if I just drove the way I had been during the night I’d be ok in the feature.” Dane Court of Hamilton proved too good with a hard-fought victory in the annual Trevor Podger Memorial for Super Rods at Heytesbury Stockfeeds Simpson Speedway presented by Colac Wreckers on Saturday night. From pole position, Court held the lead for the entire 25-lap journey and added his name to the honour board after the 45th running of the prestigious race defeating previous winners Jamie May and Shaun Walsh. The Speedcars final, which was the third round of the Dutton Garage Southern Speedcar Tour, also doubled as their annual Skip’s Race which honours Braeden ‘Skip’ Palmer, a former Victorian Speedcar driver and it was won in brilliant fashion by Nick Parker. He revelled at the Simpson venue and showed solid car speed to grab the lead late in the 20-lap A-Main and stormed to victory ahead of Travis Mills, Mitch Whiting and Caleb Mills. In the VSC Unlimited Sedans a field of 13 showed the brute force of eightcylinder racing and it was John Young winning their 15- lap final from Lennie Bonnici, Peter Cox and Danny Smith filled fourth. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Lions’ roar getting louder By David Nagel Pakenham (2/160) has washed away any lingering doubt that it is a legitimate title contender in the WGCA Premier Division with a thorough and ruthless eight-wicket victory over ladder leaders Kooweerup (159) on Saturday. The Lions rubbed away the stains from their early season performances and now need to only fine tune and polish their machine in a tough run home to this year’s finals series. But whatever happens over the next three weeks - against Tooradin, Cardinia and Merinda Park - the Lions are now a proven commodity after taking their first top-three scalp for the season. Their bowling attack was steady as a rock, causing the usually unflappable Demons to make some untidy errors towards the latter overs of their innings. Opener Rob Elston (42), skipper Dale Tormey (55 not out) and the rejuvenated Zac Chaplin (54 not out) then batted with a great mix of flair and responsibility to guide the Lions home with 13 balls and eight wickets in hand. After winning the toss and batting, Kooweerup had the better of the early exchanges. Paul Bright (20) and Luke McMaster (28) put on a 48-run stand before both fell quickly to the accurate medium pacers of Tom Brennan (2/23). Mitch Davey (7) came and went cheaply, adding to the Lions’ fightback, before last week’s saviours - Chris Bright (51) and Chris O’Hara (21) - combined for a 59-run stand. The Demons looked dangerous, but at no stage did they really threaten to blow this game apart. O’Hara sensed the urgency of trying to lift the tempo and trapped himself in front against the nagging seamers of Tormey (3/29). The Lions’ skipper bowled full and straight, with the wickets of O’Hara, Chris Bright – who appeared to twinge a calf - and John Bright (0) proving just rewards for his efforts. The Demons’ finish…well it looked ungainly and certainly not executed with the clinical

Pakenham players admire the work of Marcus Martini on Saturday. 267964

Pakenham star Rob Elston played some beautiful shots on his way to 42 against the Demons. 267964 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS precision that you would expect from a premiership favourite. Stumpings, run outs and stumps being disturbed by the bowlers, all came via some cowcorner’ish shots or through confusion. It almost had a feel of the next man will do the job – and that’s most un-Demon-like. Spinner Matt Bright – eight overs, four maidens, 1/9 – then held the Lions early, before the class of Elston, Tormey and Chaplin steered the Lions to their most impressive victory of the season. Tormey, well he was understandably rapt with the performance. “Any time you knock off the top team you’re going to be happy, but the way we did it was really good,” Tormey explained.

“We’re in a good space, we’re enjoying what we’re doing and we know when we play our brand of cricket it’s good enough to compete with any team in the competition.” The Lions will this week take on Tooradin (7/200) – who was led brilliantly to victory by its skipper Cal O’Hare (111) over Merinda Park (166) on Saturday. The six-time club champion - and premiership player - held the Seagulls’ innings together with a masterfully-crafted innings, which included nine fours. Manu Goraya (42), Thuduwage Kumara (36) and Dan McCalman (32) then threatened the Seagulls total, before the extreme pace of Brad Butler (5/37) ripped the heart from the Cobras hopes.

Snipers start the season off with a bang By David Nagel

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SOUTH WEST GIPPSLAND DART LEAGUE WON LOST FOR

AGST PTS

Snipers Rebels Warriors Just Social Paky One Gembrook Mud Rats Middels

1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

3 5 5 7 8 10 10 12

0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

12 10 10 8 7 5 5 3

4 4 4 4 0 0 0 0

%

400.00 200.00 200.00 114.29 87.50 50.00 50.00 25.0

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Rebels reel By David Nagel

The finest flingers of tungsten have returned to the oche with the South West Gippsland Darts League back up and running for 2022. The Snipers had the radar dialled in, giving the slow-starting Middels a 12-3 thumping on night one of competition. Other big winners included the Warriors over Gembrook and Rebels over Mud Rats, while the close match in the opening round of the season saw Just Social score a thrilling 8-7 win over Paky One. Competition is played on Tuesday nights with the action beginning at 7.30pm and taking place at the following home venues for each team: Cardinia Club – Paky One, Warriors, Gembrook, Snipers and Mud Rats. Kooweerup Hotel – Just Social. Middels Restaurant – Middels. Warragul Railway Hotel – Rebels. ROUND-1 RESULTS - SWGDL Just Social 8 def Paky One 7. Warriors 10 def Gembrook 5. Snipers 12 def Middels 3. Rebels 10 def Mud Rats 5. NEXT TWO ROUNDS Round 2 - February 15 Gembrook v Paky One, Just Social v Warriors, Mud Rats v Snipers, Middels v Rebels. Round 3 – February 22 Paky One v Warriors, Gembrook v Just Social, Middels v Mud Rats, Rebels v Snipers.

LADDER

And reigning-premier Cardinia (6/192) was pushed hard by the winless Carlisle Park (5/189). Anurudda Fonseka (83) and Ravi Kodithuwakku (52) were terrific for the Vikings, while Alex Nooy (61), skipper Jake Prosser (36 not out) and Leigh Patterson (34) were instrumental in guiding the Bulls home. Cranbourne Meadows forfeited its game against Clyde, with both teams receiving six points due to the newly implemented Covidrule. In District Division, Officer (89) almost defended the undefendable against Devon Meadows (9/90) with Jonty Bennie (3/15) and Aidan Pipicelli (2/15) pushing the Panthers to the limit at Starling Road. Jamie Cape (4/18) had a huge impact for the winning Panthers. And Pakenham Upper/Toomuc (8/149) has fallen short against Upper Beaconsfield (3/151). Rajitha Ranaweera (55) and Prabath Kobbekaduwa (35) batted stylishly for the Yabbies, but the Maroons were too good. Willie Haines (68) and Daniel Brennan (53) guided the home team to victory.

Darts is back for 2022 in the South West Gippsland Darts League.

WGCA Premier Division club Cranbourne Meadows is confident it will return to play this week after forfeiting its two most recent games against Tooradin and Clyde. The Rebels - already struggling for numbers in the early part of the season have been hit hard by Covid, with several players unable to play in recent weeks. Four players were ill for the match against Tooradin on 5 February, with only two of those recovering for the weekend. An additional two players contracted Covid last week, leaving the club in a similar predicament. Due to a new Covid-rule implemented by the WGCA in early January, any team that forfeits a game through Covid circumstances will share the points on offer with the opposition club. The Rebels, Tooradin and Clyde have received six points for each of the games affected. In past seasons, prior to Covid, any team that forfeits has surrended the full 12 points on offer. “We’ve done our due diligence and bringing in the new rule was not a decision that was made without consultation with the clubs,” said WGCA president Rob Hansen. “Several of our 16 clubs responded and supported the proposal, we then published the procedure on 12 January and no club responded in a negative way. “There’s a limit to our powers and we don’t have the ability to stop people from being unwell. We have to take things on face value. “The clubs involved need to nominate the names of the players impacted. “I’m not sure what else we can do.” Hansen is spoken regularly with The Rebels and is confident the club will fulfil its obligations for the remaining three rounds of the season. Thursday, 17 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 23

2023 & 24 SCHOOL TOUR Tuesday, 8th March • 9:00am Primary Years Campus • 9:45am Secondary Campus

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Rivercrest Christian College invites parents interested in enrolment, for their children in school years 2023 and 2024, to our Tours. You will hear a presentation from our Head of College, prior to a tour of our grounds. Registration essential and we look forward to seeing you there.

Rivercrest Christian College I 81 Ferdinand Drive Clyde North I www.rivercrest.vic.edu.au I 9703 9777

Hillcrest Christian College invites parents interested in enrolment, for their children in school years 2023 and 2024, to our Tours.

REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL.

You will hear a presentation from our Head of College, prior to an external tour of our grounds. Registration essential via scanning the QR code; we hope to see you there.

RSVP via scanning the QR code. 12529489-JC07-22

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Hillcrest Christian College I 500 Soldiers Rd Clyde Nth 3978 I ph. 9702 2144 I www.hillcrest.vic.edu.au 24 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 17 February, 2022

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