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Thursday, 11 August, 2022
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Campaign makes a splash
100 years of smiles for Norma Pakenham’s Norma Allen has shared her secret to a long and happy life. “The most important thing is to have is a sense of humour because if you have a sense of humour, it helps you through the hard days,” she said. Norma celebrated her 100th birthday last week, surrounded by friends and family at Pakenham Meadowvale. She even received a card of congratulations from Her Majesty the Queen. STORY PAGE 2 Norma (centre) with daughters Marlane and Beverly at a morning tea at Meadowvale Pakenham. 293500 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Fight for the seat The fight for the new seat of Pakenham is heating up, on the back of new data. Labor would have picked up the seat of Pakenham in the 2018 State election, and Bass would have changed hands, as a result of an electoral boundary redistribution, according to new data from the Victorian Electoral Commission. The data analyses how two-candidate-preferred votes would have fallen if the 2018 state election had used the electoral boundaries that will be in place for the 2022 election.
According to the data analysis released on Monday 8 August, the Labor Party would have won the new seat of Pakenham (formerly part of Gembrook) while the seat of Bass would have been lost by Labor to the Liberals. The new seat of Pakenham is being contended by Labor’s Emma Vulin and the Liberals’ David Farrelly. In 2018, the seat of Gembrook was won by the Liberal Party with a margin of 50.92 per cent, compared to the Labor Party’s 49.08 per cent.
Under the new electoral boundaries, Pakenham would have been won by Labor with 52.2 per cent against the Liberals’ 47.8 per cent. Incumbent Gembrook MP Brad Battin is running for the seat of Berwick in the upcoming election, while other parties are yet to confirm their candidates. The new district of Berwick is predicted to be held by the Liberals this year with a margin of 51.3 per cent compared to Labor at 48.7 per cent. In Bass, Labor’s Jordan Crugnale won the
seat with 52.39 per cent of the two-party preferred vote in 2018. However, with the 2022 electoral boundaries, the Liberal Party would have marginally won the seat in 2018 with 50.7 per cent of the two-party preferred vote. Ms Crugnale is stepping up for re-election in Bass, this time without the township of Pakenham in the electorate, alongside past Bass Coast mayor Brett Tessari for the National Party and past South Gippsland councillor Aaron Brown for the Liberals.
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NEWS
Joan and Norma have been very close friends for nine years. 293500
Norma celebrated her 100th birthday at a small morning tea at Pakenham Meadowvale on Tuesday 8 August. 293500
Norma makes a century By Shelby Brooks
Happy 100th birthday, Norma! 293500
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Being able to find humour through life’s ups and downs is what has helped Norma Allen through her 100 years of life. Celebrating her 100th birthday at a small morning tea at Pakenham Meadowvale on Tuesday 8 August, Norma shared her secret to a long and happy life. “The most important thing is to have is a sense of humour because if you have a sense of humour, it helps you through the hard days,” she said. “There’s always something you can have a little bit of a laugh at. “I’ve had some lovely friends over the years. When I’ve needed help, there’s been someone there to lend a helping hand. “It helped to make my life a happy one.” Norma’s birthday celebrations have lasted all week, with a big 100th birthday party on Sunday 7 August with more than 100 people in attendance, as well as a small event being held at Shanagolden on Wednesday 10 August. Norma received birthday congratulations from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Australian Governor General David Hurley and Her Majesty the Queen. Norma Allen (nee Wright) was born in Trafalgar on 9 August 1922 and lived there until she was eight years old. Her family moved to Lake Charm to a dairy share farm, where they stayed for the next 10 years. The family then came back to Trafalgar to another share farm. Norma’s father passed away when she was 20. Norma went to work as a cook at the Moe Bush Nursing Hospital. Her next employment was at a glove factory, making gloves for the Airforce and Army. On 29 September 1945, Norma married Richard Pitt, a dairy farmer, from Vervale. Her daughters, Marlane, Valerie and Bever-
ly, were born at Bunyip Bush Nursing Hospital. Norma was very active in the community, with lona State School Mother’s Club, where her daughters went to school; she held the positions of president and secretary. She was also in the Red Cross and CWA, where she held every position. The farm was sold in 1966 and the family relocated to Frankston. During this time, Norma worked at Waltons and Moores. This led to her having China painting classes and also teaching watercolour and oil painting, which she has a love of. This was done from a studio at her home. Norma’s husband passed away in 1980. Norma met Tom Allen in 1982 and were married in 1986 and moved to Karingal. They bought a block of land in Howard, Queensland, and built most of the house themselves. This was to be their winter retreat. Tom passed away in 1994. Norma then moved to Catani and had a relocatable home built on the farm where her daughter Beverly lived. After four years, Norma moved to a unit in Pakenham, where she continued her love of gardening. She remained there until a few months after her 90th birthday and in April, 2013, moved into a serviced apartment at Meadowvale Retirement Village. Norma has always been interested in the “craft” side of life, with a passion for drawings and paintings, China painting, cake decorating (with a prize in the Royal Melbourne Show) and gardening. Norma always managed to have a large garden wherever she lived, and when asked what she would like as a birthday or Mother’s Day present, when she moved to Pakenham, most times Norma would say a “working bee”. Norma’s first great great grandchild Zavier was born in December 2021; her second, Arlo, was born on 26 July 2022. A third great great grandson is due in November.
Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS
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Thursday, 11 August, 2022
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NEWS
Cannabis, ice seized
Cr Graeme Moore with daughter Emily and son in law Doug Young at the 2019 event. 192718
It’s coming back… By Jamie Salter The much-loved Yakkerboo Festival is set to return to Pakenham in 2023 - four years since the last event. The festival has been held for about 46 years, with the last event running in 2019 and then put on hold due to Covid-19 disruptions. Yakkerboo Festival Committee vice-president Michelle Thornton said the event organisers were on the hunt for some new members to join the team. “We’ve copped a few hits over the past two years; we’ve lost some committee members who have moved away and some who have life getting in the way,” she said. “Our numbers have dwindled and to run a successful festival we need manpower, so we’re looking for committee members and volunteers for the day.” At markets held by the Yakkerboo Festival Committee over the past year, Michelle has received positive feedback from community members who were looking forward to the festival’s return. “All people could say is ‘When is the festival coming back?’; people really want to see one again,” she said. A lot of planning goes on behind the scenes, with more committee members and event volunteers needed for Yakkerboo. “There’s sorting out grants, planning the parade, contacting the schools, setting up on the day and Covid-19 safety measures,” Michelle said. “In 2019, there was between 5000 and 10,000 people over the two days.“ As soon as one Yakkerboo Festival ends, planning for the next one begins. “Pakenham has grown so much and there’s a lot of new people who haven’t been to Yakerboo, so we’re keen for them to see what it’s all about – it’s just a fun family weekend and we aim to make it as cheap as possible,” Michelle said.
Two Pakenham men have been charged after two early-morning police raids seized nearly $400,000 of cannabis and ice on Wednesday 27 July. Springvale Divisional Response Unit detectives conducted the raids with the Dog Squad and Clandestine Laboratory Squad. Police said they seized about 19 kilograms of cannabis with an estimated street value of $380,000. About 30 grams of methylamphetamine worth about $6000 as well as an imitation gun, a taser, a butterfly knife and about $76,600 cash were also seized. A 51-year-old Pakenham man was charged with trafficking and possession of cannabis and methylamphetamine, cultivating a drug of dependence, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition and dealing with the proceeds of crime. A 47-year-old Pakenham man was charged with three counts of possessing a drug of dependence and possession of an unregistered firearm. Both men were bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 29 November. Detective Acting Sergeant Damian Johnston from Springvale DRU said drug traffickers would be “held to account and face the full extent of the judicial process”. “Whether contributing to road trauma, violence on the streets or driving an offender to steal from others to fund a drug dependence, police see the effects of drug use every single day.”
Demand for free $250 Kooweerup Secondary College marching in the 2019 parade. 192718 The word Yakkerboo means a place of green pastures. “Originally, a ball was held with towns in the shire nominating a princess, from whom a Yakkerboo Queen was selected, this doesn’t happen anymore, however, things that were held and are still held are the street parade and cavalcade of cars, the market and Mr Yakkerboo’s birthday and kids’ fun fair - the festival is very much family-orientated,” Michelle said. “We are looking for committee members and volunteers for the day to help keep the festival going and bring a smile to the faces of the families of Pakenham and Cardina Shire.” The 2023 Yakkerboo Festival may be arriving as soon as April. In the meantime, an Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 30 August at the Pakenham Library where the committee will discuss its progress in planning the event and potential new committee members can express their interest.
Pakenham Consolidated Primary School students in the 2019 parade. 192718
More than 8000 people in Pakenham have applied for the State Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus. Since 1 July, one million Victorians have applied for the one-off payment. All Victorian households are eligible for the $250 payment, including the nearly 400,000 concession card holders who previously claimed the payment under an earlier phase of the program. The bonus is available until 30 June 2023 and there are no caps on the number of households that can receive the once-off payment. Households can claim the $250 payment by heading to the Victorian Energy Compare website and comparing energy offers to see if they can get a better deal, or by engaging with a participating community outreach partner. User data shows that over the past 12 months, seven out of every 10 users saved an average of $330 by switching energy offers. The Victorian Energy Compare website is the only free and independent online energy price comparison service available to Victorian energy consumers. In July, the State Government announced a $205 million boost, on top of the initial $250 million committed to the program, to meet demand. Go to compare.energy.vic.gov.au
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STAR NEWS 3
THE LOWDOWN Q&A
with Balla Balla Community Centre ‘Scribe Tribe’ leader and author, Rod Grigson
Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I have travelled to over 55 countries so far in my lifetime. What do you love about what you do? There must come a time in your life that you must love what you do and for me, it has been becoming a published writer after I retired from corporate life. Writing has done more for my life than I could have ever imagined. The truth is that telling stories itself is essentially good and, in many ways, we live for story, and we live through stories. I can’t think of many jobs better than telling stories all the time. Writers offer people a glimpse into their own lives and help them live better stories. Who is the best person you’ve worked with and why? Having worked at the United Nations for many years, I have worked with and for some amazing people. Many have been women and from them, I learned teamwork, and the ability to listen well and communicate well with people. Perhaps the best of them was my first boss in New York, Mary Moors who took me, a twenty-one-year-old under her wing and taught me how to find the motivation to work hard, a trait that has helped me throughout my life. What would your last meal be? My last meal would be from my childhood, in the country where I was born. There is no better comfort food for me even today than the best possible rendition of a rice and chicken curry meal, cooked in Sri Lankan style accompanied by lots of vegetables and condiments. What is your most memorable moment? Personally, it was climbing the Great Pyramid of Giza when I was stationed in Egypt for the United Nations. Professionally, it was winning Employee of the Year and the Presidents Award for a multi-national technology company. What event past or present would you like to witness?
Rod Grigson.
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Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Opening of the gates between East and West Berlin and the demolition of the Berlin Wall. Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? Sir Winston Churchill (British statesman, soldier, and writer and my hero when growing up). Wilbur Smith (International best-selling author of 49 books and my favourite writer). JK Rowling (Author of the phenomenal bestselling Harry Potter series). The volume of sales was so high, that it has been credited with leading a revival of reading by children. She wrote the first book as a single mother, strug-
gling to make ends meet. What are you currently listening to, watching or reading? I am just about to finish watching the final season of Better Call Saul, a prequel to Breaking Bad. I am reading Cleopatra’s Heir, a book by Gillian Bradshaw, an American writer of historical novels, and I am listening to songs sung by Judith Durham in remembrance of her life as a pioneer in Australian music and perhaps the best female singer I have ever heard. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? A Sri Lankan Chicken curry with all the trimmings. I have over the years learnt to cook it very well. Where is your dream holiday destination? There are many wonderful places to have a dream holiday, but one I have not experienced yet and would love to visit is the Kingdom of Bhutan, in the eastern Himalayas, and one of the happiest countries in the world. What were you like as a kid? I was a bookworm, my love of reading nurtured by my Scottish grandfather. I played cricket and rugby but was not very good at them. What was your first job? My first job was working as a welder in a tyrerethreading company in Colombo. I was just out of school and wanted to learn a useful trade so I could use the skill to migrate to Australia. What are the three most used apps on your phone? WhatsApp (I belong to an online group of old schoolmates who still keep in touch with each other even though we live in different countries), Google Mail and Google Maps. What’s one question that you have always wanted answered? Are we alone in the universe? Will we discover life outside of Earth in my lifetime?
THREE … facts on the late Olivia NewtonJohn
1
Olivia nearly didn’t take the role of Sandy in the hit Musical Grease, fearing that she was too old (28) to play the role of a high school student, and worried that her Australian accent would detract from an American character. She was eventually convinced to take the part by her eventual co-star, John Travolta.
2
Although we claim her as an Australian, Ms Newton-John was born in Cambridge, England in 1948. She moved to Australia with her family when she was six years old.
3
Ms Newton-John held a Guinness World Record for 45 years with the shortest gap (154 days) by a female between new Number 1 albums, ‘If You Love Me Let Me Know’ and ‘Have You Never Been Mellow’.
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IN INDOOR
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SETTINGS
We can keep ourselves, our family and friends well this winter, by wearing a mask indoors and in crowded spaces.
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Thursday, 11 August, 2022
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NEWS
Campaign makes a splash By Jamie Salter The Friends of the Pakenham Outdoor Pool group has launched a campaign to put the Pakenham Outdoor Swimming Pool back on the Cardinia Shire Council’s agenda. A new Facebook page - Save the Pakenham Outdoor Swimming Pool - has been established as part of the campaign. The push comes after a long yet successful fight to reopen the local outdoor swimming pool back in 2007, after it was suddenly closed in 2001. Executive Cheryl Billings Smith said she was concerned the pool was being neglected. “Council hasn’t put any adequate resources in place for the pool and their responses to the needs of the pool are really poor,” Ms Billings Smith said. “Last summer, it was open in such an ad hoc manner that people didn’t know what was going on.” The pool was built in 1958 following the Melbourne Olympics. Ms Billings Smith said the pool was in need of upgrades, including shaded areas and improved change room facilities. “When you look at other 50-metre pools
The main building of the Pakenham Swimming Pool. 255205 that have been restored, we could do similarly,” she said. “As our community gets bigger and bigger,
having the pool open more often would be fantastic. “It’s a place where families can gather and
they can have a picnic on the grass - it’s a very social, community facility.” In October 2021, local artists were invited to submit their ideas for a new mural at the pool, with a budget of up to $20,000 allocated to the project. A Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson said the initiative was currently being finalised by council following delays. “To ensure better longevity of the eventual artwork, the fence required some upgrade work which has now been completed,” they said. “Twenty artists expressed interest in taking part in the project. “As the fence improvements have now occurred, council will get back to the artists who expressed interest in the project to further progress the application process.” Council determines the opening hours of the pool. The pool opens when the temperature reaches 26 degrees Celsius in November, December, February and March and in January, the pool opens for a guaranteed three hours every day, regardless of the weather. The pool operating hours are weekdays (school days) from 3pm to 7pm, weekends and public holidays from 1pm to 7pm and during the school holiday period from 11am to 7pm.
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Featured Show
HEART AND MUSIC With Simon Gleeson & Natalie O’Donnell
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Join international musical theatre stars Simon Gleeson (Les Misérables) and Natalie O’Donnell (Mama Mia) for an intimate night of singing and storytelling.
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SUN RISING
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Wednesday 24 August
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The Songs That Made Memphis
Enjoy Sun Rising’s critically acclaimed show which celebrates the music and stories of Sun Records (Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Howlin' Wolf & BB King).
VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS
THE NUTCRACKER
Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
Victorian State Ballet
Friday 2 September The Four Seasons is one of the most exciting, colourful and innovative works from the Baroque era. Be captivated by the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and their world-class artistry.
Wednesday 21 September The Nutcracker Ballet is a time-less, world famous traditional classical ballet. Adventurous, exciting, enchanting and simply a pure delight.
Tickets on sale now 1300 887 624 | www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au 12560958-HC32-22
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Thursday, 11 August, 2022
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STAR NEWS 5
OPINION SOCIALLY SPEAKING
LENSCAPE
The City of Casey has made the unpopular decision to no longer host the Cranbourne GP Run. Our readers voiced their displeasure on Facebook. Shelby Brooks: Disappointing! It’s the one big event Cranbourne has each year. Laura Coomber: That’s disgraceful City of Casey. Oskar T Grouch: Well that’s disappointing. One of the only whole community events that doesn’t call upon race, religion, sexuality or gambling to allow participation. C’mon Casey Council, keep it going. Matty Jones: The biggest thing that has come to Cranbourne since McDonald’s. Parents in Narre Warren North are pleading with Casey Council to fix an “unsafe” zebra crossing near Narre Warren North Primary School. Tania Beach: I’ve held my breath many times watching kids cross this road. So many near misses. Imagine the devastation if there’s an accident with a child. How will council respond then?
A CHORUS LINE
BROADWAY'S SINGULAR SENSATION
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Thumbs down City of Casey for the lack of sense in leaving a 100-metre gap in the intersection upgrade from Plymouth Boulevard past Hardys Rd in Clyde North.
Thumbs up To the removal of the “picnic area” in the Main Street reserve in Berwick. What an eyesore!
Thumbs down To the dog tied-up outside the supermarket that backed away from me when I tried to pat it.
Attention all VCAL and VET Students and Parents
Call Cher Spratt on 0428 335 555 Hopeworks Community Solutions Ltd – a youth training and community organisation www.Hopeworks.com.au
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Thumbs down To buses not leaving Pakenham on time and not meeting each train at Berwick Railway Station for a return home.
Thumbs down To the City of Casey for cancelling the Moto GP Run. This has always been attended by many people and bought lots of people into Cranbourne. Instead of working with the businesses in High street who close, they cancel. Poor form.
Thumbs up To cheap avocados.
Thumbs down To the school run mums and dads using Bemersyde Drive in Berwick; plus anyone else who uses this road, remember this is a residential street with your kids out and about. PLEASE SLOW DOWN. Bemersyde Drive is not a race track for you to try and beat the O’Shea Road congestion.
Students supply socks for change By Eleanor Wilson
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
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To all the parkrun event organisers in the City of Casey who rock up every Saturday regardless of the weather to bring our community together.
NEWS
12562269-AV32-22
Youth trainee vacancies are now open for our 2022 MID-YEAR intake and our 2023 FULL YEAR year intake in Warehousing/Logistics, Hospitality and Food/Catering Operations. These are part-time PAID positions available to school students in year 10, 11 and 12 only. Spaces are limited. Book your interview now.
Thumbs up
Thursday, 11 August, 2022
Teachers and students at Narre Warren South P-12 College added an extra layer to their school pyjama day on Monday 25 July, collecting socks for Melbourne charity 2 Pairs each. While students paraded around the school in colourful Oodies or their favourite pair of pjs, they also brought a pair of new socks to donate to homeless Victorians. The school collected 629 pairs of socks from students, while an additional 400 pairs were donated by undergarment brand Underworks. “It was an amazing effort collecting over 1000 pairs of socks in total,” said teacher Vicky Kanteres. “It was a really great day and everyone had so much fun.” 2 Pairs Each provides socks and hot meals to homeless people throughout Victoria, in a bid to stop the spread of frostbite and nasty skin infections. The charity was started by Victorian local Joshua Berry, who was just nine-years-old at the time the initiative was established. Student Zoe came up with the idea to rally support for the charity at school by asking students to donate socks at the pyjama day, Ms Kanteres said.
Students embraced pyjama day. Front, from left, Baith, Kolia, Zoe (organiser), Ava, Tyler. Behind Picture: ROB CAREW from left, Samir, Ysabella, Ngahuia. 290734 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Nationals candidate for Bass Brett Tessari with Cardinia General Store proprietor Isaac, who raised concerns about poor mobile coverage. 291602
Plea for fix Residents of Bass will continue to suffer from poor mobile phone coverage as the Victorian Government chooses to subsidise commercially viable mobile phone towers in Melbourne, according to the Nationals candidate for Bass, Brett Tessari. Mr Tessari said Labor has allocated much of its $300 million Connecting Victoria mobile service program to city areas when people in Bass were still crying out for decent mobile phone coverage. “It is just astounding that the Labor Party thinks that we need to subsidise mobile phone coverage in places like Werribee and Point Cook, when parts of Bass still have no service,” Mr Tessari said. “Just this week I was in Cardinia, just a few kilometres from Pakenham, where locals told me of the frustration of poor mobile service and my own calls were dropping out. “Isaac, who runs the general store, said it was a constant frustration and he’d resorted to installing satellite wifi in the store to ensure he could conduct EFTPOS transactions. “Labor is subsidising growth areas of Melbourne’s west and to add insult to injury, this
taxpayer subsidy is aimed at increasing the provision of 5G services when many parts of Bass don’t even have a signal.” Mr Tessari said the government’s Connecting Victoria tender documents indicate a significant bias towards city areas that should be highly commercial for private companies to invest in. “Taxpayer funds should be saved for those areas of country Victoria that don’t attract commercial attention,” Mr Tessari said. “The government has tender documents that indicate precincts of strategic importance to it, and these include places like Richmond, Brunswick and East Melbourne. “This is a scandalous waste of taxpayers’ money when the real need is in places like Cardinia and other parts of Bass such as Inverloch and Wonthaggi South. Mr Tessari said The Nationals’ 25 per cent Regional Infrastructure Guarantee would ensure taxpayer dollars were spent fairly across regional areas and Melbourne. “The mobile phone spending is a slap in the face for those Bass residents that can’t pick up a signal at all,” he said.
VEC calls for casual staff
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is committed to having its election workforce reflect the diversity of the Victorian community. People are particularly encouraged to apply if they: Speak multiple languages including English. Are from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities. Have a disability Don’t have secure housing. Are aged between 18 and 30. Election staff develop skills in administration, customer service, and teamwork and enjoy a unique working experience. People interested in working at the election can learn more at vec.vic.gov.au/workwith-us/work-at-elections
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The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is looking for casual staff for the 2022 Victorian State election. Election casuals don’t need any prior experience, with full training provided. Voting centres and early voting centres will be located across the state and people are encouraged to apply for election work anywhere in Victoria. “Working at the election is a fantastic way to contribute to democracy in Victoria,” Deputy Electoral Commissioner, Dana Fleming, said. “As long as you are over 18 and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a current work visa, you could work with us for one day or up to four weeks in a variety of roles.” The VEC welcomes all applications and
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Thursday, 11 August, 2022
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STAR NEWS 7
ENTERTAINMENT
The chorus line of performers from CPAC Musical Theatre, based in Cardinia.
Pictures: SUPPLIED
Line up for a classic show By Shelby Brooks A Cardinia-based theatre group is bringing one singular sensation to Cranbourne this month. Featuring iconic top hats, the classic musical A Chorus Line is set to wow audiences at the Cranbourne Community Theatre from Saturday 20 August. CPAC Musical Theatre performers have been working hard on the show since 2021, after it was postponed just two weeks before opening night due to Covid-19 lockdowns. The musical, first debuting on Broadway in 1975, features dancers during a Broadway audition who describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. The show is a reflection of what it is like to be a dancer and the trials and tribulations of a career in the arts, featuring beloved songs like I Can Do That, What I Did for Love and One. Co-director, choreographer and costume designer Scott Hili said the show was a favourite among theatre lovers because it was created from real life interviews of Broadway performers in the ‘70s. “The history of the show is quite universal,
Rehearsals are underway for the production, set to open 20 August. the feelings, thoughts and emotions resonate with the cast members and dancers we’ve got,” Scott said. “It really is quite a genius concept for the
Stephanie Haigh rehearses her part as Val Clarke in A Chorus Line.
time.” A Chorus Line is CPAC Musical Theatre’s second production of its 20th anniversary year and features new and returning CPAC performers.
Performance dates are 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 August and 2 and 3 September. Tickets are now on sale at trybooking.com/ BSKJK
WHAT’S ON A Chorus Line CPAC presents one of Broadway’s longest running musicals about dancers vying for a spot in the chorus of a Broadway show. A Chorus Line portrays a reflection of what it is like to be a dancer and the trials and tribulations of a career in the arts. At Cranbourne Community Theatre 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 August and 2, 3 September. Tickets at trybooking.com/BSKJK
Berwick Open Day is your opportunity to explore the campus and have all your questions about studying with Federation answered. The university’s academic and professional staff will be available to provide guidance on your study and career goals. You will receive personalised advice on Federation University pathways, undergraduate and postgraduate study options, scholarships and support services. You will also meet with current students and members of the #FedUni community to hear first-hand what it is like to be a part of Federation. Please register via the ticket-
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Sing Spring Concert Casey Choir will be back in concert for the first time since 2018. The group is hosting its annual Sing into Spring Concert later this month. The choir has around 40 members and are renowned for their harmonies. The concert will have something for everyone, from pop to musical theatre to spirituals. Sunday 28 August 2pm at the Cardinia Cultural Centre Function Room, 40 Lakeside Blv. Pakenham. Tickets at trybooking.com/CBGTS and also at the door. Mark your calendar and we will see you there.
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Cardinia Shire Farmers Evening Are you a primary producer or commercial farmer based in Cardinia Shire? Grab the family and join us for a free evening event at the Pakenham Racing Club! We’ll be joined by keynote speaker former Australian cricketer, VFL player, cancer survivor and racing commentator Simon O’Donnell. The social evening will acknowledge the incredible work of our local primary producers, their families and staff. Commercial producers are encouraged to bring a sample of their nonperishable produce to display on the night. The event will be held at the Pakenham Racing Club in Tynong on Wednesday 10 August from 7pm. 8 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 11 August, 2022
Pakenham Psychic and Wellbeing Expo
Federation University Berwick Campus Open Day
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Victoria’s largest and longest running Psychic Expo will be at Pakenham on Sunday 14 August at the Pakenham Library and Community Hall corner of John and Henry Streets - from 10am to 5pm. Come and enjoy an inspiring and relaxing day with stall holders offering a range of services and products to indulge your senses. Free workshops throughout the day including mediumship demonstrations. No need to book tickets, simply pay at the door on the day. Entry $5 adults. Kids under 12 free.
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Women’s Friendship Cafe
Federation University Berwick Campus Open Day is taking place on Sunday 14 August. 270899 ing link - events.federation. edu.au/event/registration Sunday 14 August, 10am
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Tickets are free but bookings are essential at trybooking.com/CAPLK
Yoga and pilates at Lakeside Visitor Centre Set in the lush surrounds of Emerald Lake precinct, the new Lakeside Visitor Centre is the perfect place to unwind and invest in your wellbeing. Make a Saturday morning stretch at Puffing Billy your new weekly habit! Mat-based pilates and yoga classes are led by
- 2pm at Federation University, Berwick Campus. 100 Clyde Rd, Berwick
professional instructors from Emerald Pilates and are suitable for a range of fitness levels, including beginners. Pair your class with a delicious breakfast for $35. Curated by our Head Chef, our breakfasts showcase seasonal produce from the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. The pre-booked package includes one 50-minute class and your choice of cooked breakfast and tea/coffee selected from the Railway Cafe menu. To book, head to puffingbilly.com.au
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WFC provides a safe, welcoming environment where all women can relax, make friends and contacts, share experiences, learn new ideas and skills, and find pathways to connect to services and opportunities. Social setting with a ready welcome. Each Thursday 9.30am to 12pm at 6B Henry Street, Pakenham.
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Music Trivia night Casey-Cardinia Rotaract Club is proud to be hosting a Music Trivia Night on Saturday 3 September to raise money for End Trachoma. It’s a battle of the bands as you try to top the trivia charts so gather your bandmates and join in the fun! The venue we will be rocking out to is Beaconsfield Community Complex Hall. Doors open at 7pm so we can kick off at 7.30pm. Make sure to get your tickets for the hottest event of the year. Tickets are $20 each or $150 to reserve your own table for you and 9 of your groupies for a max of 10. For more information, please feel free to visit endtrachoma2020.org.au
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The end of an era By Cam Lucadou-Wells Husband and wife, principal and assistant principal. For nearly four decades, Cranbourne couple Kevin and Jenny Mackay have acted for the better as leaders at Dandenong North Primary School. One of them is the enduring tradition of Ms Mackay hand-making birthday cards for each of the 200 Year 1 and Year 2 students. The assistant principal started giving out the cards when she noticed some children didn’t know or celebrate their birthdays. Students now start telling her in advance it’s their birthday, and what they want on their card. “It’s a big deal. They really love it,” she says. “Everyone needs to be acknowledged at least one day a year.” Her husband and principal Kevin says it goes to how much the school’s team cares. Next term, the couple will face their own special day – their last day at the school that they have served for such an extraordinary time. Mr and Ms Mackay have been there for 39 years and 36 years respectively. All up, their teaching careers have spanned 60 years and 45 years. On 4 October, they will mark their retirement with a massive ‘general assembly’ at Dandenong High School hall. Mr Mackay OAM said it would be the first assembly since the Covid pandemic’s start. “It’s been an enormous part, where I get to teach all the kids for half an hour. We’ve missed that, so it will be good to have a last one. “It’s going to be hard to avoid tears.” In their time, the school has built an enviable reputation to bringing out the best in kids from more than 50 diverse backgrounds. Its cutting-edge programs have been documented in award-winning films. What makes the school special is its “warmth”, Ms Mackay says. The school ensures the families get what they need – whether it’s food parcels or writing to government agencies on their behalf. “And that kids know that you like them. You have staff here that care about them – they’ll ask the kids to ‘tell me more’. They go that extra mile. “I think all the Dandenong schools do a terrific job at that.” While deputy principal at Clayton Primary School in the 1980’s, Mr Mackay met a firstyear teacher Jenny. They of course later married, and were to follow each other to Dandenong North Primary School. Alarm bells rang for the newly-appointed principal Mr Mackay when his wife was appointed to join the school. Mr Mackay worried about how to handle the potential conflicts of interest and staff disharmony. “We made it work,” he said. “And thank God she was appointed here. “My job is to get the best teachers I possibly can to work with the children. Jenny is one of the best teachers I’ve met. “As the school became more complex over many years, Jenny’s experience has helped address the complexities. “From the synergies of effort you get more
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Kevin and Jenny Mackay have served Dandenong North Primary School as principal and assistant Pictures: GARY SISSONS principal for nearly four decades. 292591 bang for your buck than just two people. We’re more like two-and-a-half.” Meanwhile, Ms Mackay describes the principal as an “incredibly creative and lateral thinker” who will always look for a better way of doing things. “I’ve never seen him get angry. “He’s a very kind person. He’s always somebody who puts himself in someone else’s shoes. “He takes being a public servant very seriously. It’s strongly instilled in him that we’re here to serve, to make people’s lives easier.” The best way of resolving any ‘conflict of interest’ was being focused on what was best for the students. “You overhear staff saying the same thing – what’s the best for the kids rather than what’s in it for you. That’s been a huge change in the last 20 years at the school,” Ms Mackay says. “If everyone has that mindset then there’s no conflict.” The couple make a rule not to bring work home. On their drive to school from their Cranbourne home, they don’t talk shop until they reach a certain gum tree. On the return home, that same gum tree marks the end of school talk. “If you can’t work with your partner, what’s going on in the relationship?” Ms Mackay says. Their departure will largely coincide with the near-realisation of Mr Mackay’s long ambition to rebuild the school. After several delays, the “final piece of the puzzle” of gymnasium, music room and canteen is now under construction. “We were hoping to hold off our retirements until the hall was completed,” Mr Mackay says. “But we’ll be going in the knowledge that we’ve left the school in a really good position as a modernised and fit-for-purpose establishment. “I’m not getting any younger and the work is getting more demanding. The workload is huge and getting greater. “I’ve found myself looking at screens all day long rather than talking to students and teachers.
Kevin Mackay OAM reflects on a teaching career spanning 10 schools. 292591 “I got into school teaching to work with people not to stare at panes of glass.” Meanwhile, for assistant principal Ms Mackay, the job had become a double-edged sword. “I love the job, the work and the community – but it’s so hard, I’m so tired.” Post-retirement, Mr Mackay says the couple will finally travel in their under-used campervan. He still hopes to work as relief teacher. “We don’t stop because of a number on a calendar.” Ms Mackay says there’ll be more time for friends and family. She will still be making the birthday cards behind the scenes, allowing others to hand them out and continue the tradition. “We’re leaving the school but we’re not leaving the community.”
Federation University scraps Arts program By Eleanor Wilson Federation University will discontinue its Bachelor of Arts degree at all campuses from 2023. The university, which runs the Bachelor of Arts program at several campuses including Berwick, said “an ongoing and steady decline in student numbers” was the reason behind the decision. Federation University acting vice-chancellor Professor Wendy Cross said the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic had caused a significant decline in both domestic and international student enrolments. “Student commencements have fallen from 83 in 2018 to just 27 in 2022,” Ms Cross said. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
As a kid, he hated school
“As part of our plan to be strong and sustainable, we regularly review our programs and courses to ensure they meet student and industry needs and remain viable to operate. “Federation will continue to offer many of the courses that were part of the BA program. “We are working with three impacted employees and the union in good faith, and we will redeploy staff where possible.” The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) condemned the decision, and said Federation University failed to consult with the union, staff or students before announcing the decision. “This is a demoralising day for humanities in Victoria,” NTEU Victorian assistant secretary Sarah Roberts said in a statement.
“It is a hammer blow for students who want to live regionally and study arts. “There’s no underestimating how important arts graduates are to society. The critical thinking skills and breadth of knowledge students are equipped with make our nation stronger.” Meanwhile, NTEU Federation University branch president Mathew Abbott urged the Federal and State Governments to intervene. “Regional university staff and students deserve access to this core program, and without having to leave their communities and move to metropolitan areas,” Mr Abbott said. “We need an urgent intervention with emergency funding to save this key pillar of regional higher education.”
Ironically, the enduring Dandenong North Primary School principal Kevin Mackay OAM hated school as a kid, and “wasn’t much of a student”. “I used to think school shouldn’t have been like this,“ says the Cranbourne resident. “It’s lovely now to be able to influence how our school operates. “I often think I would have loved to have been a kid at this school (Dandenong North Primary School).” He readily admits he was a “troublemaker”. And when asked by his technical school principal Marcus Beresford what he wanted to do with his life, Mr Mackay said he wanted to be a teacher. “I was being a smart arse. I thought it was an impossibility.” Mr Beresford told him that “if you pull your head in, I’ll make sure you get into teacher’s college”. He was true to his word. It showed Mr Mackay the profound impact that a teacher can have. In term 4, Mr Mackay’s remarkable 60-year teaching career across 10 schools comes to an end. By some quirk, two of his former schools in Jeparit and Ballarat had taught former Prime Minister Robert Menzies. His first far-flung posting was Jeparit Primary School. Mr Mackay would travel nearly 800 kilometres between the remote town to Melbourne each weekend. He then taught at a 70-student school at Patchewollock in the Mallee, where some families lived on dirt floors. At Musk Vale, Mr Mackay was the sole teacher of 17 pupils. He also presided over a school for inmates at Langi Kal Kal youth training centre. Meanwhile his soon-to-retire assistant principal and wife Jenny Mackay says teaching has been in her blood. It’s a vocation that’s drawn her since organising games in the street as a child. Her father, a farmer who grew up in poverty in the Mallee, pushed for her to get an education. “He’d say you’ve got to get a decent education to go forward. “I can’t think of a better vocation. When you work with children, it’s a joy. “When kids come up and give you a hug or tell you a silly joke, you can’t stay glum.” The school has built an enviable reputation to bringing out the best in kids from more than 50 diverse backgrounds. According to a recent official review, the school excelled across all five measured categories - teaching and learning, leadership, assessment, support and resources, and student engagement. Its cutting-edge programs have been documented in award-winning films. Mr Mackay says the key is to get teachers who “want to teach”. They must be committed to it as a vocation, not a job. They must have high aspirations and be able to work out the “next step” for each child. Great teachers at work are like watching an orchestra’s conductor, Mr Mackay says. “It’s a joy to watch. We’ve got stacks in this school.” One of the questions he asks aspiring recruits is if they actually like kids. “You’d be surprised how many teachers don’t,” he says. Thursday, 11 August, 2022
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Concert tour in Pakenham By Elle Cecil
Simon Gleeson and Natalie O’Donnell are bringing their Heart and Music concert to Cardinia Cultural Centre. Picture: SUPPLIED
Cardinia Cultural Centre is welcoming Heart and Music with Simon Gleeson and Natalie O’Donnell to the theatre on Friday 19 August. Renowned Australian stage and screen legends Natalie and Simon have been gracing venues and homes on television for years. Recently receiving a Helpmann Award nomination for her role as Donna in Mamma Mia!, Natalie has solidified her status as Australian theatre royalty with an expansive career in both London and Australia. She will begin her role as Diane in Come From Away at the beginning of September. Best known for his role as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Simon Gleeson is a Helpmann Award winner with a strong presence on stage in Australia and at West End, London’s home of theatre. Now, they are bringing to Pakenham a night of radiance, reminiscing and rhythm with their Heart and Music concert tour. The show will explore and celebrate the music that has shaped both their lives and careers, featuring classics from Rodgers and Hammerstein, through to the Greatest Showman and Billy Joel. This section of the Heart and Music tour will run for one weekend only, with Simon and Natalie visiting Pakenham, Bairnsdale and Sale. As well as starring in a variety of perfor-
mances, Natalie and Simon are married and currently playing the role of a lifetime as parents to their young kids Molly and Rafferty. “Simon and I have been together for about 20 years and, strangely enough, have never had an opportunity to perform together,” Natalie laughs. “It’s been a really nice opportunity to get to a few places in Victoria. We were in Berwick and Colac - we had some dates scheduled then COVID had other plans.” Natalie credits her and Simon’s family, in particular the kids’ grandparents, with making their tour possible by making sure the kids are taken care of and supported. “It’s just been really good to be able to get back on the road and get to some of the places we were hoping to [visit] over the past 12-18 months. “We wanted to make it quite an intimate piece, but it’s something that people can come along to and enjoy music from shows that are really important to us, they’re songs that reflect the soundtrack for parts of our lives.” “We really wanted it to be an exploration of family and love and age and experience.” Produced by Promac Productions, the show will commence at 8pm with tickets priced at $45 per adult and $40 per concession. Cardinia Cultural Centre is at 40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham. For more information on this show and others upcoming, visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/ccc
Students enjoy delicious cupcakes and facepainting Last week, 2023 St James Catholic Primary School Foundation students were invited to a fun afternoon of cupcake decorating and facepainting. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to begin transition to school and meet their future Year 6 Buddies and for parents, children and staff to begin forming strong connections that the St James community is known for. As a tight knit school, St James’ students enjoyed homemade cupcakes provided by one of their Grandparents and support from their before and after school care providers with the facepainting. Laughter sounded as paint brushes tickled noses and sprinkles cascaded over cupcakes and onto the table were simply delightful and contagious. The pride of belonging to their school was evident in the Year 5 students as they braved the rainy day and offered their guests umbrellas as they introduced them to classes and showed them the brightly lit classrooms, playground and vegie patch.
Learning and teaching at St James strives to provide engaging and contemporary learning opportunities with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy as well as all other areas of the Victorian Curriculum. St James Staff know how important the need to focus on wellbeing is for their students and approach this in a number of ways, including explicitly teaching of wellbeing strategies, information sharing with parents, additional initiatives such as gardening, Lego Club and more passive outdoor activities for children who require a quieter playtime. We recognise that parents are the first and foremost teachers for their children. Before parents have even begun to think about their precious child beginning school, they have already learnt how to speak kind words, show respect in their interactions and value the little wonders they see daily. You are warmly invited to tour St James and see all the wonderful things a small Catholic school has to offer. St James Catholic Primary School, 60 Nar Nar Goon Road, Nar Nar Goon, 5942 5404.
St James strives to provide engaging and contemporary learning opportunities.
CHURCH
Uniting Church Pakenham Regional Mission Area news “Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.” Sunday’s communion service was conducted by Rev Ray Mc Cluskey. Ray did some of his training at our church a few years ago and so is familiar with many of the people who attend. We were saddened to hear of the death of Pastor Jo Crisp’s mother. She has been very unwell for quite some time. Our thoughts are with Jo and her family. Ray used a quote “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. He spoke of New Norcia in Western Australia where he went and worked and lived when doing his training. It is an area with buildings in the space of a cross 10 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 11 August, 2022
and is inhabitant by Benedictine monks. It has 5 churches. It was an early rise each day with 7 worship services. On one day he was working in the library when the bell went for worship and he really wanted to get the work he was doing finished however the centre of focus was worship and the monks continual pattern was to respect this. Jesus says to his disciples to work through the action of lives and not be distracted just like the monks in New Norcia not allowed to be distracted from their worship. If we are distracted we are in danger of missing the master’s return. The Gospel of Luke tells us not to be afraid for it is God’s good pleasure to provide everything for us. It is suggested we sell or give away
our possessions and money. These should not be the focus of our lives. Just as Ray’s quote from Luke’s Gospel is (where your treasure is there your heart will be also. In the parable Jesus urges the slaves to be ready for his return. The master changes places and becomes the slave and the slaves have to be ready for what is happening. Our lives should be Gospel centred. We are served by the Lord. All of us need to refocus on our relationship with Jesus Christ. Ray told a story of when he was at Mc Donald’s getting his coffee one morning when a distressed mother with her children came. Ray spoke to her for 90 minutes. It was no accident that Ray was there as this was not his normal Mc Donald’s but he was there to do the Lord’s work.
Rev Robert Elkhuizen returns to work after 2 week’s leave August 8th. Please note Riak Kiir will also be on leave until 15 August. To remember: Thursday 11 August 7.30pm Church Council Meeting Sunday 14 August 11am Congregational meeting at end of service Rev Duncan Mc Leod will be in attendance to speak to proposals presented at the AGM. Tuesday 16 August 10am Beehive Craft Thursday 18 August 100am Elders meeting “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.” Psalm 50 V2
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Heroes need your votes Three finalists have been chosen to share in a chance to win $20,000 thanks to Westfield’s Local Heroes community recognition and grants program. Now in its fifth year, the program has selected three finalists for each Westfield centre, shining a spotlight on role models whose work makes a positive impact to their local community or environment. Westfield Fountain Gate’s finalists include Franca Heins from We Care Community Services Inc, Kay Taranto from Wild Days Wildlife Shelter and Mary Tresize-Brown from SouthEast Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN). The competition runs across Westfield Living Centres across Australia and New Zealand, and the successful hero for each centre will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the group or organisation they represent. Each finalist will receive a $5000 grant for their group or organisation. Mrs Tresize-Brown, who is manager of the Young Parents Program at SELLEN, said he was humbled to be named a finalist in the local heroes competition. “I feel like I’m representing young parents as the heroes, I think they’re the real heroes,” she said. The Young Parents Program enables young parents aged 15-21 to return to secondary school and complete their education while caring for their babies. “I’m delighted and thrilled because it’s acknowledging that young parents need this education and acknowledging the work we’re doing to give young parents an equal chance in the workforce,” she said. While Mrs Tresize-Brown provides opportunities for young adults, fellow finalist Franca Heins works on the other side of the community support spectrum. Ms Heins works tirelessly to provide grocer-
Picture: SUPPLIED
Franca Heins from We Care Community Services.
Mary Tresize-Brown from SELLEN.
Kay Taranto from Wild Days Wildlife Shelter.
ies and toiletries to more than 200 local unemployed and elderly people each week. As the driving force behind Dandenong’s We Care Community Services Shed, she helps provide more than a tonne of fresh fruit, vegetables, dry foods and other essentials every week. The third finalist in the competition is community-minded Kay Taranto, who saves
hundreds of animals a year from the human impact on their environment. She founded the nonprofit Wild Days Wildlife Shelter, where she cares for and rehabilitates from 600 to 800 sick, injured and orphaned native animals a year. In addition, she offers volunteer opportunities and education to adults and children. The voting period for Westfield Local He-
roes opened on Tuesday 2 August and closes on Monday 22 August. Each Westfield centre’s successful hero will be announced on Tuesday 13 September, 2022. To view your Westfield Local Heroes finalists, visit westfield.com.au/local-heroes or your local Westfield centre’s website to read about the finalists and cast your vote.
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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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Diverse health obstacles By Marcus Uhe An exploratory paper on the health of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Australia has found the CALD community often faces greater challenges when dealing with the health and welfare system than the non-CALD population. The report, published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on Thursday 4 August, explored the use of linked Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP) data to assess the benefits, challenges and limitations of the health of CALD populations. Thirty per cent of people living in Australia were born overseas, as of 30 June 2020. Nearly half of Australians were either born overseas or have a parent who was, and 21 per cent of Australians spoke a language other than English at home, according to the 2016 Census. A key finding of the report found people who have migrated to Australia under the humanitarian program have “vastly different health and welfare needs” from those who move to Australia for personal, lifestyle, educational or financial reasons. “Pre- and post-arrival factors can negatively influence their health, such as poor care at their country of origin, trauma, possibly prolonged detention, and barriers to appropriate care on arrival,” the report said. Bahktar Community Association host regular health information sessions for the CALD community in different languages, including Dari and Pashto. In 2021, the organisation helped thousands of new arrivals from Afghanistan settle into Australia following the Taliban’s takeover of their country in August last year and worked in consultation with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to provide translated public health material on vaccinations
and Covid-19 for the new settlers. Chief executive of Bahktar, Bassir Qadiri said his experiences with members of the community indicated to him the information was not easily accessible. “The health department website makes them available but the community won’t go there to find info in their language, they need to go through a process,” Mr Qadiri said. “It can be hard to find if you don’t speak the language. We print it out for them and hand them out. “It’s much easier to pass on information through our information sessions.” Mr Qadiri, who hails from Afghanistan, said the method of seeking treatment in Australia is extremely different to his country of birth, and can be overwhelming for new arrivals. “There’s a process here; you see a GP, who refers you to a specialist. “Back home, there is no such thing such as a health department who can recommend a vaccination. There’s not enough for everyone in the country and the rest may not be aware they exist.” The familiarity and comfort of a medical professional that speaks their language can also see patients travelling long distances for a particular service, which necessitates the use of public transport. “A lot of community members don’t know who to reach, and some just wait until situation gets worse,” Mr Qadiri said. The Australian Department of Home Affairs offer a Translating and Interpreting Service to assist with communicating health advice, by assigning an interpreter to a client for an inperson meeting or speaking over the phone. To read the report, head to aihw.gov.au/ reports-data/population-groups/cald-australians/overview
Chief executive of Bahktar Community Organisation Bassir Qadiri worked hard to provide Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS translated health information to their clients. 273039
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Where does the time go? TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH It seems to be the scourge of our modern times, doesn’t it? There’s not enough time to get everything done. No matter how hard we work, there always seems that there is more to do and it’s never ending. Whenever we run our ‘Time Management’ sessions for businesses, I always start by asking: “Please raise your hand if you have enough time to get everything done that you want to”. Every time, except once, no hands go up and the one person who did raise their hand misheard the instruction. The fact is, there is no such thing as ‘time management’, it’s a misnomer. What is really meant by this phrase is the ability to manage activities within a given timeframe; you cannot manage time. And in this simple statement lies a big clue as to the solution here. The first thing to consider in any supposed “time management” is what are the things that really need to get done? The only way to get a proper handle on this is to write them all down. It is through this simple act that a more complete list is typically identified which reduces the likelihood of surprises once you start to work on them. Once done, I recommend going through the list carefully and selecting the important ones that need to get done in the short term. These can then be planned over the required timeframe ensuring to allow for
Prioritisation is key to working out what needs to be done over any given timeframe and it can be done by simply using this table. other things to crop which might get in the way. A key element to being successful in achieving these is to make a daily and a weekly list of the key items that you really need to get done assuming again that other things will crop up. It is very important that you set reasonable and realistic targets for yourself which necessarily include the assumption that there will be other calls on your time during the day/week. A key trick to making this work is to define your daily task list right at the start of the day before you open your emails, otherwise you will quickly get drawn into the email vortex. Similarly, do the weekly list first thing on Monday also before any emails. It may well be possible that when you open up the emails,
something in there may cause you to rework the list but that’s okay since it is unlikely to completely change it. Prioritisation is key to working out what needs to be done over any given timeframe and it can be done by simply using the table pictured. The way it works is that for each task, you simply rate its importance on a scale of 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important) and its urgency (i.e. how soon it must be done) where 1 = anytime and 5 = almost immediately. You then multiply these two numbers for each task and the higher the result the greater its priority. Another key technique to managing your time is to apply the 80/20 principle in which you achieve the significant 80 per cent result
in only 20 per cent of the time it would take to do everything perfectly. This is not to say that you leave things part done, but we often waste a huge amount of time doing extra work that is simply not necessary. This is known as the principle of ‘diminishing returns’. For example, if your task were to ‘tidy your office’, you could potentially spend hours making sure everything was exactly in its right place, aligned, cleaned and polished when perhaps simply filing completed items and organizing items to be used that day may provide sufficient benefit. Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions.
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New display homes open
Bailey Studio’s Kirstin Bailey and Emma Trinh from Flyingmouse inc. were charged with the enviable task of styling the six new homes at Stockland’s Halcyon Berwick.
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cushions, drapery. Try and mix textures as well to balance each other. Interiors are all about creating harmony within spaces. Displays are open 10am - 4pm Tuesday through Saturday at Halcyon Berwick 21 Sunset Boulevard, Berwick.
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Shift in focus
Show is back on track
Exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and spectators were Changes are being thrilled to be back made to the Casey at P.B Ronald Reserve Foundation, which Cardinia for klea Pakenham Show the 111th Parsolely as the Cardiniawill potentially be known on Saturday. Foundation. Spoiled with sunny The foundation weather, the is making the show was the first to transition to decision a Cardinia-only Covid-19 shutdownsone back since body to strengthen not for in 2020 and profit organisations help 2021. community. in the It was a bumper Director Paul Thomas tainment with plenty day of entersaid the board yet to approve has of high qualthe new direction ity poultry, sheep transform the foundation. that will and exhibits, reminiscent horticulture “Throughout the of the district’s pandemic, like rural roots. Casey Cardinia Foundation ganisations that director Paul Thomas are philanthropic, most or- says the foundation dation has had the founmay be shifting its little focus to carry out fundraising to no opportunities to Cardinia only. 198803 COVERAGE PAGES - we have continued 16-17 grants process so our the out, but we haven’t funds have been going their own organisation. really had monies ing in because The foundation comJunior Ambassador our fundraising was mainly grants process and currently has an annual through events,” of the Parklea Mr Thomas Pakenham Show is Sheridan Venables per cent of its assets. required to give back four “We took the opportunitysaid. (left) with Senior Ambassador Indi to go strategic review If approved by the Skehan. 271091 over the last couple through a board, the foundation Picture: ROB CAREW years. only give out to Cardinia “The review indicated will based organisations. we need to fund organisation properly Beaconhills College Mr Thomas said the to ensure we’re once the changes fundraise to the Class for VCE Dance.student Ruby Thornton-Mackay has able to proved, the foundation are aplevel we need to, been chosen will and ultimate- at a whole be able to operate to perform at Top ly give out significant new level. funds Picture: SUPPLIED “We will have significantto the community. “It will mean we support from the Cardinia can make a difference Cardinia Shire.” to organisations through Cardinia Shire our grants process,” Mr Thomas councillor Jack said. said it was important Kowarzik “There was an By Jonty Ralphsmith to continue to provide Ruby Thornton-Mac the foundation spreading ourselves argument that we were with financial support. too thin and this Casey also recorded training has paid kay’s 13 years of dance outstanding The“By City reinvigorating us in will hone of Casey recorded off, to a smaller territory. the the foundation of the best students being named one who have VCE performing arts students the third we work withofphilanthropist with 5174 – 231 fewer most family incinumber highest can dents Houses criminal offences completed; who undertook “Cardinia than in 2020. the s in the is growing at such Dance inwere VCE Music Investigation, Music Performance, incommunity. 2021 of any we In better news, Victorian 2021. top location for offences “With the a rapid rate so with 5833 offences localcompletion governmentofarea. deception offences, Music Style can concentratethe number occurring in the of criminal this strategic re- cidents view, Ruby has been some significant public order and position, VCE household. offences, it would inThe the City ofon ects thatinreally Criminal and Combe short Stealing selected to perform VET Music Industry, security Casey was sighted to wrap from a motor Statistics can make the Melbourne down 17.2projfoundation.” vehicle was the most at Drama justice procedures Dance, cent from 2020 to a difference up the community.” its released 2021 data on Thursday Agency Recital in per the common 2021. Centre later this fences. and Theatre Studies. - except drug ofmonth offence, 17 March, revealingCasey as part followed by breach family Caseyjoined Ruby said she was of Top Class The highest number recorded violence order, Cardinia the 19,680 foundation Shire Council Hampton of Excellence, criminal Season ceived offences, of will in 2013 offences only is choosing Park (1868grateful damage,VCE have rebehind Greaterto but cial occurred managed in Cranbourne provide in 2020tocompared Geelong honour make an support to the finan- andCurriculum theft 1453 inthe by theother common assault. (20,018) withfoundation performing exit as Victorian 1863, followed and they 2021), Narreof Melbourne (1629), (33,597). ate their focus her skills- to based dance and by first for the Warren (2627 in Berwick and undergo changesreevalu- years, solo which Narre with five theWarren In Berwick, total Assessment Authority as 2020, 2123 she in 2021), (VCAA). goal to grow (1533), within (1022) theHampton part ofNarre offences were down Warren Northchoreographed foundation a pointand her extermination Park where to to 2157 (352 Cranbourne it will be able 2475 last 2020, 323 in 2021) for withseason theinsubject The North a decrease in all to (999). year.and Narre Warren South run on its own. offence 11 concerts divisions – crimes against presents also recorded the person, property by decreases in the annual number Read moreof and oncrimes. page 2 Continued page 3
Crime concerns
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2. When you’ve decided which pieces you want to keep or buy, plot them on a floorplan and work them into your new scheme. 3. Texture is a really great way to add dimension into a space. Look at the different places where you can include texture - on the floor,
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A luxurious new display home village has now opened at Stockland’s Halcyon Berwick and has been styled by local interior designers. Bailey Studio’s Kirstin Bailey and Emma Trinh from Flyingmouse inc. were charged with the enviable task of styling the six new homes, which were designed with a neutral colour scheme. “We wanted to approach the three homes we worked on differently so we could show buyers different options for what can be achieved from dark through to light styling scenario,” Kirstin said. “Where you have neutral finishes you can elevate them with different textuality and styling elements so that the finishes are a backdrop to your own personal taste and style.” Kirstin said many people do not choose lighter coloured furniture as might be frightened of stains or wear and tear. “The lighter home has a real contemporary coastal feel so we wanted the furniture to create a comfortable casual space so we went for large comfortable sofas and armchairs,” she said “At this stage of life, you can have lighter colours as you don’t have to worry about young kids and now is a great time to experiment with more of those schemes.” On the flipside, she said people who are downsizing to a smaller home might be scared of choosing darker furniture “Sometimes a darker scheme can be harder for people to read and understand as they might be afraid of making a room look smaller than it is,” she said. “Strong colours like blacks and charcoal and navy can retain a sense of softness especially by contrasting it with materials lighter in tone. “Neutral finishes work in nicely with that stronger colour palate and don’t feel austere and in fact a darker scheme can be timeless.” Kirstin’s tips for decorating a new home:
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Locals shine at Games By Shelby Brooks and Marcus Uhe A number of local athletes have contributed to Australia’s table-topping haul of 178 medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, which concluded on Monday 8 August. Cranbourne’s Brooke Buschkuehl repeated her result at the 2018 Games on the Gold Coast, claiming silver in the women’s long jump final. The 29-year-old’s leap of 6.95 metres fell just 5cm short of Nigeria’s Ese Brume, who set a new Commonwealth Games record with her 7m jump. Coached by her dad, Russell Stratton, Buschkuehl entered the games in Birmingham in strong form, having finished fifth in the final of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon just weeks earlier. Buschkuehl set the Australian record for women’s long jump with a 7.13m effort ahead of the 2022 World Championships, bettering her own record of 7.05m set in 2016. In a social media post on Monday 8 August, Buschkuehl said she felt like she had won gold. Knee surgery following last year’s Tokyo Olympics disrupted her preparation for the year ahead, as she only returned to jumping in April this year. “I left Australia four-and-half-weeks ago hoping things would come together but there was a lot of uncertainty and a lot of doubt,” she said. “I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams that I’d be back jumping at my best this season given where I have come from. “I’ve got my family, friends, coach, medical team and husband to thank. Without them I most definitely wouldn’t be here. “There have been so many moments this year I have felt so broken and questioned whether it was worth continuing. I’m so glad I did because moments like this make it all so bloody worth it!”
Bec Henderson placed fourth at the Commonwealth Games. Brooke Buschkuehl won Silver in the women’s long jump. 293605 Narre Warren’s Rebecca Henderson, who attended Berwick College and is a past Berwick Little Athletics member, placed fourth in the 10,000m Race Walk with a time just outside her personal best. In a trackside interview, the young athletics star beamed as she reflected on her efforts on day five of the Commonwealth Games. “I’m pretty happy with that, it was a little bit warmer than we expected, nothing like the major comps we’ve had in Tokyo and Eugene,” she said. “It was a lot of fun, and the crowd was absolutely amazing. The crowd was the biggest we’ve ever seen basically, it was so loud - the
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art galIn late June, plans to build a $50 million art - alongside lery - with $500 million worth of in the semia restaurant and function centre approved by rural suburb of Harkaway were the State Government. opposed But local residents, who have long say they the development of Rosemaur Gallery, the decision. are “surprised and saddened” by resThe approved plans for the gallery, cater for a taurant and function centre will with up to maximum of 300 patrons at a time, quarterly 580 patrons permitted during large events. STORY PAGE 3
100 days celebrated
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St Clare’s Primary School Officer Foundation students and teachers of are celebrating reaching 100 days learning in the classroom. as Students enjoyed dressing up 100 year olds, with props of pearls, sushair rollers, walking sticks and penders donned for the special day. a The students celebrated with singshindig that involved dancing, berwicknews.starcommu 100. nity.com.au ing, colouring-in and counting to STORY PAGE 18
Pleas for a school crossing 291782 supervisor
has reAn adjustment to policing methods number of sulted in a dramatic drop in the South East, hooning events in Melbourne’s charges laid. and large numbers of arrests and Police From January to July 2021, Victoria events reported 40 to 50 large-scale hooning region, inin industrial areas within the SD3 Areas of corporating the Local Government
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area Pakenham is proving to be an appealing prices remain for first home buyers as house suburbs closrelatively low when compared to
er to Melbourne’s CBD. unit price The annual pace of house and and surgrowth is easing across Melbourne
PAGE 8
Domain’s June rounding suburbs, according to Quarterly House Price Report. said Ray White Pakenham’s Gavin Staindl in Pakengrowth had declined marginally ham. in Paken“We’re in a very affordable area
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business contactless dog attacks from occurring “has to start with education”. He said the wave of ‘pandemic pets’ who had not been socialised as puppies was an issue that couldn’t be ignored by owners or council. “I can’t believe there has been no mention
buyers it’s quite appealing.” increase, With interest rates continuing to to borrow as first home buyers won’t be able much as they would have previously.
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A Berwick dog trainer is calling for increased education and training for dog owners and their pooches following a series of recent dog attacks in the City of Casey.
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ham,” Mr Staindl said. closer to “You can travel into Berwick or as much but the city and you’re paying twice four-bedroom here in Pakenham, you can get for around houses under 10 years of age of first home $600,000 to $650,000, so for a lot
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“We all know people who bought dogs during Covid who couldn’t be socialised due to restrictions, yet our council properly does noth-
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if they SPORT find themselves not contained to their property, which can lead to instances of dog attacks. “Keeping your dogs securely confined to your property, and ensuring they are always under effective control when out, are key measures to keep your pets and the community
He said pet registration fees help council provide a number of services, including reuniting lost pets with owners, investigating dog attacks, puppy farms, and prosecuting of-
in schools on safety around animals. But Mr Cini said he remained sceptical about council’s investment in education for dog owners. “A lot of people are misinformed about the reasons their dog might have social issues,” he said. “We have to have proper education programs...why not give [owners] a quick online test or a copy of the legal requirement of owning a dog when they register their pets?” In 2020/21, there was a total of 237 reported dog attacks in the City of Casey, 151 of the attacks on dogs and 51 attacks on humans.
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GP Run cancelled Mr Osborne added that registrations fees
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Cranbourne High Street shopping precinct in Gippsland before proceeding down the South Highway for the big race. PatterCity of Casey chief executive Glenn a number of son said the council attributed was not made factors to their decision, which lightly. the signifi“Council has taken into account the disruption cant costs of running the event, aware of the to local traffic and we are also of Cranfrustration experienced by a number disbourne businesses, who face considerable seeing ruption due to the road closure, without said. an increase in patronage,” Mr Patterson dandenong.starcommun budget and ity.com.au “We will be retaining this event another comare investigating options for area that ofmunity event in the Cranbourne to benefits more fers greater enjoyment and to be anresidents and ratepayers, with details 199533 The last Cranbourne GP Run in 2019. nounced at a future date.” 60 per The City of Casey said approximately and they’ll be spendwas required will be at Phillip Island, cent of the $93,000 event budget money down there instead.” of the PAGE 2 South Gippsland ing their to manage the closure that4Casey would have PAGE He said he hoped Highway for the event. too late, allowing the Motorcycle a “re-think” before it’s Victorian the from Eacott John two-year absence. “extremely event to proceed after a VictoCouncil (VMC) said the council was decision. “It’s not just locals and people within disappointed” with the City of Casey’s thing. Peoconstantly ria who attend - it’s a nation-wideSouth Wales, “The VMC had years of working Queensland, New from come ple said. get-towith the City of Casey,” Mr Eacott South Australia. The GP is an annual 12496498-DL22-21
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on the fivethe same period in 2021, and seven year average. Speaking on those events, Superintendent John Road Policing Operations & Investigation as a “worryFitzpatrick described the increase of the vulnering trend” and issued a reminder abilities of motorcycle riders. some of the “These figures are alarming and coming is that AUTOBARN anecdotal evidence that we see to sitting out of Covid-19, people aren’t used NARRE WARREN and they’re Cnr Narre Warren in traffic for long periods of time Nth & maybe alchoosing a mode of transport that Lauderdale Rds Tuesday, 9 August, 2022 Fitzpatrick lows them to (avoid) that,” Supt said on Saturday 23 July. on motor“We’re seeing many more people bikes than we’ve seen ever before. a bike, it’s “Driving a motorcar and riding a shared responsibility about understanding what’s around where you are on the road and sensible about you. We ask people to please be they ride mothe way they drive and the way torbikes.” of President of the Cranbourne Chamber to decision Commerce Jeremy Dart said the the given cancel the event was “short-sighted”, to take missed opportunity for local traders /DandenongJournal @StarJournal_SE of the increased patronage. advantage 40¢ Inc. GST feedback While the Chamber has received aligning with from some retailers in the region to the Casey’s hypothesis that the disruption was problematic, riders and roads and their businesses options ness of the relationship between he was disappointed that alternative vehicles. approved. to see how had not been to the “We need to encourage people “It does bring significant numbers a valid form of transport. two-wheelers arePAGE the specific precinct,” Mr Dart said. 9 road-user region and SPORT would “We’re the most vulnerable “To allow a different model to exist with pathThere are plenty of group. Pedestrians are protected bike lanes. be a much better option. High Street) that ways and crossings; cyclist have back (of the traffic but facilities out the festival still. We’re out there in the middle of would allow them to still have a congestion).” road (to solution a it would we are such “Had there been some foresight, focus in re The issue has come into sharp
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WINTER “It’s a big deal. They really love it,” she says. 2022 “Everyone needs to be acknowledged at least one day a year.” Her husband and principal Kevin says it goes to how much the school’s team cares. Next term, the couple will face their own special day – their last day at the school that they have served for such an extraordinary time. Mr and Ms Mackay have been there for 39 years and 36 years, respectively. All up, their teaching careers have spanned 60 years and 45 years. On 4 October, they will mark their retirement with a massive ‘general assembly’ at Dandenong High School hall. Kevin and Jenny Mackay have served Mr Mackay OAM said it would Dandenong North Primary School be the first as principal and assistant principal assembly since the Covid pandemic’s for nearly four decades. 292591 start. “It’s been an enormous part, where Picture: GARY SISSONS I get to food parcels or writing to government teach all the kids for half an hour. agen- follow each other to Dandenong We’ve missed cies on their behalf. North Pri- the best teachers I’ve that, so it will be good to have a met. mary School. last one. “And that kids know that you like “As the school became more complex “It’s going to be hard to avoid tears.” them. You Alarm bells rang for the newly-appointed over have staff here that care about many years, Jenny’s experience has them – they’ll principal Mr Mackay In their time, the school has built helped adwhen an envi- ask the kids to ‘tell me more’. They go that extra pointed to join the school. his wife was ap- dress the complexities. able reputation to bringing out the mile. best in from more than 50 diverse backgrounds. kids “From the synergies of effort you Mr Mackay worried about how get more “I think all the Dandenong schools to handle bang for your buck do a ter- the potential conflicts Its cutting-edge programs have than just two people. We’re of interest and staff dis- more been docu- rific job at that.” like two-and-a-half.” mented in award-winning films. harmony. While deputy principal at Clayton Meanwhile, Ms Mackay Primary What makes the school special “We made it work,” he said. “And School in the 1980’s, Mr Mackay thank God cipal as an “incredibly describes the prinmet a first- she was appointed “warmth”, Ms Mackay says. The school is its creative and lateral here. ensures year teacher Jenny. thinker” who will always look for the families get what they need a better way “My – whether it’s job is to get the best teachers I possibly of They of course later married, and doing things. were to can to work with the children. Jenny is one of Continued page 10
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Mr Cini, who started his dog training ness after noticing the need for specialisedbusiservices for his dog Sasha, said he had personally offered to provide free training for dog owners to prevent dog attacks in the municipality, but
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underwent a six-hour operation Exciting 240150 for injuries he dog rushes occur when “I want to be able to walk down Gracious dogs are not contained were also the street sustained in the attack. Successful used for education programs on Eagles to their property,” he said. reOlympian and not have a fear of dogs rushing us or ownThe school girl and her parents Grigson sponsible pet ownership, including are underroad shows “Dogs that have not been adequately crackdown stood to be mentally shaken by add pace so- and events, the Maternal and Child the attack, but inspires Tooradin backcialised with It comes after a series of dog attacks gives Health other animals are also more likely Centre’s in the are grateful their dog and daughter We Are Family program and education on hoons are alive. to demonstrate aggression students
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atmosphere was great. “It was just so much fun.” Keysborough’s Nathan Ephraums and Emerald’s Amy Lawton showed class and skill on the hockey pitch throughout the week in Birmingham. Ephraums made his Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham as the youngest member of the Kookaburras squad. The striker scored two goals in the Kookaburra’s gold medal match against India, helping secure the 7-0 victory. After putting the ball in the back of the net for the second time in the match, commentator Alister Nicholson praised Epharums’ efforts.
“If you had asked me previously what I knew about Keysborough, I would have said it had a nice golf course, now I can tell you that’s where Natham Ephraums comes from,” he said. Amy Lawton, who grew up in Emerald, has walked away with a silver medal after the Hockeyroos were bested by home side England 2-1 in a nail-biting final. England had two goals against the Australian side right up until the last few minutes of the game, when the Hockeyroos finally added to the scoreboard, but there wasn’t enough time left to bring the game to a shoot out. In the semi-final match against India, Lawton provided the Hockeyroos with the goal they needed to make it into the final during the drama filled shoot out.
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STAR NEWS 17
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Lions remain in the hunt By Tyler Lewis There’s life in these Lions. Despite falling to Wandin, 6.4 (40) to 11.13 (79), Pakenham remains in the hunt, as an upset result elsewhere retained the Lions a win clear inside the Premier Division top five. It’s been a unique fortnight for the Lions, who went a win clear of Monbulk last week in spite of having the bye, before the Hawks stumbled again this week. Saturday’s 11.3 (69) to 9.7 (61) loss to Upwey Tecoma marks four defeats on the bounce for Monbulk, which will not only need to beat Pakenham in the final round, but beat and regain percentage this week against Officer as well. While the Lions season remains intact, coach Ash Green was frustrated with his sides output on Saturday, particularly the first half, after an even second half demonstrated his side can compete with the best. “It’s disappointing actually,” he explained. “I gave the guys a rev at half time because to kick one goal is pretty poor to be honest. “We were undisciplined early in the game, we gave up some easy goals through undisciplined acts and we missed easy targets by hand and foot. “I put it to the players at half time and clearly they responded in the third quarter, which was great, but they sort of fell away in the last quarter as well. “It’s been a bit of a forte of our season; our best footy is really good but our worst footy…. there’s too much of a gap. “If you’re playing the standard of footy we’re playing in, the Outer East competition, to match these better sides you need to play more consistently than what we are at the moment.” Under siege, the Lions back six managed to restrict Bulldogs goal-kicker Clinton Johnson to four goals. And though his four-goal performance appears crucial in the context of the score-line, Johnson – who has 64 goals from 15 outings this year – has held the competitions premier defenders at bay this season. The right-footer’s last appearance against
Ben Green is one of the back six coach Ash Green praised on Saturday. 292958 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the Lions resulted in an efficient mark, kick and convert display on his way to eight majors. While extremely disappointed with his side’s performance, the Lions coach was complimentary of his green back six. “They’ve been a revelation to be honest with you,” Green said. “I mean besides Jordy Stewart, most of the guys (down there) have played less than 20 games. “First year players in Ben McDonald, Oskar Miles, Tyrell Bignoux – Benny Green has been the most experienced bloke back there with 20 something games. “We’ve really got a brand new back line compared to the last couple of years… with all things going on this year, those six or seven players have been pretty steady. “They’ve been really good and we’ve unfortunately put them under a lot of pressure at times during the season.”
The Lions host Woori Yallock this weekend, with a win offering a cemented finals berth. Officer, meanwhile, is all but certain to be relegated, after a disappointing 14.10 (94) to 8.8 (56) loss to Mt Evelyn. Nick Lord was excellent for Officer with three goals, while Luke Smaluch (38 disposals) and Anthony Bernardo (34 disposals) regularly found their hands on the Sherrin. Callum Urquhart was the best for the Rovers, with four goals to go with his 22 touches. The Roos are now a win behind the Rovers, with Monbulk at home and Narre Warren on the road in their two remaining fixtures. In the other match of the round; Narre Warren torpedoed Olinda Ferny Creek 30.12 (192) to 4.6 (30). In Division One, Gembrook Cockatoo sent a statement with a scintillating win over fellow finals contender Emerald. The Brookers blitzed the Bombers, winning
each of the four quarters on their way to an 18.14 (122) to 9.9 (63) victory. Michael Firrito (five goals) and Myles Wareham (five goals) combined for 10 majors in the statement-sending triumph. By winning the first quarter by 22 points, the second by 13, the third by six and the fourth and final by 24, it was hard for Brookers coach Brad Coller to fault the performance. “The last quarter definitely,” he confirmed of his favourite stanza. “Because we won each quarter, we played four quarters of footy, which I think everyone struggles to put four good quarters of footy together. “Talking to the Emerald coaching staff afterwards and they were pretty deflated, they said we gave them a good touch up and they were surprised with our discipline and the way we set up behind the ball. “That’s probably a credit to us to get the opposition coach to give that sort of praise I think, I think it was our best game of the year.” Although the Brookers put the Bombers to the sword, Coller insisted his side didn’t put emphasis on giving Emerald a whack on the eve of the finals, but instead the importance of beating the sides around them. “I don’t think we’re looking too far ahead at the moment,” he said of the mental edge. “We have put a bit of emphasis on the next two weeks (Seville and Healesville), because we’re one 1-1 against them for the year. “Emerald got the win against us on their home ground and then we returned the favour next time, we wanted to finish with two of the three… we weren’t really thinking of facing them in the finals. “We have discussed that whoever wins this (Seville) game is going to be on top of the ladder, obviously Seville is already there, so it’s not as a big deal for them as it is for us. “We’ve got good form, but who knows.” In the other two matches of the round: Seville thrashed Yarra Glen 20.14 (134) to 8.5 (53) and Healesville secured the point over Belgrave 13.18 (96) to 9.4 (58). Berwick Springs had the bye.
Young Warriors just one step away from the big dance Star News Sports Journalist JONTY RALPHSMITH takes a close look at Saturday night’s preliminary-final clash between Pakenham and Sunbury in Big V Youth League Men’s. Can the Warriors take the last step through to the grand final? LAST WEEK: A strong start saw Pakenham to victory over Whittlesea by seven points in front of a strong home crowd. For the first time in a while, the Warriors had a full squad to select from and had 10 players get court time, with Michael Johns the star as usual. The win meant Pakenham only had one game last weekend, whereas Sunbury had to battle. On Saturday, it was convincingly outperformed for three of the four quarters on Keysborough’s home deck, going down by 16 points. That forced them to back up the following day against Melton, a clash they won by 22 points, set up by a strong start. WHAT TO ADDRESS?: It’s cliche, but Pakenham need a four-quarter performance. After winning the first half against Whittlesea by 15 points, the last quarter was far tenser than it should have been as Whittlesea lifted the intensity after the main break. “Whittlesea came out of halftime a bit more physical and we didn’t really match their physicality and they were overplaying us a bit,” coach Braden Venning said. “We got a little bit careless with the ball and offensively.” INJURIES: Pakenham emerged from the game with no injuries. Jackson Grey played 17 minutes in his first match back from injury last week and has pulled up well. LAST TIME THEY MET: Pakenham battled Sunbury twice in the home and away season, winning on both occasions. The first time they played, a big second quarter for Paken18 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 11 August, 2022
Coach Braden Venning said Michael Johns is the best player in the league. 292959 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS ham was what got them over the line by two points, as it was the only quarter the Warriors won. In their most recent encounter, in midJune, Pakenham won by a far more convincing 23 points. In that game, scoring threat Josh O’Connell was contained with 11 points from his 12 field goals attempted, compared to 24 points the first time the teams battled. From a Warriors perspective, Michael Johns was allowed to dominate when the teams have met. His IQ and two way-running makes him a tough match up for everyone in the league and he backed up 26 points and five steals when the teams first met, with 16 points and 14 rebounds in mid-June.
Another positive for Pakenham is that Sunbury big man Daniel Salvatore will be missing through injury. He had a say in both matches, with his size helping him get 13 rebounds and five steals in the most recent encounter. WHERE PAKENHAM WILL BE CHALLENGED: Size – Even without Salvatore, Sunbury is one of the bigger teams in the league and are going up against one of the smaller teams so it’s important that Pakenham don’t let Sunbury assert themselves physically on the contest and bully the hosts around. Sunbury is also a quick team and can pile points on the board, which it showed last week in
the loss to Keysborough where it scored 30 points in the third quarter seemingly out of nowhere to mount a late charge. REASON TO BE CONFIDENT: Pakenham’s experience in close games. At their home fortress against a side they have beaten twice in the home and away season, and with a stable line-up that includes potential league MVP Michael Johns, it is hard to see the Warriors going into three-quarter-time completely down and out. As long as they are a chance, you would back them given the experience in close games. In games decided by less than 10 points, Pakenham is 5-2, including consecutive seven-point wins in the last two games, with the most recent such loss coming in May. MESSAGE FOR THE CARDINIA LIFE CROWD - 6PM THIS SATURDAY: “The crowd was phenomenal against Whittlesea,” Venning said. “Every time we were on a run, they were up. “Whittlesea would make a run, they’re chanting defence…we really feed off the energy of the crowd and it was a great atmosphere to be at. “It’s everything you want when you come out to Pakenham. It’s a really good family atmosphere there so to see everyone get around the boys was just incredible. “I want them as loud and rowdy as they can get again this Saturday night. Get down, fill the stands and get behind the boys!” KEEP AN EYE ON: The scores out at Altona. While the youth men will battle it out at 6pm at home, the senior men also have an opportunity to get a step closer to premiership glory as they take on Altona at Altona from 7.30pm. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
Youth men a step closer By Jonty Ralphsmith Pakenham’s Youth Men’s team is one step closer to premiership glory after getting over the top of Whittlesea by seven points in its qualifying final at Cardinia Life on Saturday. The Warriors will now host Sunbury this Saturday evening with the winner set to go through to the grand final. Coming into the game with the mental disadvantage, having lost to Whittlesea on the road during the home and away season, it was a strong start from the Warriors which set up the victory. A 15-point halftime lead indicated an excellent preparation and sense of occasion for the five starters. Star play-maker Michael Johns gave a lionhearted effort, playing 37 minutes for 21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Jared Small also had a crucial say in proceedings, with 14 points and nine rebounds. At the other end, Whittlesea’s Taj Pilapil’s potential influence was a source of concern for Braden Venning heading into the clash, and whilst he finished with 23 points, there were not enough contributors across the board for the visitors. Whittlesea mounted a comeback in the third quarter, getting themselves within seven points at the final change. Despite having the lead virtually from start to finish, it was a tense last two minutes for the Warriors as Whittlesea snuck to within within
Jackson Grey is an important part of the Warriors lineup. 292959 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS one point, before a Jared Small tip-in and Michael Johns layup extended the margin to five points. That left Whittlesea with too much ground to make up late, needing to take too many risks and ultimately sending the big Pakenham crowd into raptures. If the Warriors win, they will either face Whittlesea again in the grand final, or have a blockbuster bout with nemesis Keysborough. The senior men will also be in action on Saturday night – against Altona away at 7.30pm after their powerful season earned them the weekend off. Like the Youth League, a win for the seniors would earn a grand final berth, against either Wallan or Gippsland.
Warriors coach Braden Venning was animated on Saturday night. 292959
Eels slip up as Raptors come to town By David Nagel The home of the mighty Eels was bathed in sunshine on Saturday as the Pakenham Rugby League club welcomed all-comers to Comely Banks Recreation Reserve. This was the last official home-game of the regular season for the Eels, who have been super impressed by how the pitches at their new facility have held up in their first year exposed to competition. Pakenham’s Second Grade Men’s team currently sit second on the ladder, with the Eels welcoming ladder-leaders Eastern Raptors to Comely Banks for a top-of-the-table shootout. The Raptors showed their class in the early stages of the contest, crossing for a converted try and forcing the Eels to reset their defence. Pakenham responded strongly, with Dylan Cox scoring in the corner and Dominko Tuau running in another fourpointer to keep the Eels in touch. However both tries were not converted, with the Eels missing a golden opportunity to put extra points on the board. In the second half the Raptors put on a classy offensive display to demonstrate why they are the team to beat for this year’s title. The Raptors ran in six tries for the match, with full-back Gary Addi scoring a double in the individual highlight of the contest. There is one round remaining for the men’s senior team before finals commence in earnest. The Eels are on the road this week, travelling to Langama Park in Sunbury to take on the Tigers, who currently sit third on the ladder. All Eels’ junior teams – from under-6 all the way through to under-15 girls – participated on Saturday, with the under-15 boys the only team to face a road trip. The under-15 boys, who sit fourth on the ladder, faced a tough assignment against the ladder-leading Truganina Rabbitohs. The Eels were no match for the Rabbitohs, who ran in nine tries to two, but there positive signs for the Eels moving forward. Atticus Buchanan and Ethan Cook both crossed for tries against the best team in the competition, while Carlos Selio went 50-50 in his attempt at conversions. The under-15 girls also ran into some very strong opposition, going down 44-10 to Waverley-Oakleigh Panthers. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Pakenham Eels winger Dylan Cox sneaks into the corner for a try against Eastern Raptors. 293396 Picture: MICHAEL WINTER
Jacob Ford scores a try from dummy-half for the Pakenham Eels on Saturday. 293396
Local success By David Nagel Pakenham trainers had a big say at headquarters on Saturday with Phillip Stokes and Peter Moody both training winners on the nine-race card. Stokes kicked off the Flemington double for locals when his five-year-old gelding Lyrical Lad returned from a four-week freshen up with a dominant performance in the $130,000 BenchMark-84 Handicap (1620m). Jockey Jamie Mott enjoyed a perfect sit throughout, before ambling up to the leaders and racing away to victory. Lyrical Lad won by two lengths on the line, with Mott revealing the freshen up had certainly done the horse good. “Really pleasing, I really enjoy riding this horse, obviously for the connections and Phillip Stokes, he’s done a super job with him and I think the extra time between his last run and today really showed, he really travelled great and showed a great turn of foot,” Mott said. A tactical battle between champion jockeys Damien Oliver and Craig Williams played into Mott’s hands, who simply bided his time before striking. “It opened up a nice run for me and I was confident as soon as I straightened, he really cantered into the straight well and showed a sharp turn of foot,” Mott said. “When he races like that today, when he’s on song, he could definitely get to a 100-rating I feel. “He still hasn’t put a foot wrong so who knows, he could even be better than that. “They’re doing a fantastic job with him and hopefully he runs in a race next time that gets into my weight range.” Moody and star jockey Jamie Kah capped off a great day for locals when Chain of Lightning scored in the last race on the Flemington program. For once Kah was not the punter’s pal, storming down the outside to collar race favourite Fire on the line. The Fighting Sun/Magic Art mare has now won all four career starts.
Lyrical Lad storms to victory for jockey Jamie Picture: SCOTT BARBOUR/ Mott. 293537 RACING PHOTOS Thursday, 11 August, 2022
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