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Thursday, 17 November, 2022

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Walk to beat brain cancer

Campaigning against tip

Speedway thrills and spills

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SPORT

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Neighbourhood battery for Cardinia

Voters in droves By Hugh Pearson

Independent candidate for Pakenham Brett Owen has been handing out his how to vote cards every day since early voting opened on Monday. Pictures: HUGH PEARSON

Labor Party volunteers handing out how to vote cards for Pakenham candidate Emma Vulin.

One Nation candidate Angela Siladji was in Officer handing out her how to vote cards for the state election.

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Thousands of Cardinia residents have made their way to Officer to cast their votes for the state election. Early voting commenced on Monday 14 November after the ballot paper orders were confirmed last Friday. In the first two days of early voting, approximately 3000 people in the Cardinia Shire had cast their vote. Pakenham candidates and volunteers were out in force to hand out their how to vote cards in hopes to be elected to the seat of Pakenham. Independent candidate Brett Owen has been at the Officer early voting centre handing out his how to vote every day since Monday. “What I’m trying to do with this whole prepolling is be here myself and speak to people and explain why I’m standing from Pakenham,” Mr Owen said. “I think people want to see their candidate and who they’re voting for and have those conversations so I think it’s really important for candidates to be here.” One Nation candidate Angela Siladji was also in attendance handing out her how to vote cards. Like Mr Owen, Ms Siladji has been handing out her how to vote cards from morning to night. “This is day three and I have been here from the moment it opens to the moment it closes,” Ms Siladji said. “As a candidate I believe it’s important I get to meet all they locals and they know who is here as a representative for One Nation. “I think it’s important to put a face to a name and that way if they have any questions in regards to our policies or things like that, I’m able to answer and it also shows my commitment to do the hard work.” Previously, voters were only allowed to vote early if they had reasons for why they weren’t able to on election day, such as if they were travelling out of state. However, the Victorian Electoral Commission has changed who can vote early, allowing anyone to vote before election day if they would like to.

NEWS

Soaking up solar savings By Callum Ludwig A re-elected Labor Government has promised to deliver neighbourhood batteries in the Yarra Ranges, Knox and Cardinia council areas in a bid to bring back government-owned energy. The pledge involves reviving the State Electricity Commission (SEC) and powering the state with cleaner, cheaper renewable electricity to drive bills down while supporting 59,000 Victorian jobs. Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio said the community couldn’t trust the Liberals to keep the cost of living low. “They laughed at Solar Homes, tried to axe our renewable energy targets, banned wind farms and drove up bills by selling off public power to greedy energy companies – and Victorian families are worse off for it,” she said. “One hundred batteries in communities across the state will drive down power bills and pave the way for us to reach our world-leading targets – 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.” A re-elected Labor Government would invest $42 million to install 100 neighbourhood batteries across Victoria, tripling the number of homes with access to a battery and providing crucial extra storage capacity for local communities. Currently, more than 200,000 Victorians have installed solar panels - meaning as many as one in every five homes have solar panels - generating enough energy to meet a third of the state’s total residential electricity demand. Premier Daniel Andrews said Victoria was the battery capital of Australia with a worldleading storage target. “Now we’re building 100 neighbourhood batteries across the state to make sure all families can share the savings from our solar boom. Victorians know the Liberals should never

Premier Daniel Andrews. have sold off our energy supply. Labor will give it back to local communities – with a power station on your roof and a secure energy supply at the end of your street,” he said. “Only Labor is doing what matters – driving down power bills and creating thousands of Victorian jobs in government-owned renewable energy.” Increasing storage capacity will mean more households can reap the rewards of returning surplus solar-generated electricity to the grid through feed-in tariffs. More households will as a result have access to cheaper renewable energy – even if they don’t have their own solar panels, the government said. The Victorian Liberals and Nationals had

Opposition leader Matt Guy. also committed to neighbourhood batteries on Tuesday 1 November, through their Power to the People Plan, where community organisations will be able to access grants of up to $1 million as part of a $100 million Net Zero Renewables Community Projects Fund to install solar panels, big batteries, and other supporting infrastructure. “By extending batteries to community organisations, the Liberals and Nationals will spread the benefits of cheaper energy bills and a more stable network to Victorians across the state,” said Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party Matt Guy. Under the Power to the People Plan, one million households will be provided with re-

bates of up to $4400 - $1400 for solar panels and $3000 for home batteries – with rebates doubled for rental properties. Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables David Southwick said the Liberals and Nationals’ plan would give households greater control over their power and help cut energy bills. “Instead of raising the white flag on power bills, the Liberals and Nationals have real solutions to keep prices down and transition to a net-zero future,” Mr Southwick said. “Community batteries will be a key part of our future energy system and organisations across the state can be part of the solution.”

‘Avoid dangerous swerving’: Navigating large potholes The RACV has urged Victorian motorists to exercise caution on the road following heavy rain and flooding across the state recently. Heavy rain has contributed to flooding on metro and regional roads, as well as causing potholes, presenting hazards for car drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists. RACV head of policy, James Williams, said it was important road users were aware of the changed conditions brought about by the extreme weather event. “Victorians would be acutely aware of how quickly weather conditions can change – they would also know that the recent storms can have a significant impact on our roads,” Mr Williams said. Rain is a key factor in how potholes form. The state has experienced an increase in rainfall and severe weather events in 2022 as a result of a La Niña weather phase.

Potholes recently re-emerged on Baxter Tooradin Road following rain. 252647 RACV is urging caution for motorists encountering potholes, which can pose a safety hazard and cause damage to your vehicle.

Silvia Morris, senior instructor for RACV Drive School, said the dangers of potholes should not be underestimated.

“Large potholes have the potential to cause severe damage to your tyres, wheels, suspension, exhaust and/or vehicle body, and in some cases can even lead to drivers losing control of their vehicle,” Ms Morris said. “Even small ones can cause wear and tear to your vehicle’s suspension and steering which can be costly. “When you do encounter a pothole, avoid sudden braking and dangerous swerving into oncoming traffic. Keep a firm control of the steering wheel – which can be jolted with impact.” Flooded roads and deep puddles are also a factor following rain. “Some puddles can be hiding large potholes underneath them, so you should avoid driving over puddles where possible, and never drive through floodwaters,” Ms Morris said.

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Thursday, 17 November, 2022

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NEWS

Walk to beat brain cancer By Hugh Pearson Pakenham local Brooklyn Chaffey has organised a Walk4BrainCancer event on Sunday 27 November. Ms Chaffey became involved with Walk4BrainCancer after a close friend of hers was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2019, and later passed away in 2020. “Doing this event allows me to give to a fabulous cause whilst also still feeling connected to Hope,” Ms Chaffey said of her close friend. Ms Chaffey is also walking in support of her aunt, who was diagnosed with brain cancer this year. The event will include family-friendly music while participants walk laps around Lakeside Lake. Ms Chaffey said she hopes there will be a great turnout for the day in support of people who are still fighting their battle and in memory of people who have died from brain cancer. “We unfortunately can’t do much other

than support and comfort our loved ones, although we can raise funds to help in the research of the terrible disease,” Ms Chaffey said. Ms Chaffey said she also hopes to raise awareness around brain cancer and money to one day find a cure. “All forms of cancer are absolutely ruthless, but the five-year survival rate for many other cancers has increased significantly whilst brain cancer has barely moved from 21.2 per cent in 1986 to 22.3 per cent today,” Ms Chaffey said. “Whilst I cannot prevent the deaths from brain cancer or increase the time I get with loved ones diagnosed with it, I can raise funds to go towards the campaigning to get more medications on the PBS and research towards finding a cure and alternate treatment methods.”

Walk4BrainCancer event organiser Brooklyn Chaffey and her friend Hope who passed away from brain cancer in 2020. Picture: SUPPLIED

‘Safe, inclusive, connected’: New initiative launched Cardinia Shire Council recently launched its Community Connection Packs initiative at the Living Learning Centre in Pakenham. The Community Connection Packs initiative provides Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities with material aid and other support from Salvation Army, Public Transport (MYKI), Community Grocer and Cardinia Life. The packs also provide access to programs delivered in partnership with Living and Learning Pakenham, Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) and sporting organisations, including financial literacy programs, playgroups, and youth engagement activities to assist in rebuilding social connection. COVID-19 information and links to a range of support services in their own language are also available as part of the initiative. Councillor Jeff Springfield said the Community Connection Packs are an important initiative to help the CALD community through what has been a challenging few years. “Council is committed to working with key services and our community in creating a ‘Safe, inclusive, and connected Cardinia’ offering services and supports within the shire.” If you want to discuss how the Community Connection Pack may benefit you or your family, please contact one of the following service providers: Salvation Army: 5941 4906.

· Living Learning Pakenham: 5941 2389. · Cardinia Shire Council: 1300 787 624. · Centre for Multicultural Youth: 1800 496 884. For information on a range of commu-

nity services in Cardinia Shire, please go to the ‘Community Services Directory’, which is available in 11 languages, at cardinia.vic.gov. au/communityservices

The Community Care Packages are funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Families Fairness and Housing (DFFH) under the Local Partnerships Project.

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On Saturday 5 November, then-mayor Jeff Springfield joined members of Cardinia Shire’s CALD community, including two members of the Vietnamese Huong Que pictured here, to celebrate the success of the Small Business Program ‘Start Run and Succeed for Women’ graduates and the launch of the Community Connections and Empowerment program, including the Council’s Community Connection Packs initiative.

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Thursday, 17 November, 2022

STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Akoonah Park Men’s Shed member and children’s author Paul Dekmetzian

Tell us a fun fact about yourself! Poppy the Cavoodle sits at the laptop with me when I am working. Have to stop her licking my face! What do you love about writing children’s books? Children are very clever and I am hoping to create a story or illustration that they won’t forget. What would your last meal be? Mushroom pizza with hot salami and anchovies with a pint of Carlton Draught! What is your most memorable moment? Finally obtaining Cargo’s Road Worthy Certificate from Banlay’s Trucks Dandenong and driving off home. What event past or present would you like to witness? The opening of the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii on 30 May 1962. Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? Elvis Presley, Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra. What are you currently listening to, watching or reading? Watching sea turtles having the barnacles removed and their shells cleaned on YouTube. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? Steak au Poivre - Pepper steak with a seasoned sauce and flambeed with cognac. What is your dream holiday destination? Skagway, Alaska. What were you like as a kid? Naughty and a little precocious. What was your first job? Drinks waiter in an Italian restaurant. What’s one question that you have always wanted answered? What really happened to Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt?

THREE … facts about La Niña

Air pressure La Niña is characterised by lower-than-normal air pressure over the western Pacific, which has contributed to above-average rainfall across Northern and Eastern Australia.

Ending earlier The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted the current La Niña will end in January or February 2023 - earlier than the usual autumn ending.

Triple La Niña This year’s La Niña event is Australia’s third in a row. Triple La Niña’s are rare, but not unheard of. Australia experienced a triple La Niña between 1973–1976 and 1998–2001.

Paul Dekmetzian authored the children’s series The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck. 277740 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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4 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

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NEWS

The Hallam Road landfill will close when it reaches capacity within the next 10 years. 307447

Residents have raised concerns about the 500-metre overlay buffer.

A local resident wears a handmade sign opposing the draft development plan. 307447

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Locals say no to hill plan By Eleanor Wilson

Protesters outside Hallam Road landfill. 307447

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

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The message was simple for a group of about 200 locals who assembled at the entrance to the Hallam Road Landfill on Saturday, 12 November. ‘We say no.’ Signs, banners and passionate voices came out in hundreds to oppose the proposal of the draft Hampton Park Hill Development Plan. The draft plan, which was announced for public consultation by Casey Council earlier this year, sets out the future for the land on the site of the Hampton Park Landfill, which is set to reach capacity in coming years. The landfill site was identified by the State Government, through the State-wide Waste and Resource Recovery Implementation Plan (Sustainability Victoria, 2018), as a significant site for waste and resource recovery. Eighty-five hectares of public open space reserve is proposed to replace the tip when it reaches capacity in the next 10 years. But also proposed is a waste transfer station, which according to plans, would operate for up to 18 hours a day, transporting waste out of the site in B-double trucks between 12am and 6pm on weekdays. The proposal came as a shock to local residents, like resident Kim Murphy, who bought her Lynbrook house in 2002, said she was told that the tip would fill in the next five years and would then be repatriated into parkland. Residents have also raised concerns over the 500-metre overlay buffer applied to houses within the buffer zone, potentially impacting house prices and development prospects. “The community has suffered with the smell [of the tip] in the hope we would get this beautiful parkland, but instead what we are

getting is 30-plus years of torment,” Mrs Murphy said. “We’re not going to rest until we’ve tried every single avenue to protect the five communities that are impacted by this tip.” She said Saturday’s protest was peaceful, but powerful. “There was a lot of frustration from the community. It was about letting everyone who needs to hear it know that we’ve had enough of living with the tip on our back door steps. “We organised this protest in eight days and the community got 5500 flyers out in that time... I’d love to thank all the people in the community that helped get the word out in such a short period of time. “I could not be more proud of our community for standing up for their future.” Along with residents from Narre Warren North, Cranbourne North, Hampton Park, Lynbrook and Lyndhurst, local state election candidates from the Liberal Party, Freedom Party, Australian Greens and Liberal Democrats were in attendance to offer their support. “We could not be happier that these candidates actually identified what a massive issue this is for our community,” Mrs Murphy said. “There was a stand out [party] that was not there, which is really disappointing.” In a statement, a spokesperson from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) said the Victorian Government’s statewide focus is a transition toward waste transfer, resource recovery and recycling in line with circular economy goals. City of Casey council officers are currently working through 1043 public submissions to its draft plan for the landfill, many of which are objections, according to City of Casey planning and building manager Duncan Turner.

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Mowing delays

LENSCAPE

Wet weather has created difficulty in maintaining the City of Casey’s mowing schedule. In a statement on its website, the council apologised for the inconvenience the delays presented and appreciated the community’s patience. “The wet conditions make it unsafe to move the machinery through grounds without causing significant damage to the land, and due to the size of our parklands and roadsides, hand mowing is not an option. “With more than 2500 parks, reserves and roadsides across Casey, we use three different contractors to maintain these open spaces, which means they are maintained on different service schedules. The majority of parks are now on a three-week schedule and the main road reserves on a five-week schedule. Parks that are missed in the schedule are prioritised to be cut in the next mowing cycle.”

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A rainbow amongst the storm clouds from Bellevue Orchard, Officer.

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THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up To the Blind Bight multiple garage sales on the weekend WarneetBlind Bight Fire Brigade CFA.

Thumbs down To drivers who don’t move aside for emergency vehicles with their lights and sirens on.

Thumbs up

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

To motorists who turn on their headlights to be seen in heavy rain.

6 STAR NEWS

Thumbs down To the lack of phone and internet reception in Clyde North.

Thumbs up To the crowds who gathered to pay their respects at Remembrance Day services.

Thumbs up To pan fried Aldi Gozleme.

Thumbs down To the Andrews government. You asked, I said.

Thumbs up For our CEO, Daniel Muir being named Business Leader of the Year in the City of Casey business awards. We are so proud of him and the community he had built at Amstel. It’s a club for all and his vision, leadership and inclusiveness has built that.

Ram-raid in Hallam

com.au

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Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

To fans who don’t sit in their allocated seats at sporting fixtures and then refuse to move for people who have purchased tickets.

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A man has been charged after a car was allegedly stolen during a ram-raid of a Hallam factory. Police said the man in a stolen vehicle rammed the front doors of the Star Crescent premises just after 12.30am on Sunday 13 November.

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

He then allegedly ransacked the business and stole a cash register, mobile phones and car keys for a black Jeep parked in the driveway. The man drove away in the Jeep. About an hour later, the vehicle was found

by police parked on Rimfire Drive, Hallam. The man was arrested inside a business. A Drouin man was charged with burglary and car theft. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that day. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Gail with some fire-safe items for sale.

Belinda and Jason with some vintage furniture.

Second-hand shopping a hit There were gems to find and bargains to be scooped up at the return of the annual Warneet Blind Bight Fire Brigade’s Mega Garage Sale on Saturday 12 November. Forty-four stalls raised around $2000 for the brigade, which will be put towards new hoses for the brigade’s truck, according to the brigade’s treasurer, Patricia Bourchier. Ms Bourchier and the brigade were “extremely happy” with how the event played out. “We were very fortunate that the weather was kind to us and we had really good turnout,” Ms Bourchier said. “Everybody that I spoke to was very happy that the sales were back on and the people I spoke to were very happy with the amount of people who were around. “We sold out of egg and bacon rolls and sausages in bread.” Bacon and egg roll enthusiast and Star News photographer STEWART CHAMBERS attended to capture the best shots of the day.

Scott with his granddaughter Hana.

Adam, Caitlyn and Sully check out some clothing. 304115

Fire brigade members Keith, Mark, Jenni, Trish, Racheal, Sandy and Sarah. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Hans, Keith, Ken, Patricia, Ian and Mark from the Fire Brigade. Thursday, 17 November, 2022

STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Industry honour for chief Star News Group owner and managing director Paul Thomas has been made a life member of both the Victorian Country Press Association and Country Press Australia. The joint honour was presented “for his significant and unrelenting contribution to the newspaper industry over the past 20 years” at Friday’s VCPA conference at the RACV Club in Melbourne. Paul is a fourth-generation newspaper man, following in the footsteps of his father Ian, grandfather Herb and great grandfather Albert who started his newspaper proprietorship in 1894 when he established the Violet Town Sentinel. Albert relocated to Berwick in 1909. Paul completed a Bachelor of Commerce and cut his teeth selling advertising for an aggressive suburban Melbourne newspaper group headed by Peter Boyle. In July 1992, in his early 20s, Paul joined the family business and later became managing director and chairman in January 2000 of the then South East Newspapers, now Star News Group. Paul joined the VCPA board on 23 November 2001 and served as president from 2010-12. Herb and Ian also served as VCPA president. Paul joined the Country Press Australia (CPA) board on 1 July 2006 and served as president from 2015-17. He remains a director of both organisations today and has remained actively involved in both organisations and has been the driver of many initiatives during his time. Long-time friend and colleague Bruce Ellen - owner and managing director of the Latrobe Valley Express and Gippsland Times in Sale moved the motion, which was seconded by Warragul Gazette owner and VCPA president Andrew Schreyer. Bruce said that in his time at VCPA and CPA, Paul had grown his empire of newspapers which started in South East Melbourne to other areas in Victoria, as well as South Australia and Queensland. He said Paul’s contribution to the industry was only just gaining momentum. In December 2017, the Turnbull Government directed the ACCC to conduct an inquiry into competition in media and advertising services markets, focusing in large part on Google and Facebook. The final report published in July 2019 made several conclusions regarding the state of competition in the news and media landscape. In April 2020 the Morrison Government directed the ACCC to develop a mandatory code to address bargaining power imbalances between digital platforms and media companies. The draft News Media Bargaining Code was published by the ACCC in July 2020, and interested parties were invited to make submissions regarding the proposed code. Paul put in hundreds of hours of time into representing CPA in the ACCC inquiry and then on CPA’s submission on the proposed code. He worked nights and weekends to ensure CPA, and in-turn VCPA members, were

VCPA and CPA life members Paul Thomas and Bruce Ellen with CPA president Andrew Manuel, left, and VCPA president Andrew Schreyer, right. Picture: DAVID WARD, WARRACKNABEAL HERALD well represented in the proposed code. On 28 August 2020, the ACCC closed the consultation period on the proposal. The code was converted to a bill and sent to Parliament in December 2020. The News Media Bargaining Code (or News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) is now a law designed to have large technology platforms that operate in Australia pay local news publishers for the news content made available or linked on their platforms. Once enshrined in law, Paul was one of the CPA appointed negotiators who dedicated his all to ensure willing CPA and VCPA members were compensated as well as possible for their content by the digital platforms - namely Facebook and Google. “The time, effort and personal cost to this

work cannot be underestimated,” Bruce said. “Paul often travelled interstate to attend meetings and inquiries at his own expense, many times at very short notice. “Without doubt the agreements reached by CPA with Facebook and Google have changed the face of the industry and have helped many publishers remain viable. “This law and the resulting agreements have been hailed world first, with news associations in Canada and the US wanting Paul’s help to assist in the negotiations with their governments and the digital platforms.” Paul also fronted many inquiries and heavily lobbied the Federal Government leading to the release of the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund, the $50M PING Fund and most recently the $15m Regional and Local Newspaper Publishers Program.

Bruce said Paul’s lobbying work with the Federal Government to secure advertising during the Covid pandemic unquestionably saved some publishers from closure. “Much of Paul’s work on behalf of the industry was being undertaken during Covid and at the same time he was rapidly expanding his own newspaper stable. But VCPA and CPA members’ interests and their future remained key to Paul’s motivation. “Paul’s contribution to the industry is outstanding. His passion and drive are infectious and without Paul the industry would not be where it is today.” Paul said he was touched by the joint honour and acknowledged the role of his parents Ian and Dorothy had in setting him on the path.

Funding matched: Lucky Lyndhurst Secondary College By Marcus Uhe The Liberal Party has matched Labor’s election promise for an upgrade to Lyndhurst Secondary College in the seat of Narre Warren South. Shadow Minister for Education David Hodgett announced the $13.6 million commitment on Tuesday 15 November, a dollarfor-dollar match of the Labor Party’s promise made in October to upgrade blocks A and E at the school. “Every family deserves a great local school, and a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver an expanded Lyndhurst Secondary College so local students have the world-class classrooms they deserve,” Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas said. The Liberal Party will also be upgrading classroom blocks but did not specify which. Mr Hodgett said the investment would provide the school with the infrastructure it 8 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

needs now, and for the future. “Our kids deserve the very best learning facilities, and our teachers deserve the very best teaching spaces,” Mr Hodgett said. “This is a priority for the Liberals and Nationals, to give our children spaces that spark creativity, nurture learning and encourage healthy physical, emotional and social wellbeing at every stage of their development.” Liberal candidate for Narre Warren South, Annette Samuel, said she was proud to be fighting for students, parents, carers and teachers across the community. “This expansion is for the students – world-class facilities where they can learn and grow is something that these students deserve,” Ms Samuel said. “It’s no secret that our community has been calling out for thoughtful investment over the years. I am here to answer that call, end the neglect and deliver for the people of Lyndhurst and beyond.”

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas and Education Minster Natalie Hutchins at Lyndhurst Secondary College. 308406 Picture: SUPPLIED pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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Thursday, 17 November, 2022

12577511-SN46-22

STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

A pile of litter in the roadway’s channel.

Reeds clog a drain next to O’Grady Road, Hallam.

Hallam’s trucking hazard By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Hallam unsealed road used by heavy vehicles has deteriorated into a dangerous slurry after recent flooding. The inundated O’Grady Road, which adjoins the Hallam Valley drainage system, turned to a mogul course of corrugations, potholes and water hazards. It’s a dangerous situation that could have been easily avoided if the nearby channel was properly maintained, truckies and business owners say. “It’s bloody awful,” truck driver Andrew Chatfield said. “An absolute disgrace. It’s like something out of Outback Truckers. “I understand it’s a gravel road but to have these big holes is absolutely terrible.” He describes the potholed intersection with Hallam South Road as a “crater” – about a foot deep. “That’s the worst bit. You come off the gravel onto bitumen, it’s like going up a step. “You can’t go too quick but you have to go reasonably fast to get in front of traffic.” Mr Chatfield says it’s “nerve-wracking” travelling the road up to five times a day, hoping not to get bogged. Trucks were lurching onto the wrong side of the road to avoid the hazards, he said. Last Tuesday, a truck driver tried to avoid a large depression that stretched across nearly the road’s width. His truck was as a result bogged on the roadside, requiring a tow out. The next morning, a Star News photographer’s All Wheel Drive vehicle bottomed out several times on the road. “There’s potholes and sludgy mud all the way. I saw a truck driver turning the wheel a bit and the back part of the truck was crabbing.” Casey Council’s city and asset planning manager Keri New said the council applied about 430 tons of rock on the road since July. “However unprecedented weather events can cause the road to deteriorate quickly, requiring further maintenance. “Works to fix the road commenced on

The ‘crater’ between O’Grady Road and Hallam South Road. 307346 Picture: GARY SISSONS Wednesday 9 November and are expected to be completed in the coming days.” There were no plans to seal the road, which would need to be funded by O’Grady Road landowners, Ms New said. Meanwhile, VicRoads has proposed to repair the intersection at Hallam South Road, Ms New said. “The proposed works, which will take around three weeks to complete, will include new asphalt surface to be constructed at the intersection.” A nearby business owner says the treacherous situation is caused by nearby drains being clogged with rubbish and vegetation. The situation would improve with better maintenance, he says. The owner said there was a Melbourne Water proposal to enclose the drain but it was put on hold due to the discovery of the protected fish Dwarf Galaxias. Under the former Dandenong Valley Au-

A truck on the lip of the road to avoid deep potholes. 307346 Picture: GARY SISSONS

thority, the drain was kept clear of litter and plant growth. This changed under Melbourne Water’s watch, he says. “There was no vegetation in the drain 25 years ago. If they cleaned them out, we wouldn’t have these issues. “The fish should be moved out of what is a man-made drain and let it function like a proper drain again.” Ms New said Melbourne Water’s drainage system was unable to cope with the water coming through during “unprecedented” weather conditions. It led to the area around Centre Road, O’Grady Road and Hallam South Road being regularly flooded since 14 October. “Council has been in discussions with Melbourne Water, seeking action to mitigate this ongoing flooding issue,” Ms New said. “We are monitoring the flooding and road conditions closely and are working with Melbourne Water, VicRoads and the Victorian De-

partment of Transport to address the issue and restore the road.” A Melbourne Water spokesperson said maintenance of both the underground drain and the O’Grady outfall channel had not reduced. “A clean-out of these assets occurred in the last 12 months and Dwarf Galaxias were translocated by an environmental specialist.” Melbourne Water regularly inspected Hallam Main Drain before and after flood events, the spokesperson said. “A post-flood inspection occurred this week once the waters subsided and it was deemed safe to do so. “Debris was removed from an inlet grate on the same day.” However, as late as Friday last week, roadusers say thick rubbish and reeds still reportedly clogged the O’Grady channel.

Labor promises $1 million for Cranbourne Public Hall Labor has committed to upgrading two key pieces of Cranbourne community infrastructure if it retains government at this month’s election. Labor announced $1 million would be invested to ensure the Cranbourne Public Hall can continue to support local organisations. Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said investment in the hall would ensure it’s a critical community resource going forward. “The best communities are those that make you feel welcome, and thanks to this investment in Cranbourne Public Hall, locals will have another fantastic space to get together and feel at home,” Ms Richards said. 10 STAR NEWS

“This project will make sure the hardworking volunteers and staff who make Cranbourne Community Hall great can continue to welcome families in a new modern space – exactly what the local community deserves.” Additionally, Casey Radio will receive a $50,000 grant to help them continue to deliver a local broadcast to the community. The funding will help the volunteer media organisation to continue providing local news, sport and music for Casey, Dandenong and surrounding areas. This investment supports the diverse programming that Casey Radio, 3SER 97.7, showcases to its audience.

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards (right) at Italian Day celebrations in at the Cranbourne Public Hall in September. 299208 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Making your own crackers It’s one of the most beloved Christmas traditions: pulling a cracker with a loved one and seeing who ends up with the funny hat. But Christmas crackers are often the last thing on the shopping list and after buying the presents, trimmings and food, pockets feel a little less than flush. Why not try making your own? It’s easy and economical, using everyday items you probably have at home already. Best of all, you can fill them with trinkets that mean something to your guests, rather than plastic titbits that are likely to go in the bin at the end of the meal. Now that’s ‘bang’ for your buck! Here’s how to put them together: First, purchase some cracker snaps from your local craft store, like Spotlight. That will give you the authentic bon bon bang! Next, place a cracker snap in a cardboard tube, say a toilet roll tube or a paper towel tube cut in half. If you don’t have any tubes handy, you can find these at craft shops, or cut pieces of flexible cardboard into rectangles and roll into cylinders. Secure the snap with a piece of tape or glue. Then, choose your paper wrapping! You can wrap your bon bons in colourful tissue paper to match your table setting, Christmas wrapping paper, or even light fabric that can be washed and reused again next year. Cut it to fit the tube, with enough overhang to cover the ends of the snap. Roll around the tube and stick down with tape. Pinch one end and tie it down with a ribbon of your choice. Fill the other end of the tube with your trinkets and fillings (see below for some ideas on what fillings to use!) then tie the last end shut. For a personal touch, add a name tag and use each bon bon as a place setting for the table!

You can customise your crackers to suit your Christmas table settings. Here are some ideas for entertaining cracker fillings: If your guests have a bit of a sweet tooth, buy a box of chocolates and divvy them up amongst the crackers. For the adults in the room, you can purchase liqueur-flavoured chocolates to match guests’ favourite tipples - or perhaps even mini bottles

of their favourite spirits. Instead of the cheesy jokes we’ve all heard a thousand times before, write some positive affirmations or messages for the New Year and slip those inside. People love to know they are cared for! Are you a romantic at heart? If your

beloved loves Christmas as much as you do, a cracker might be the place to hide the ring. Just make sure they get the right bon bon to pull or things could get awkward. For the kids, include something they’ll actually use. Colourful hair ties or clips, badges, marbles or spinning tops make cute gifts for the little ones.

Pakenham

These Christmas flicks are perfect to watch with friends and family.

Picture: ISTOCK

Classic Christmas movies The holiday season is upon us and it’s the time for many traditions, including binge watching the same old Christmas films we all know and love. But which classic makes us feel the most Christmassy? Interested in finding the films that fill us with the most festive spirit, the experts at OnBuy.com created a Christmas film Index. They set up a points-based system where each festive element in the movies, such as the number of Christmas trees and how many times Santa appears, would earn a point (from one to three) based on how Christmassy they are. Using this pointsbased system, at the end of the study, OnBuy.com was able to crown the most Christmassy film of all time. The Results Starring Jim Carrey, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is crowned the most Christmassy film of all time with 586 points. The film scored the most points (50) for Christmas Outfit Appearance and Presents Appearance (66 points) out of all the considered films. Although the word “Santa“ is said 11 times, adding 22 points to the scoreline, and the classic Down the Chimney happened four times (adding 8 points), the only

Christmas element that the film didn’t score points on was Santa Claus Appearance - if we don’t count Grinch dressing up in Mrs. Claus’ clothes. The second place revealed that there’s no Christmas story more Christmassy than Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018) scoring 484 points. With an animated version of Mr Grinch dubbed by Benedict Cumberbatch, the film got the highest points for Christmas Food Appearance (15 points), Carol Singers Appearance (four points), Sleigh and/or Reindeer Appearance (14 points) and Down the Chimney (18 points). Considered a modern-day Christmas staple, Love Actually makes the top three with 406 points. This festive flick scored the highest points (135) for Christmas Trees Appearance. But, with zero points for Kisses Under Mistletoe. Scoring only 97 points, the least Christmassy film of all time is the musical White Christmas. Its highest score is 19 points for the number of times the word “Christmas“ is said. The five Christmas Songs (15 points) also disappoint and aren’t quite what we would expect from a Christmas musical. Source: OnBuy.com

by Candlelight Saturday 3 December Toomuc Reserve, Pakenham Gates open 4.30pm Pre-show activities from 5pm Main show beginning 6.30pm Fireworks display at approximately 9pm The event and all activities are subject to weather and other requirements and may change.

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/christmas

12577141-MS46-22

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Thursday, 17 November, 2022

STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Education rights triumph By Eleanor Wilson She may only be 11 years old, but St Margaret’s Berwick grammar student Kate is proof that gender equality activism is making its mark on younger generations. The Year 5 student was recently announced as the national winner of the museum exhibit category of the National History Challenge, a research-based competition open to Australian students. Kate also took out two state titles, for best Victorian museum exhibit and for the Grade 5/6 category. The theme for this year’s challenge was ‘causes and consequences’, with Kate presenting a large exhibit on Pakistani female education activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. “When I started thinking about who I should use [for the challenge] I immediately knew it should be Malala because I’m very passionate about women’s education and equality,” Kate said. “I first heard about [Malala] from my parents and then my Mum bought me a book about her. Now I have two books - one she wrote herself and another one I used for my research.” Kate’s exhibition centres on ‘the key to freedom’ - a women’s gender sign with a fist punching out of it, symbolising Malala’s fight for freedom and education, she said. “I made the gradient of the exhibit pink because most of the outfits Malala wears are pink,” Kate said. “The exhibit has a timeline and different themes called ‘causes and consequences’, and information about what caused her shooting, and the consequences from the Taliban shooting.” Yousafzai was shot by a Taliban gunman in 2012 as a result of her impassioned activism for women’s education rights in Pakistan. Kate said she was surprised to hear about the rights of women in the South Asian nation, which hold’s the world’s second largest Muslim population. “I thought we as a society had moved past that era of time, but in Pakistan they hadn’t, it was still women should be seen, not

St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar student Kate won the museum exhibit award at the National History Challenge for her exhibit on Malala Yousafzai. 307826 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS heard,” she said. In the last six years, St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar has taken out the state division of the challenge every year, but this is the first time the school has celebrated a national winner. “We’re really really proud of them. It doesn’t matter how they go, just for the children’s ability to meet a deadline and give it a go, we celebrate all success,” head of junior school Louise Sayar said.

Kate herself is no stranger to the challenge, taking out the state division two times in a row. “Last year I was very excited because this is something I’ve never done before,” she said. “This year when I found out I won state, I was just as excited as last year because I had accomplished that again. “When I won nationals, my excitement just went up so much.” Next month Kate will travel to Canberra,

where she will be presented with her award by Education Minister Jason Clare at the National Presentation Ceremony. But when it comes to what Malala - a woman who has inspired so much positive change for young girls - would think of a young female student’s success, Kate hopes she would be proud. “I think she would be very proud of me, that at my age I’m trying to spread the word around and her fight and try to stand up for what’s right,” Kate said.

‘More aggresive cancer’: Kathryn fights rare diagnosis By Eleanor Wilson A cancer diagnosis is enough to turn any family’s life upside down. For 32-year-old Berwick resident Kathryn Berecic, a 2021 diagnosis of a rare and belligerent cancer was no different. The primary school teacher’s battle began in January last year, when she was hospitalised with severe abdomen pain. Her appendix had burst, doctors told her, and with it mucous producing tumour cells spread throughout her abdomen. “It was like a cancer bomb going off in my belly,” Kathryn explained. “I have always been very health conscious. I’ve never smoked, I’ve always eaten very clean and kept active, so it came as a complete shock to me.” Appendix cancer, or pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), affects around one in a million people, making it one of the rarest forms of cancer in the country. It’s aggressive and difficult to treat according to experts on the cancer, of which there are only 10 in the world. One of those experts is Kathryn’s surgical oncologist, Professor David Morris, who operates in Sydney’s St George Peritonectomy and Liver Cancer Unit. The prognosis of appendix cancer varies among sufferers, according to Professor Morris. “There are different sorts of appendix cancers, there are some that are quite benign and others are more malignant and recurring,” Dr Morris said. “Kathryn’s is a relatively malignant one,” he said. 12 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

Since her diagnosis, Kathryn has undergone three major surgeries, each taking up to 14 hours, to remove her ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, spleen, gallbladder and colon. She has also received two doses of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which involves pouring heated chemotherapy into the abdomen to destroy microscopic cancer cells that may be spread throughout the abdomen. On top of this, she has endured 20 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, which has taken a large toll on her mental and physical health, she said. Yet sadly the treatment hasn’t proved as effective as Kathryn and her team of specialists had hoped. “Kathryn’s cancer has recurred a number of times and its behaving in a more aggressive manner than many of them do,” Dr Morris said. All but exhausting the treatment options available to her in Australia, on Sunday 13 November, Kathryn flew to Japan to begin preparation for a new treatment called Adoptive Cell Therapy. The treatment approach involves directly isolating immune and natural killer cells, activating them and vastly expanding their numbers. These cells are then reintroduced into the body through a series of injections, boosting the capacity for the body to fight the cancer. It can also greatly enhance the effects of chemotherapy. “As many doctors have put it, this is the future of cancer treatment,” Kathryn said.

The catch is that the cost of Adoptive Cell Therapy sits at about $50,000 per treatment, which Kathryn will need multiple times a year. On top of that, complementary treatments that support the immune system and slow tumor growth are currently costing Kathryn up to $2000 each week. They are forced to pay for the treatments on Kathryn’s husband’s single wage - an almost impossible feat. To help lessen the financial blow to the family, a Gofundme page was set up last year, so far receiving 1000 donations. “We’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of support she’s received,” Kathryn’s older sister Louise Berecic said. “The diagnosis has completely turned our lives upside down, the guilt I feel as her older sister watching her go through this is immense, I wish I could take it away.” While over $90,000 worth of donations will go a long way for the young Aussie, more funds are needed to finance the ongoing costs. “To get a benefit you need ongoing treatment a couple of times a year, so I need so much more to be able to continue this treatment,” she said. “I just want to live a long and happy life with my loved ones. I’ve got so much love to in my life to give and I’m not ready to give that up.” To donate to Kathryn’s Gofundme, head to gofundme.com/f/for-our-girl-kat Kathryn Berecic with her two-year-old toy cavoodle Rosie. Picture: SUPPLIED pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

EARLY LEARNING AND EDUCATION CHOICES

Fighting feelings of stress As many secondary students would be well aware, VCE is a time of stress, uncertainty and hard work. It is important to balance this stress with relief, uncertainty with predictability and hard work with relaxation. Studies show that small, regular breaks between study sessions can improve mood and productivity. Remember that it is not maintainable to be constantly anxious. You should have time to destress and think about something other than exams and study for a while. Here are some ways to combat feelings of stress during your VCE exams Positive self-talk Using negative language with yourself is neither beneficial nor deserved. Make an effort to recognise how much work you’re putting in and allow yourself to see how well you’re doing. You have worked hard to get this far, and you need to maintain your health and wellbeing throughout the year. Try to think of five things that you’re proud of yourself for doing either in or outside of your school life and reiterate that you’re capable of what you want to achieve. Visualise yourself doing well in your studies and receiving positive news when you receive results or feedback. Use some tangible grounding tools Have a cup of tea, play with your pet or scribble in an adult colouring book. It’s okay to forget about study for a while. In fact, it’s beneficial to spend some time after you study to allow the information to consolidate in your brain, so pick up a book or make yourself a snack and keep your mind occupied for a moment. Move your body Get the blood flowing! Whether you put on your favorite dance

It’s important for VCE students to properly manage their stress during the year

playlist and boogie around your room for a while, do some yoga or go for a stroll with a friend, getting active will refresh not only your body but your mind as well. It will also assist in creating and releasing endorphins

Picture: ISTOCK

to improve your mood and relieve feelings of stress. It’s likely that you’ve heard it plenty of times, but VCE is not the be-all and end-all of life. Despite the outcome you receive on ATAR

day, there are always a variety of ways for you to get into your desired career. Life will go on after high school and it is there to be lived, so make sure you make the most of it. Best of luck to all VCE students this year!

Give your child the best start. Free Kinder in 2023! * *2 free days per week

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Thursday, 17 November, 2022

STAR NEWS 13

EARLY LEARNING AND EDUCATION CHOICES

Activities to celebrate At St Patrick’s this year, we have really stepped up and ensured that we have brought back the fun since the Covid pandemic closed all schools down in the last two years. This year in 2022, we have celebrated a multitude of activities. One of the most important events was the return of the celebration of our Sacraments. We were able to see our students take part in their First Communion, the Sacrament of Confirmation and soon to be celebrated, the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Together with our Parish Priest, Fr Janeesh Jose and other parish support staff, we welcomed our Bishop Greg Bennett (Diocese of Sale) who joined in these wonderful occasions. We welcomed our dads along with carers and guardians for our Father’s Day morning. The dads were treated to fresh, hot coffee and spent the morning joining in with their child/ren as they played basketball, dancing, skipping and many other fun activities. The students loved this opportunity to share their wonderful experiences of St Patrick’s. Next, we had our Book Week Parade which was hosted and run by our School Captains. Each grade was called upon to do a ‘lap of honour’ with their teachers so their costumes could be admired. It was incredible to see the fantastic effort many students went to, thanks no doubt to mums, dads and grandparents and their nifty sewing skills. On days like this, when I see the students so happy to be at school with friends and family is a dream come true! St Patrick’s Primary School is situated at 136 Princes Highway, Pakenham. Telephone 5943 9000.

St Patrick’s Primary School is at 136 Princes Highway, Pakenham.

St Patrick’s have really stepped up this year to ensure they brought back the fun after the Covid pandemic.

We pride ourselves on being a Catholic, welcoming school where everyone is valued and respected. Our committed and professional staff provide a safe, caring environment where we aim to engender a love of learning in every student.

ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN FOR 2023 Ph: 5943 9000 or email office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au to book a school tour 136 Princes Highway, Pakenham | www.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au | (03) 5943 9000 12575719-SN46-22

14 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

EARLY LEARNING AND EDUCATION CHOICES

There’s life after high school By Holly McGuinness As the end of exams creeps closer for high school leavers, many Year 12 students are preparing for the next stage of their lives. There’s an abundance of options available but it can be overwhelming to filter through them all and know what the best option is. Those who’ve decided on the career they want and have marks to warrant a high enough ATAR might choose university as their best option straight out of high school. The career a school leaver has chosen could determine which university is best for them. For those unsure of where to go, the Federal Government has a number of resources available to help identify which university is the best match. If you know which course you want to do and where to go, but you didn’t get the marks needed to be accepted, then a bridging course could be the next best bet. There’s plenty of options to fill in the gaps, like starting at a different institution and transferring to that dream university later.

If university isn’t a preferred option then a trade, traineeship or apprenticeship could be a great alternative. Other options include Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or Vocational Education Training (VET) for anyone looking to take up a trade such as carpentry or a career in childcare; there’s an abundance of courses and careers on offer. TAFE and VET courses are a good pathway into university or careers that don’t need a degree - working as an assistant in nursing can be achieved through TAFE. Several Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offer career specific courses to further advance those moving into certain fields, including hospitality or real estate. For those unsure which career could be best for them, the government has a variety of online tools to assist in discovering what may be the best career option to suit someone’s passions and personality. It can be overwhelming to decide what’s next, so taking some time to reevaluate the next stage of a young person’s life could also be a post-school leavers option. Details: yourcareer.gov.au/your-futurecareer

St James Catholic Primary School engages individualised learning experiences.

Picture: PEXELS

Diverse and rich learning offer a variety of activities to meet students at their identified point of need. Learning is purposeful, engaging, driven by teacher knowledge of curriculum and is centred around the children’s interests. The school is excited to extend the range of specialist classes in 2023 to include Japanese, Physical Education, Visual Arts, STEM (Years 3 to 6), Digi-tech and Performing Arts (Foundation to Year 2). Families are warmly invited to contact St James to arrange a tour of the school including the before and after school care service, telephone 5942 5404 or email office@stjamesnng. catholic.edu.au

Enrol now for 2023

St James Catholic School

Call 5940 6777 to book a school tour

Committed to your child’s academic, spiritual & emotional development

St Clare’s Catholic

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The educators at St James Catholic Primary School are passionate about ensuring their students are offered as many rich and diverse learning opportunities as possible focusing on the academic, spiritual, social and emotional development of every child. Focusing on the education and development of the whole child is central to the teaching and learning philosophy at St James. They believe that learning is not contained within the walls of the classroom but is evident in all aspects of school life from celebrating our faith during assembly and regular class masses to school camps and excursions. An advantage of being a small school is staff know their students and how they learn and

Primary School Officer

Where every student is known, nurtured & respected.

95 Majestic Drive (PO Box 362)

ENROL NOW FOR 2023/24 | 5942 5404

Phone 03 5940 6777 Email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au

60 Nar Nar Goon Rd, Nar Nar Goon 12575523-JW46-22

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Thursday, 17 November, 2022

STAR NEWS 15

Pakenham

Gavin Staindl Senior Sales Consultant 0424 227 134

GROUP A 2

SEN V NED - NOV 21

QAR V ECU - NOV 22

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GROUP B 3

ENG V IRN - NOV 22 Khalifa International - 12.00am

USA V WAL - NOV 22

WAL V IRN - NOV 25

ECU V SEN - NOV 30 Khalifa International - 12.00am

IRN V USA - NOV 30 Al Thumama St. - 6.00am

GROUP D

ARG V KSA - NOV 22

DEN V TUN - NOV 23

MEX V POL - NOV 23

POL V KSA - NOV 27 Education City - 12.00am

ARG V MEX - NOV 27

POL V ARG- DEC 1

KSA V MEX - DEC 1

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DEC 4 Ahmad Bin Ali St. - 6.00am

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GROUP C

FRA V AUS - NOV 23 Al Janoub Stadium - 6.00am

Al Janoub Stadium - 9.00pm

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TUN V FRA - DEC 1

AUS V DEN - DEC 1

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52 2C

QF 2 DEC 10 Lusail Stadium - 6.00am

57 1C /2D

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GROUP A

GROUP B

GROUP C

GROUP D

Qatar (QAR)

England (ENG)

Argentina (ARG)

France (FRA)

Equador (ECU)

IR Iran (IRN)

Saudi Arabia (KSA)

AUSTRALIA (AUS)

Senegal (SEN)

USA (USA)

Mexico (MEX)

Denmark (DEN)

Netherlands (NED)

Wales (WAL)

Poland (POL)

Tunisia (TUN)

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RUNNER UP SF 1 V Khalifa International- 2.0

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THIRD PLACE P

QF 1 DEC 10 Education City - 2.00am

1E /2F

Al Bayt Stadium - 6.00am

WAL V ENG - NOV 30

Stadium 974 - 3.00am

Ahmad Bin Ali St. - 9.00pm

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DEC 4 Khalifa International - 2.00am

Ahmad Bin Ali St. - 6.00am

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ROUND OF 16

FINAL DEC 19 - 2 LUSAIL S

WORLD CUP WALL CHART

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Alan McTaggart GROUP E

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QF 3 DEC 10 Al Thumama ST - 2.00am

53 2F

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DEC 15 - 6.00AM Al Bayt Stadium

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ESP V GER - NOV 28 Al Bayt Stadium - 6.00am

Khalifa International - 6.00am

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DEC 7

QF 4 DEC 10 Al Bayt Stadium - 6.00am

55 2E

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Lusail Stadium - 6.00am

56 2G

Al Thumama St. - 3.00am

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BEL V CAN - NOV 24

BEL V MAR - NOV 28

Al Janoub Stadium - 9.00pm Lusail Stadium - 6.00am Al Janoub Stadium - 9.00pm

BRA V SUZ - NOV 29

CMR V BRA - DEC 3

SRB V SUZ - DEC 3

Stadium 974 - 3.00am Lusail Stadium - 6.00am Stadium 974 - 6.00am

Al Bayt Stadium - 9.00pm Ahmad Bin Ali St. - 6.00am Al Thumama St. - 12.00am

CRO V CAN - NOV 28 Khalifa International - 3.00am

CRO V BEL - DEC 2

Ahmad Bin Ali St. - 2.00am

Al Thumama St. - 2.00am

GROUP G

Education City - 2.00am

QF4/QF3

Khalifa International - 12.00am

GROUP F MAR V CRO - NOV 23

CAN V MAR - DEC 2

GROUP H 14

URU V KOR - NOV 25

POR V GHA - NOV 25

KOR V GHA- NOV 29

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STATE ELECTION Candidates for the State seat of Pakenham, who responded to questions before deadline.

Pitch for Pakenham votes

Rajvir Singh Sagoo Independent Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I have been living in Pakenham for the last 3 years. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Pakenham? I have been a volunteer with Red Cross India (Punjab), Salvation Army store Beaconsfield and most recent I was free food delivery driver with Gurudwara Baba Budha ji Pakenham and local council decided to cancel their permit for sikh temple. I tried getting in touch with premier’s office but received no response from them. I tried to contact media but temple members were scared to go against council. I was very disappointed with this so I decided to step up cause complaining to change things did not work. Why are you the best candidate for Pakenham? I live and work locally unlike few other candidates. I run my part time own business Tray truck on call and also work with

Monash Health as security officer. My 95 % of work relates to mental health sufferers at Dandenong and all other Monash facilities. What are the biggest issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them? I want to work on isolated persons. Leisure facilities need great improvements. We are loosing lot of lives to mental health. Speed traps around parks to insure children safety. Flood and bush fire relief centre for the area. Do you have any plans to address the state of the roads in Pakenham? I will be regularly be in contact with Vicroads to improve roads. How do you plan to address the mental health service shortfall in the area? I will be interested to open small mental health facilities led by nursing and largely supported by experienced volunteers. Big facilities need lot of staff which is not available. Ones we have they already exhausted. Healthcare worker safety in facilities is also my concern. Fines shall be introduced for assaulting staff.

are connected to. With the creation of the new seat of Pakenham we have a unique opportunity to elect a truely independent candidate to be the voice of our community and this is why I decided to run. Why are you the best candidate for Pakenham? I’ve been on Cardinia Shire Council for 17 years and Mayor three times so I have governance experience and a solid understanding of the issues faced by our community. I also have significant connections with a number of community groups and this will allow me to introduce resident roundtables to inform policy development, allowing our community to have their voice properly heard.

have a solid understanding of the issues affecting our residents.

Brett Owen Independent Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I grew up and attended school in Officer and Pakenham and currently live in Beaconsfield. I have spent my whole life in our local community and have also been a serving police officer for 27 years working mostly locally. Spending so much of my life dedicated to serving our local community means that I 18 STAR NEWS

Why did you decide to run for the seat of Pakenham? For too long, our district has been overlooked by the major parties and I’m frustrated by the current state of our politics. I want to offer a positive, community focused option who is not beholden to party politics. My wife and I are also raising our three children in this community and want to ensure it continues to be place that they have opportunity in and

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

What are the biggest issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them? Currently the potholes are the biggest issue that residents are raising with me and I am confident that with significant pressure applied to the party that forms government, we can have this issue addressed. It’s frustrating that our residents often have to leave our district to access adequate health services and the major parties are taking so long to address this. We need services now. We also need improved public transport, particularly a bus services review as we haven’t had one in our area for 15 years and a full review has not been promised by either of the major parties. Another issue that residents have raised is the need for investment to support local

employment. The Officer South employment precinct has been designated as an area of state significance so we need to ensure that the development of this precinct and associated infrastructure is progressed. The South East Airport and significant State Government support for the much needed upgrade to Cardinia LIFE. Community Safety is another issue that many residents are raising with me. I will advocate for more police resources and additional programs to engage our young people. Do you have any plans to address the state of the roads in Pakenham? Absolutely. There has been significant underinvestment in road maintenance programs. We need cooperation between state and local governments to adequately plan to ensure that we are able to repair the roads to last, as we know that we will continue to have difficult weather events and this needs to inform our planning. How do you plan to address the mental health service shortfall in the area? We need funding to be allocated to increase existing services and support including to specialised services such as Headspace as well as primary health services. We need to ensure that funding is provided across youth, adult and aged mental health and that we also provide support for training and retention for this very important workforce. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

STATE ELECTION night. Thousands more are living in financial stress and are only one paycheck away from losing their homes, and Pakenham is not immune to this. The simplest and most effective way to end homelessness in Pakenham is to provide enough affordable, long-term housing for everyone. To support the plan to end homelessness, the Greens will push the next government to build 100,000 new high quality, sustainable, accessible public homes across the state in the next decade, followed by ongoing investment in new public homes so we never fall behind again. Cost of living - Cost of living pressures are hurting Victorians. Big banks, coal and gas corporations and property developers are making billions while many who I have spoken to in Pakenham are struggling to get by. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can invest to provide lower energy prices and build affordable housing, while also creating tens of thousands of new quality jobs. Cost of living pressures can also be eased by making public transport cheaper and making public schools genuinely free, through removing additional fees and charges. And we can tax the big banks, property developers and other big corporations to invest in the essential services we need. Education - For children, the early years are the most important in their development. Early childhood education centres have been increasingly privatised over past decades, and they’re not meeting the real needs of our communities. Pakenham needs more community-run early education centres and kindergartens. We know that not-for-profit centres are run by the community for the community and are an important place for people to come together. After early education, the Greens will make quality, public schools genuinely free, abolishing out-of-pocket school costs for families, including ‘voluntary’ fees, subject costs, and digital devices.

Do you have any plans to address the state of the roads in Pakenham? To build connected communities, I believe we need to develop infrastructure that is conducive to good physical health and keeps people connected. A part of this story is a well-connected public transport network that serves the people in our community. As housing estates are built, we must advocate for bus and train services that will eliminate isolation due to a lack of transport infrastructure; this will beimportant, especially as Pakenham East comes online.

Why are you the best candidate for Pakenham? I have lived experience, I have had jobs in retail, admin, vet nursing and for members of parliament. I am a mother of two, a volunteer firefighter and a stroke survivor. I did eight months of rehabilitation after the stroke right here in Pakenham, learning how to walk, talk and eat again. This experience moulded me. It highlighted the importance of people being able to access acute and allied healthcare close to home. I will advocate to ensure that as we grow, the residents of Pakenham continue to have access to the healthcare services they need and deserve. I am passionate about people, about inclusivity, education, health care, public transport and our environment. I will be a strong advocate for our diverse community.I will work hard, listen to people and fight to continue doing what matters.

Party sold off our public power assets, Victorian families have been paying the price. Under our plan, we’ll not only deliver more renewable energy, lower power bills and reduced carbon emissions – we’ll also create 59,000 jobs. We made TAFE Free, with over 120,000 people taking up the opportunity to gain the skills for the job they want. We’ve made Kinder Free for three and four-year-olds from next year, saving families up to $2,500 per child and giving more families, women in particular, the opportunity to return to the workforce if they choose. We’re working hard to alleviate the pressure on households.

Michelle Maibaum Greens Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I am a new resident to the Cardinia area, moving in during lockdowns 2021. My partner and I bought a house in Beaconsfield, right on the edge of the Pakenham electorate border. We have a young dog and have loved exploring the region, post lockdowns. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Pakenham? I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Pakenham and my new incredible community. I can however see a lack of unity and cohesiveness that I believe I can help change for the community of Pakenham. There needs to be strong housing affordability reforms, gambling regulations that help those

Emma Vulin Labor Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I moved to Pakenham in 2011 and have lived in the area since then. I have raised my two children – they go to school here, participate in local sports and I volunteer at the CFA in Upper Beaconsfield. At the end of last year, due to personal circumstances, I moved about 2500m outside of the Pakenham boundary. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Pakenham? A combination of things made me decide to run for the seat of Pakenham. Being a volunteer for CFA, on the parent committee at my children’s school, local festivals and Clean Up Australia Day events have always kept me involved with assisting community. The joy of working with a range of people and groups is something that I love dearly. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

struggling, a public education system that we can be proud of and a state and local energy strategies based on social equity and ecological sustainability. I believe the seat needs to hear from all aspects of the community and listening to young people is a great start. Why are you the best candidate for Pakenham? My care for our community made me want to run as your local Greens candidate. I am very passionate about education, social wellbeing, and strong climate action with a particular focus on natural and built environments for a changing future. I strongly believe people power can make a huge difference in many social and environmental injustices. What are the biggest issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them? Housing - About 25,000 Victorians are experiencing homelessness on any given

I have also worked for members of Parliament at Federal and State level and been part of the Cardinia Shire’s Leadership course. These roles have enabled me to understand how different levels of government work and how to help people with the issues they face in their lives. Our area is growing and it’s growing fast. The Labor Government has delivered on so much for our local area; level crossing removals, 8 new schools and 12 upgrades schools and new train stations on the way. I want to continue to ensure we keep up with the services and infrastructure that we need and deserve. Lastly, my children. I explained that I wanted to make the leap to put my hand up, but it would also impact the family in many ways. My children are very understanding, and they reminded me of two things – that on Christmas 2020 I was off on deployment fighting fires in East Gippsland, so they understand the importance of helping communities in need and that I had the opportunity to potentially make a difference to people’s lives as part of a Labor government.

What are the biggest issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them? I have been out every day knocking on doors, making phone calls or standing outside train stations and shopping centres listening to our community. The biggest issue we face in the Pakenham electorate is our rapid growth and keeping up with services and infrastructure. The Labor government has invested in 12 school upgrades (and if re-elected, $11.3 million for Pakenham Secondary College) and 8 new schools which are either built or on the way. Improvements to the Pakenham train line and the Metro Tunnel will allow us to increase services. Our Community Hospital is fully funded and expected to be completed by the end of 2024 which will take pressure off Casey Hospital and be built right in the heart of Pakenham where it is accessible to everyone! People are feeling the stress of the price increases for fuel, groceries and mortgage or rent. This are real challenges for so many. The Victorian Energy Compare helps households with $250 to help with their power bills. A reelected Andrews Labor Government will also bring back the State Electricity Commission, – delivering cheaper power bills and lower emissions while putting power back in the hands of Victorians. Ever since the Liberal

How do you plan to address the mental health service shortfall in the area? In two words - Access and Affordability. It’s too difficult to get affordable access to a qualified mental health professional in Pakenham and beyond. Waiting lists are long, and out of pockets costs are more than many can pay. Under the Greens’ plan, we’re calling for more psychologists and psychiatrists in schools and public clinics, and more funding for drug and alcohol rehab beds, so everyone can get the help they need, when they need it. The Greens plan includes: Fund 500 more psychologists and psychiatrists for schools and public clinics Fund 200 more drug and alcohol detox and rehab beds, so people can get access to these services when they need them Invest further in public housing and homelessness services, and protection for renters, to break the cycle between housing insecurity and mental illness $12m in funding to Eating Disorders Victoria. This funding will scale proven programs, increase early intervention, support broader system training and development, and provide organisational certainty.

· · · ·

Do you have any plans to address the state of the roads in Pakenham? There is no denying the fact that potholes are a big issue - a challenge for both state and local government. After three years of La Nina and this being a particularly wet winter and start to spring the weather conditions have made repairs very difficult. I would like to acknowledge that crews are working very hard and once weather conditions get better and the repairs have time to cure properly, we will see improvement. There is more work to be done, I will continue to advocate on this issue. Over the past 4 years, we have averaged $813 million per year on road maintenance compared to an average of $493 million per year when the Coalition were last in office. How do you plan to address the mental health service shortfall in the area? Victoria held the landmark Royal Commission into Mental Health. 65 recommendations were identified, and this government has committed to implementing them all. The introduction of mental health care practitioners at government schools has also been delivered. We do have mental health facilities in the area but with a growing need for these services and an increase in population we need more. I will strongly advocate for this Continued Page 20

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

STAR NEWS 19

STATE ELECTION

Sammi Clarke Freedom Party of Victoria Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I moved to Pakenham in the middle of 2020 during the lockdown.

David Farrelly Liberal Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I first moved to Pakenham in 2008 and it’s always truly felt like home. It’s the only place I’ve lived since I was a kid that I’ve felt a deep connection to, and I believe it’s the best place to live and raise a family. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Pakenham? I’m running for Pakenham because I am passionate about this area. I have big ambitions to make the seat of Pakenham even better and want to see our local amenities greatly improved. I’m running because I want to bring out all the potential this area has and make it a better place for us all to live, work, go to school and to come to visit. Why are you the best candidate for Pakenham? Since moving to Pakenham, I’ve been a passionate volunteer for my local community. I’ve sat on several community committees, assisted a range of organisations and been an active volunteer for Neighbourhood Watch, Lakeside Residents Group and assisted in the development of our growing community. My commitment to Pakenham has never wavered and now I’m looking to take the next step to serve my community. I have successfully advocated for significant funding into local sport, services and infrastructure and have done so through listening to the community’s wants and needs. I believe that through my community roles I have a good understanding of the local issues, and I am always eager to listen to what our community want to say. What are the biggest issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them? The biggest issues I’m hearing are cost of living, healthcare and road quality. I have a plan to tackle all of these. Cost of living will be addressed through pushing down the cost of public transport. The State Liberal Team has committed to $2 per day public transport and $1 per day for concession card holders. In addition, we’re unlocking our natural gas reserves to push down 20 STAR NEWS

Why did you decide to run for the seat of a I decided to run for the seat in Pakenham as I was a Youth Coach with an employment agency and saw the intense impact the lockdowns and mandates were having on the youth of Pakenham and the need for representation that stands for the everyday person.

the cost of power and alleviating budget stress on families. We are also enabling young people to buy a home through our first home buyer concessions. In regards to healthcare, the Andrews Labor Government has utterly failed to deliver their promise to provide health services to Pakenham. Their proposed ‘community’ hospital is no more than a day clinic and won’t deliver what the community needs. I’ve committed $500 million for a real hospital for Pakenham, in a location that makes sense, with 150 beds, critical care unit, children’s care unit and a plan to expand the hospital into the future to meet our growing population. We are committed to building 15 new hospitals already across Victoria and only the Liberals can be trusted to fix the health crisis. With regards to road quality, potholes are by far the biggest issue, which is what our community is telling me. That’s why we have sourced $10 billion over 10 years to fix the potholes and keep them fixed. Labor has failed on road quality, and this will be my priority as the new local MP. In addition to this we have secured a $56 million upgrade and duplicate Racecourse Road - the main clogged arterial connecting the freeway with the Princes Highway. For me it’s about making lives better! Do you have any plans to address the state of the roads in Pakenham? Yes, we have $10 billion to address the quality of our roads and fix the huge potholes we are seeing all over Pakenham and Officer. The quality of our roads right now are ridiculous and Labor have done nothing about it. In addition to this congestion remains an issue too and our $56 million upgrade of Racecourse Road will alleviate the massive congestion on Racecourse Road and indirectly reduce traffic on McGregor Road too. I will make our roads safer and proactively prepare for the booming population in East Pakenham. How do you plan to address the mental health service shortfall in the area? This has long been an issue I have advocated for locally, and we need quality mental health services available in our community. This means investing in health which is what we are doing through our $500 million new Pakenham hospital, which will have mental health services as part of the facility. But we also must address the causes of mental health, which have been accelerated in recent times. Dan Andrews lockdowns, the longest and most severe in the world, affected us all and that is why the Liberals are committing to ending lockdowns for good... My commitment to our local sports clubs, especially to our junior clubs is important for our kids mental health as exercise, friendly competition and growing social networks help boost our mental health and create strong positive relationships. This is a huge part of how we heal as a community, and I’m the only candidate in Pakenham that’s committed to supporting these clubs, our community, and building a hospital that will address the mental health crisis.

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

Why are you the best candidate for Pakenham? I believe that when voting for a candidate, the person needs to really listen to the members of their community to ensure they are well represented with their concerns and things that matter most to them. I endeavour to listen and be the voice of the people. What are the biggest issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them? The biggest issues I believe in Pakenham are the roads, health care system, jobs, and transport. The influx of people moving to Pakenham needs to be managed in a manner that addresses all issues. Introducing new bus services that are efficient; a health care system that has capabilities of servicing our entire community; education system that can deliver inclusive schooling of all students ensuring that they are not having to source schools that are out of the community and that each school has enough resources to manage with capacity; and infrastructure that can endure the arrival of further residents. The Freedom Party of Victoria has a shadow ministry that is placed with each candidate’s wealth of experience, and I would liaise with each of them in order achieve positive suc-

Angela Siladji One Nation Where do you live and how long have you lived there? Born and raised in Victoria and lived in the South East Region of Victoria all my life. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Pakenham? The population of this area is set to increase by 60&percnt; over the next ten years and we must ensure this district isn’t left behind. The residents here want real change and will only receive this with a representative that genuinely wants to listen to their concerns and ensure that government decisions made are in the best interests of the local community and not for private profit. Why are you the best candidate for Pakenham? I understand the constant challenges and the sense of frustration the local community face with the lack of support, infrastructure and the effects of bad government decisions, Although I am not a career politician what I do have is the passion and drive to bring true representation at a grass root level. As a mother I understand the additional stress many families are facing and those having to sacrifice basic standards of living just to keep up. I believe it its time to have common sense policies. We need real people making real decisions. What are the biggest issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them? The biggest issues in this electorate I feel is the ever increasing cost of living. Soaring power bills, high petrol pricing , food shortages and the rise of interest rates. One of the ways we are committed to easing the pressure on families by implementing cheap reliable base load power high-efficiency low

cessful outcomes to ensure Pakenham remains a wonderful, functioning community that grows in strength. Do you have any plans to address the state of the roads in Pakenham? In Pakenham we have a major issue of potholes and the long commutes to the city and surrounds. The works on the M1 need to pause until the much-needed repairs on the roads in Pakenham take place. While each are as important as each other, the local roads need serious attention as there is a great risk for damage to vehicles potentially causing accidents and individuals safety. How do you plan to address the mental health service shortfall in the area? Mental Health is a very important issue to me personally. The Freedom Party of Victoria has addressed the need for a shadow ministry to focus on specific issues such as mental health. I will be liaising with the shadow minister and the local community, allied health services to ensure that the people of Pakenham receive all the care they need within preventative and remedial mental health care.

emission coal-fired power stations. There is over 500 years of coal just South of us in Latrobe Valley which has provided reliable base load power for generations. We should be using that coal and new technology to provide cheaper power to Victorians. Do you have any plans to address the state of the roads in Pakenham? The roads in Pakenham are an absolute disgrace. My concern is the danger particularly to young inexperienced drivers and the elderly. My 18 year old son for example had only held his licence for approximately 2 weeks and was forced to pull over on the Princes Highway with two flat tyres. We pay registration and are expected to have our vehicles in roadworthy condition yet the roads are deemed as unsafe. The time frame in which the roads are repaired are delayed and I understand the additional rain we have had has not helped. Pakenham residents are already feeling the burden with increased cost of living to then have to add the additional financial burden of vehicle repairs is just unacceptable. I will ensure as a candidate to put the communities safety first and prioritise the maintenance of our roads. How do you plan to address the mental health service shortfall in the area? It is evident mental health has had a significant increase since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. Many of the health challenges are caused by inadequate infrastructure not keeping pace with the rapid population growth, insufficient services, especially those early intervention services. I would fully support any increase to funding for additional healthcare workers, paramedics, mental health workers, counselling service providers and would oppose any further vaccination requirements on our healthcare workers to encourage qualified professionals to return to the workforce

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CLINIC HOURS: MON-FRI 8AM-6PM • SAT 9AM-12PM • SUN BY APPOINTMENT Thursday, 17 November, 2022

STAR NEWS 21

NEWS Photographer ROB CAREW captured the vibe at the Cranbourne Cup.

All the action from the Cup By Marcus Uhe Crowds once again flocked to the Cranbourne Turf Club on Saturday for the annual Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup. With no restrictions on attendance, 7000 punters lapped up the atmosphere, which included live music to go with the action on the track. Turf Club CEO Neil Bainbridge said it was fantastic to see people back at the course once again. “We’d like to see 7000 get to above 10,000 next year,” Mr Bainbridge said. “We had a pretty tough spring, weatherwise. It was a nice day but in the lead-up, the weather impacted people’s habits and desires. “For the Cup meeting to be shown live on free-to-air on Seven is a terrific boost for us and the region. “It’s such a significant day being the first Saturday after the Flemington carnival. We’re really confident this day will continue to grow.” In what was a terrific day for the club, seven of the nine trainers were based at the track, which Mr Bainbridge believes showcases the strength of the facility. A record prize pool of $1.7 million was on offer across the meet, including $500,000 for the Cup itself. But Mr Bainbridge already has his sights set on next year. “The club will continue to contribute to prize money to lift the standard and elevate the races,” he said “We have a strong aspiration that the Cup should be worth $1 million, that’s something we’ll continue to strive to achieve. The goal is to have it worth $1 million in 2023.”

Self-proclaimed “The Real Housewives of Cranbourne North”, from left, Bec, Bec, Kate, Jess. 307621

Live music after the Cup. 307621

Chloe Pearce and Jodie Hall. 307621

Ebony Scott and Chloe Crouch head home after a long day. 307621 22 STAR NEWS

The Cranbourne Cup was competing with the Rugby League World Cup match between Samoa and England for this group’s attention. 307621

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

Style and Sophistication, Jack Colantuono was awarded runner-up in the Best Dressed, Fashions on the Field competition. 307621 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

From left, front, Jennifer Dunne, Wendy Peard, Judy Peard, Debbie Burke, (behind), Maryanne Cross and ex-Jumps Jockey Craig Robertson bring the glamour to the Cup. 307621

Devon Meadows netballers, Stacey Walter, Brooke DeHey, Emily Bennett, Stacey Rotariu and Anna Van Rooyen. 307621

Fashions on the Field Best Dressed winner Mandy Manning (Centre), first runner-up Jack Colantuono (right) and second runner-up Kelly Carty (left). 307621

Peter Rabbit

Tom Sheahan, Mackenzie Wing, Olivia East, Kiera Graham, Eliza Lloyd, all from trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr). 307621

The Cup is one of the annual highlights of the region and attracted another big crowd. 307621

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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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NEWS

Simple numbers approach TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH Most people don’t start business because they are good at business, they start a new company because they are passionate about something, have a particular skill that they want to apply in a unique way or simply want greater control over their time and income. Interestingly though, success in business tends to be less about the specific product or service you offer and much more about how and why you do it as well as understanding how to effectively manage your financials. In the words of a long-standing and successful former client of mine, this means that “you need to know your numbers”. So what does this mean in practice? There are multiple ways this can be done, but I thought I would share a simple approach with you that has worked well for dozens of businesses. The first thing you need to determine is how much money you want the business to bring in over the year and what level of profit you need. Unfortunately many business don’t do this and those that do simply take last year’s revenue and add a (usually small) percentage. The latter is not a bad place to start but as I will show shortly, this should be tested. Assuming you have a target figure in mind for the current or new financial year, the next thing to do is break this down into monthly contributions. Say you had a target of $1.2m revenue for the whole year, then this implies an average monthly income of $100,000 which should

When it comes to business, you need to know your numbers. also be tracked each month. However, if you look closely, most businesses show a seasonality to their income levels. For example, retail businesses should expect higher sales in December and January compared to the rest of the year whereas in construction and manufacturing, revenue

over these months (and April as well as it turns out due to public holidays) tends to be less. Setting your budgeted monthly income over the entire year in line with these variations creates a ‘sales profile’ that defines what you can reasonably expect each month. Once you have this information, you can

create a simple financial plan otherwise known as a budget. This takes the expected monthly income and also includes the expected monthly costs from which a monthly net profit can be derived. There are two types of costs: 1. Costs directly associated with the sales (known as the ‘Cost of Goods Sold’ or COGS); and 2. Overhead or fixed expenses which include those costs you have to pay irrespective of whether you make any sales or not, e.g. rent, heating and lighting, motor vehicle costs and staff wages. The monthly overhead expenses are easy to estimate since the biggest overheads don’t change very much from month to month so you can be relatively safe in just dividing the total expected outgoings for the year by 12 to get a monthly number. You can get a good estimate of this by looking at what your total Operating (Overhead) Expenses were in the previous financial year and increasing this by a suitable percentage. The budgeted net operating profit each month can quickly be calculated by: Net Operating Profit = Sales – COGS – Expenses. If the above sounds simple, it’s because it is! The problem is that many people don’t like numbers, don’t feel that they understand Profit and Loss statements or simply ‘don’t have the time’ but the reality is that this is not hard (just ask the author who came 23 in a class of 24 in his Year 7 maths test!). Once you have defined your budget, it is essential that you track what actually happened each month and compare this to your budgeted expectations to see the differences. If you plot the cumulative figures for your sales, COGS, expenses and net profit, you will get a much clearer picture of the underlying trend of your business’ financial performance and can take action sooner if need be.

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Author’s inspiring change By Eleanor Wilson

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Wida Tausif would rather forget her schoolyard memories. “I was labelled a terrorist, there were days I’d get eggs and tomatoes thrown at me…I would cry walking home. It was full on,” she said. Now, the Clyde North resident, who was born in Afghanistan, is publishing a children’s book with the hope it will encourage nervous young ones to look forward to school. Ali Goes to School follows the story of a young boy who is fearful of going to school, Ms Tausif said. “When he goes to school he actually changes his mind and decides that school is fun and he can make friends and he can have lots of social experiences and it’s not as scary as he thinks,” she said. “Working as a kindergarten educator, I do see a lot of children getting nervous for school.” The 30-year-old mother of two admits her life has been “very unstable”. At 20 days old, her family fled to neighbouring Pakistan, which, Ms Tausif said, “was not a very safe country for Afghani’s at the time”. “It’s been unpredictable, living in Pakistan, there was a lot of bullying involved”. Nine years later the family would move to New Zealand, first to a refugee camp in Auckland, before settling in Christchurch. But, unfortunately, things at school didn’t get any better for Tausif, who had hoped a new country would be a clean slate. The family moved in September 2001, a time when anti-Muslim sentiment was fervently picking up pace following the September 11 attacks in New York. “There was a lot of discrimination back them at school and I was labelled as a terrorist. It was quite sad,” she said. “One of the reasons I decided I wanted to

Wida Tausif holds her second book Aliens Don’t Belong on Earth, in anticipation of her third book Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS release next year. 307581 write was because of the emotions I had and the experiences I faced when I was a child from Pakistan and getting bullied in New Zealand. “And you know that’s something I wanted to do, I needed to speak about it.”

The children’s story is Mrs Tausif’s third book, following Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams and Aliens Don’t Belong on the Earth. But it’s the first of her novels taken on by an international publisher - Austin Macauley

Publishers in London, which will see the book circulate to countris including Australia, Saudi Arabia, the UK and the US. She describes the experience as a “dream come true”. “You know getting bullied as a child I didn’t think I’d come this far,” she said. “It was exciting but I felt really emotional. It was huge news for my family as well.” A lot of the book’s credit is owed to her family, Tausif said, particularly husband Daniyal who encouraged her to submit the book to publishers. “As a child I wanted to write books and be a public speaker and get on the stage and take photos, which is not really accepted in my culture. “It was really huge because you don’t really get that much from the male members of your family as an Afghan woman. It really motivated me to keep going as well.” In addition to family support, the book is a dedication to her nephew of the same name, who faced his own troubles at school. “For me to write this book was quite easy, because I could relate to it and I could link my nephew, Ali, to it and my job as well.” She said she hopes bringing a multicultural character to the book will encourage cultural diversity for future generations. “I’d love to develop cultural awareness in children as well, because a lot of kids don’t know about cultural diversity, what it is, and unity and respect. “I just hope it does bring positive change and I just hope they look back to their kinder year and remember the story they read about Ali.” Ali Goes to School will be published in early 2023 and will be available for purchase on Amazon and at selected book stores.

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WHAT’S ON Lifestyle Officer Christmas Market Gifts, cakes, sausage sizzle, devonshire tea and raffles - all stalls homemade, home-baked and home-grown with a visit from Santa at 11am. Saturday 26 November at Lifestyle Officer 114 Rix Road, 9am to 1pm.

Bridgewood Food Truck and Market Night The primary school is hosting a food truck and market night featuring twisted potatoes, slushies, raffle, showbags, basketball clinic and icecream. Friday 18 November 4pm to 8pm at Bridgewood Primary School.

Cardinia Youth Services Pride Formal Pride Formal is a free event for LGBTIQA+ young people aged 12-24 and their friends/allies to come together and celebrate in a safe, discrimination free environment to embrace pride, diversity and inclusion for all. Dress code open to individual expression of identity. Door and best dressed prizes, DJ and live music and dance competitions. This is a fully supervised, drug, alcohol, smoke and vape free event. To book your ticket please visit prideformal2022. eventbrite.com.au Saturday 3 December 7pm to 10pm at the Beaconsfield Neighbourhood House

Walk 4 Brain Cancer

Sit Down Board Games

Brooklyn Chaffey has organised a walk to aid in the research of brain cancer as well as to pay tribute to those that have lost their battle and those still fighting. Lakeside Lake, Sunday 27 November at 10am.

Garage sale trail Moy-yan Neighbourhood House is hosting a garage sale trail on 20 November. It is $10 per site for stalls for unwanted items, trash and treasure. Contact 0481 895 509 for more information. 20 November from 9am to 2pm at the Garfield Recreation Reserve.

As part of Southern Region Disability Inclusion Week, head to the Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre to take part in an all ages board game event. Friday 18 November 12pm to 2pm $4 and bookings required. Phone 8768 4400 or email program co-ordinator Sue Howat at program@bncinc.org.au

Lakeside Market Pakenham The Lakeside Market Pakenham is a street food truck and handmade makers market set by the side of the stunning Lakeside Lake and in the front of the Cardinia Cultural Centre. Sunday 20 November 10am to 2pm.

Nar Nar Goon Christmas Festival

November Berwick Breakfast

Get together Goon style and relax amongst friends and family. There will be raffle prizes (tickets available at various locations in town and on the day), live entertainment/Christmas carols, free kids activities including a joint artwork mural where you are the budding artists, Food available for purchase (sausages, devonshire teas, soft drink, zooper doopers) plus a visit from Santa! For more information, email goonnews3812@ gmail.com Saturday 3 December 4pm to 8.30pm in Main Street, Nar Nar Goon.

All classic cars and hot rods are welcome, if you haven’t been before then polish your ride and come along. There are plenty of cafes to choose from. Sunday 20 November 7am to 10am Main Street, Berwick.

Lakeside Family Christmas Party Lakesides Annual Family Christmas Party for the children to come and see Santa and enjoy the other treats we have for them. Dragon Park, Lakeside Saturday 3 December 10am to 12pm.

Pakenham SES Open Day Come behind the scenes on our open day. See a road rescue demonstration, learn how to stay safe before, during and after storms, find out what we do and what’s it’s like to be a volunteer, kids can have a photo in a rescue truck, there’s a sausage sizzle and lots more. Saturday 19 November 11am to 3pm at 780 Princes Highway, Pakenham.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Attendees were in awe of the beautiful design, the spacious lounge and communal areas as well as the many outdoor areas for relaxation or exercise.

The experienced team at Cardinia Community Aged Care are well-versed in the care and attention that is required in aged care.

A successful Open Day The day also featured many activities for families and children to enjoy. There was a kids’ activity area, face painting, sausage sizzle and ice cream from the on-site cafe. For the parents, there was a coffee cart supplied by local cafe Bean On Track and entertainment in the form of a young duet singing and playing for the crowds. Families were given an information show bag to take home with information on a range of areas relevant to aged care. The experienced team at Cardinia Commu-

Find out all the local news for Pakenham & Officer. Pick up the Pakenham Officer Star News from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device each week. To read all the in depth news, sport and information from across the region buy the Pakenham Gazette from supermarkets, services stations and outlets. Just $2 and worth every cent!

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Harmony Berwick Day Showunites returns

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5-0 Welcome start for withUnited open arms

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SPORT

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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nity Aged Care are well-versed in the care and attention that is required in aged care, with many having worked across the sector for several years. The team is standing by to provide information and assistance to anyone considering aged care or looking to relocate a loved-one in the near future. For further information or to enquire about a tour of this new home, call 1300 1300 13 or visit signaturecare.com.au

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admission. The home opened to residents on Monday 14 November. “The Open Day provided the opportunity for families to ask questions, collect relevant information and to have a first-hand experience of what the future of Aged Care is like.” Attendees were in awe of the beautiful design, the spacious lounge and communal areas as well as the many outdoor areas for relaxation or exercise. Resident rooms were also a feature, highlighting those extra touches that ensure the personal comfort of every resident.

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Cardinia Community Aged Care in Officer hosted an Open Day on Saturday 5 November for the local community and for families considering aged care for a loved-one. The event was held in glorious sunshine and showcased the many luxury amenities the home has to offer. “It was such a successful event,” reported Martin Jones, General Manager Client Services for Signature Care, “there were hundreds of people that toured through the home”. He said many people reserved rooms for

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Pick up your Star News newspaper from these local outlets... • Officer - The Timber Mill Cafe 4 Cotswold Crescent

• Pakenham - FoodWorks Shops 5 & 6, 106 Henry Road

• Officer - 7-11 Service Station Outbound Officer 397 Princes Highway

• Pakenham - Cardinia Shire Council Office 2 Henty Way

• Pakenham - NewsXpress - Pakenham 99 Main Street

• Pakenham - Stellas Cafe and Takeaway 2 Hogna Court

• Officer - Officer Bakehouse 412 Princes Highway

• Pakenham - Tea for 2 Cafe 58 John Street

• Pakenham - Century 21 Real Estate - Pakenham 103 Main Street

• Officer - Chelles Soulfood 20/445 Princes Highway

• Pakenham - Pakenham Central Marketplace 50-54 John Street

• Pakenham - Vanille Bistro 116 Main Street

• Pakenham - Milk Bar Jun-58 Racecourse Road ( Cnr Cameron Way )

• Officer - Peake Real Estate Lvl.2, 439 Princes Highway

• Pakenham - O’Brien Real Estate - Pakenham Shop 3 & 4 /11 John Street

• Pakenham - Bakery 127 127 Main Street

• Pakenham - Cardinia Club 71 Racecourse Road

95 Main Street • Pakenham - Arena Cafe Shop 8 Princes Highway and Cardinia Road (Arena Shopping Centre)

• Officer - Officer Post Office Princes Highway and Cardinia Road (Arena Shopping Centre)

• Pakenham - Four Seasons Cafe Shop 5, 50 54/5 John Street

• Pakenham - Neilson Partners 1st National - Pakenham 130 Main Street

• Pakenham - Lollipop’s Playland & Cafe 01-Mar Southeast Boulevard

• Officer - Arena Shopping Centre Princes Highway and Cardinia Road

• Pakenham - The Coffee Club Shop 6, 50-54 John Street (Pakenham Central Marketplace)

• Pakenham - Twisted Sista Cafe & Gelateria 131 Main Street

• Pakenham - The Cornerstone 2 Station Street

• Pakenham - Pakenham Heights Cafe & Milk Bar 3810/28B Ahern Road

• Pakenham - Elders Real Estate - Pakenham 1140 Koo Wee Rup Road

• Pakenham - The Great Australian Bakehouse 137-145 Main Street

• Pakenham - Lakeside Square Shopping Centre 9 Village Way

• Pakenham - Gloria Jeans Shop 1/1280 Koo Wee Rup Road

• Pakenham - Bendigo Bank 105 Main Street

• Pakenham - Frankies 5 Lakeside Boulevard

• Pakenham - Pakenham Place Shopping Centre 67-69 Main Street

• Pakenham - Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre Windermere Boulevard

• Pakenham -Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate - Pakenham Shop 9, 22-26 Bald Hill Road • Pakenham - Deep Creek Reserve Cafe Cameron Way PAKENHAM OFFICER

• Pakenham - Cardinia Cultural Centre Lakeside Boulevard • Pakenham - Pakenham Hills General Store 1 Leigh Drive • Pakenham - Homestead Cafe @ The Heritage Shop 5/1 Livingstone Boulevard

• Pakenham - Robert Gordon Pottery & Kitchen 114 Mulcahy Road • Pakenham - Pakenham YMCA 4 Olympic Way

• Pakenham - Urban Hype Cafe 9/140 Windermere Boulevard

• Pakenham - Grants Estate Agents - Pakenham Mar-51 John Street • Pakenham - Ray White Real Estate - Pakenham Lcl.1, 11 John Street

• Pakenham - The Heritage Shopping Centre 1 Livingstone Boulevard

• Pakenham - Spill the Beanz Coffee Shop 825 Princes Highway • Pakenham - Salvos Stores 895 Princes Highway

• Pakenham - Harcourts Real Estate - Pakenham Lvl.1, 48 Station Street

• Pakenham - Alex Scott and Staff Real Estate - Pakenham

• Pakenham - Wild Bean Cafe 92-96 Princes Highway

• Pakenham - Outlook 24 Toomuc Valley Road 12562287-MS32-22

• Pakenham - Kebabs Pakenham 137 Main Street

• Pakenham - Village Way Cafe 15-Sep Village Way

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STAR NEWS 27

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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• Previous extensive experience with management and leadership of staff at a senior level.

The Executive Officer (EO) is responsible for leading the day-to-day management of the Victorian Country Press Association and Country Press Australia (CPA). In this position you will work closely with the board to implement the Association’s strategic priorities.

• In-depth understanding of accounting principles including budgeting, balance sheets, income statements, cash flow, and capital planning management.

The EO is appointed by and reports to the Board through the Remuneration and Appointments Sub-Committee.

• A demonstrated commitment to ethical practices.

• Strategic leadership ability. • Relevant tertiary qualiﬁcation is desirable but not essential.

The EO is responsible for the overall management of the activities and services of VCPA along with providing leadership to a small team.

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Between 2013 and 2022 the Cardinia Foundation became the Casey Cardinia Foundation but we have returned to our roots in recent months. With a new vision and significant expansion strategy we are looking for community members with passion, energy, skills and connections to help drive and develop our future.

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The goal of the Cardinia Foundation is to invest in building a strong, healthy and diverse community that knows how to get things done and knows how to support themselves, each other and our environment. To help our local community groups to thrive, building a brighter future for Cardinia. The role of a Board Member of the Cardinia Foundation is to ensure the organisation has transparent and accurate legal and financial accountability, operates according to strategic vision and objectives, has excellent fundraising functionality and as a Board Member, contributes to the success of the organisation through financial support and advocacy. We are seeking candidates with the following skills in particular: • Legal and ﬁnancial • Strategic and business development • Fundraising • Advocacy

Fulton Hogan are currently looking for people experienced in Sewer and Water Construction for the following positions:

CREW LEADER/FOREMAN (SEWER/WATER) EXCAVATOR OPERATORS (SEWER) PIPELAYER (SEWER) SEWER MAINTENANCE LABOURER Please note that we only consider applications from skilled applicants with South East Water experience in new land development water/sewer reticulation & sewer outfall construction. Please send Resume and cover letter to: ashlee.davenport@fultonhogan.com.au PO BOX 690 DANDENONG VIC 3175 Or phone Ashlee Davenport on 0419 741 584

Applicants should work or live in the Cardinia Region and meet the ASIC Responsible Persons criteria for Public Ancillary Funds. Applications are invited by emailing Cardinia Foundation Chair: paul.thomas@starnewsgroup.com.au

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The Cardinia Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors oversees strategic direction, community impact and prudential financial management. We are seeking expressions of interest from individuals interested in joining our Board of Directors. This is a great opportunity for leading individuals to make a positive difference to their community. The Cardinia Foundation has raised funds and supported local organisations since 2004 and has a new direction and an exciting future we are inviting you to be part of.

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VCPA is an industry member owned organisation representing regional and local news media across Victoria. The Association provides a range of services to members including industrial relations advice and information, advocating and representation activities, annual awards and conference, training and information, industry updates, networking and sales representation through a whollyowned business trading arm – Regional Media Connect.

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Thursday, 17 November, 2022

STAR NEWS 29

SPORT

Player Points restructure AFL Gippsland has announced an enhanced management and education program around the Player Points System (PPS) that will give clubs in the region the opportunity to have suspended penalties revoked if they meet certain requirements. After 71 senior clubs from Gippsland leagues were found by AFL Gippsland to have incorrectly allocated the PPS values of one or more players during the 2022 season, and the clubs were subsequently sanctioned, AFL Gippsland is committed to delivering a reinvigorated training program and to providing greater support to clubs and leagues in the region to aid PPS management. Taking into account feedback from clubs, six PPS training seminars have been scheduled for February 2023. For clubs that meet participation and general compliance requirements, AFL Gippsland will remove sanctions imposed on that club. The move is designed to improve the integrity of the PPS in 2023 and beyond, ease the burden on volunteers, help clubs, and ensure best-practice PPS management is adopted across the region. “We have welcomed all responses received from clubs following the recent breach notices which has pleasingly reinforced the commitment to the PPS and Allowable Player Payments (APP) and delivered initiatives as to how a reset in Gippsland can be beneficial whilst acknowledging that all levels of the game must work in collaboration,” said AFL Gippsland Region Manager, Cameron McPhan. “Where clubs participate in the reset by attending PPS training sessions, either in person or virtually, and meet minimum compliances associated with the management of the PPS for 2023, AFL Gippsland will remove the sanctions

AFL Gippsland has put plans in place to resuscitate the integrity of the Player Points System around the region. 198697 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS imposed on individual clubs, including the period of suspension. “A reset is considered necessary and will improve integrity in the PPS and therefore football in Gippsland.

“I am pleased that we can offer the opportunity to revoke the suspended penalties and reset the region by supporting clubs with training, education, and a region review of PPS allocations, which aligns to the compliance requirements in the policy to mitigate the risks

which have been exposed at all levels during 2023. “Club volunteers have recognised that breach notices were warranted and acknowledge that the PPS is necessary, however were concerned that given the suspended penalties, further incorrect assessments could occur without the additional support required from the region. “Therefore, provisions provided to revoke the penalties have been well received by clubs across the region.” AFL Gippsland has also responded to initiatives presented by clubs, with McPhan confirming the introduction of a Player Points Panel whose purpose will be to consider applications from clubs for additional points and individual player requests for reassessment as provided for in the PPS policy. “A Player Points Panel, comprising of region management and independent members, provides AFL Gippsland a platform where specific Gippsland issues relevant to the management and implementation of the PPS can be assessed and considered,” McPhan said. “I appreciate that the influence of the PPS will vary across Gippsland; the Player Points Panel will therefore, consider reassessment submissions from players and clubs and the influences of local player pathway specific to the many varied locations within Gippsland. “We have used this scenario as an opportunity to collectively reset as a region with leagues and clubs and collectively identify more opportunities to progress the game.” AFL Gippsland is seeking Expressions of Interest to join the Player Points Panel as independent members.

Mills the man in Wingless Sprints at Drouin Speedway By Dean Thompson Ricky Mills from Traralgon has won his first ever Wingless Sprint feature event on Saturday afternoon when he took down the Gippsland Wingless Sprint Series Round 1 at Drouin Speedway. Mills was not the only big winner as the ‘Bunyip Bandit’ Jeff Blencowe once again won the ‘Sally Memorial’ for Standard Saloon’s in honour of Sally Walkinshaw. Other winners on race day included Dette Miles in the Ladies Standard Saloon final and Beau Stuchbery from Bairnsdale in the Junior Standard Saloon’s and Arthur Hutchinson in the Junior 1200cc Sedan’s. Seventeen Wingless Sprints competed in the first round of the six-round Gippsland series which will also visit Bairnsdale, Rosedale, and Nyora Speedway’s with competitors mostly from Gippsland, southeast Melbourne, and eastern suburbs areas. Four qualifying heat races were held with Mills - previously a state Division 2 Hot Rod champion - winning the first and Dillon Seily from East Gippsland the second. Into the second round of qualifying Wayne Logue from Morwell and Kim Gosling were victorious. Seily and Mills scored enough points to earn front row starting positions for a 25lap feature event with Peter Logue, Gosling, Wayne Logue, Aron Lawrence, Thomas McDonald, Ben Hodge, Travis Evans from Bunyip, and Scott Irons from Drouin rounding out the top-10 starters. The biggest drama in the 25-lapper was when a back marker played havoc with the leaders, resulting in second, fourth, fifth and sixth all spinning and stopping, which meant being sent to the rear of the field for the race restart. Mills took the main prize in front of many people who had watched him for most of his career. Mills defeated Thomas McDonald, Lawrence, Hodge, and newcomer driver Blaine Densley. In the Standard Saloon feature event, the 30 STAR NEWS

Jeff Blencowe from Bunyip won his second “Sally Memorial” at Drouin Speedway on Saturday

Ricky Mills from Traralgon won round one of the Gippsland Wingless Sprint Series at Drouin on Pictures: CBM PHOTOGRAPHY Saturday. 307966 ‘Sally Memorial’ defending champion Shane Stewart returned to battle against original winner Jeff Blencowe, Mark Miles, Kacey Ingram, Andrew Miles, and others in a stout field. Stewart won the first qualifier and Blencowe the second. Mark Miles then won the next and was the first competitor in the class to turn a lap at less than twenty seconds for the day, Simon Strang then won the fourth heat.

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

Andrew Miles won the fifth heat before Blencowe won the last in an electrifying 19.760. A field of 21 then took to the track for the final. Blencowe was pressured early in both stages of the two-segment race which run’s ten laps each way with a change of direction occurring at the halfway point of the twentylap race. In the second segment Blencowe lowered

his fast time of the day to 19.725 before finishing off with a second victory in the ‘Sally Memorial’ in front of Mark Miles, Stewart, Ingram, and Andrew Miles. The Junior 1200cc Sedans class included a rollover from Kiarna Barton as she exited turn four chasing the race leader Arthur Hutchinson. Hutchinson went on to win the final, recording a lap time of 20.212, the fastest for the class for the day. Junior Standard Saloon racing finished with Beau Stuchbery getting victory over Nathan Miles from Catani. Finally, the Ladies Standard Saloon’s final got off to an interesting start when the top two qualifiers - Maddi and Dette Miles - were both relegated to rear of the field after swapping from the cars they qualified in due to damage. Dette Miles overcame that obstacle to win the final. Drouin Speedway is set to return with more competition on Sunday December 11. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Lions remain undefeated By David Nagel Pakenham (6/218) continues to make the transition from early-season surprise packet to legitimate premiership contender after a thumping seven-wicket victory over Officer (163) at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday. Although loaded with top-end class, the Lions were probably the third or fourth seeds heading into the 2022/23 season. Reigning premier Tooradin remain strong, while the recruitment of Gamini Kumara, and return of Michael Giles, gave Kooweerup the look of being the main challenger to the Seagulls quest for back-to-back flags. After failing to make finals in 2020/21, the Lions began slowly last season and were knocked out by Cardinia at the semi-final stage earlier this year. Add in the losses of Zac Chaplin, Troy McDermott, and up-and-coming opening bowler Tom Brennan, and it seemed a formality that the Lions would struggle to be a formidable force this season. Taking all that on board, it was fair to send them in as fourth seeds! Opener Jack Anning (58) saw off the early threat of the new ball, and the loss of partner Chris Smith (10), to share match-winning partnerships of 58 with Dale Tormey (38) and 54 with Rob Elston (40 retired hurt) to lead the Lions to victory with seven wickets in the tank. Anning plastered six balls to the boundary, and one over the ropes, in a well-balanced performance that put the Lions in control of the contest. Experienced-pair Jason Williams (21) and Sean Gramc (25) then joined forces with Elston to lead the Lions home to their fifth-consecutive victory. “I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, but our performance has maybe exceeded expectation slightly,” said Lions’ skipper Tormey. “We always expect to win, we don’t rock up to games thinking that we’re not going to win, we back ourselves every game and that’s shown to be spot on so far. “It’s been a really good start…we’ve got no complaints with how we’ve started the season.” The Lions are slowly getting to full strength, with opening bowler Paddy Lawson returning through the twos, and Tommy Tyrrell providing a selection dilemma after taking five wickets in A Grade on the weekend. “I joked with Tom last week, because he’s almost got himself ready, that if he took five-for on the weekend that I would get him back in…

In good nick. Opener Jack Anning was once again in the runs for the Lions. 302276 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS and that may have backfired a bit,” Tormey said with a chuckle. “At times over the last couple of years we’ve struggled to fill those last one or two spots, but this year there’s going to be some tough decisions where well-performing players are going to miss out. “They’ve done nothing wrong, but a goodquality cricketer will be in that spot instead.” The Lions host Clyde this week, while Officer faces a tough visit to Tooradin. Clyde (6/250) was never really in the hunt of chasing down Kooweerup’s enormous 321 from day-one of their clash at Denhams Road, but the Cougars did produce a brave fight. Michael Vandort (50) and Trevor Bauer (45) shared an impressive 98-run opening stand, but both fell in quick succession. The experienced John Simpson (45 not out) and Nera Wanniarachchi (37 not out) then gained some valuable centre-wicket practice as the Cougars tuned up for their big away game against Pakenham this week. A fabulous half-century from classy wicketkeeper-batter Ben Parrott (88) has propelled Tooradin (7/322) to an effortless 169-run vic-

tory over Carlisle Park (153). Josh Lownds (56) and Russ Lehman (23) kick-started the Seagulls’ cause; sharing a 53run stand for the second wicket. Parrott then shared a 38-run partnership with skipper Cal O’Hare (19), before expanding his repertoire to dominate a 90-run union with Aaron Avery (30). Tyler Evans (24) and the explosive Brad Butler (37 not out) then finished off the innings in style, with Butler striking one boundary and four towering sixes in his rapid innings of just 15 balls. The reigning champs host Officer this week, while Carlisle Park returns to its home deck to take on a confident Merinda Park. And Merinda Park (174) has snuck quietly into the top four after a brilliant bowling display saw the Cobras overpower Cardinia (132) at Heatherbrae Reserve on Saturday. The Cobras dictated terms from the outset, with openers Josh Phillips (20-12-2-30) and Sasindu Perera (32.4-13-6-52) keeping the Bulls’ batters under wraps, particularly before tea. Phillips, bowling his right-arm mediums

from the Princes Highway end, and Perera – who had his left-arm offies on a string - bowled a remarkable 25 maidens between them. Bradey Welsh (35) batted well for the Bulls, who were otherwise stuck in first gear. Perera bowled unchanged from one end through to the tea break in a magnificent display off slow bowling. He mixed his pace beautifully, bowling accurate darts one ball, before slowing things down and getting some nice grip outside the right-handers off stump. “He’s pretty much got every trick in the book that you want from a left-arm orthodox,” said his Cobras’ skipper Andrew Martin. “He mixes his pace very well, and then bowls the old sucker ball that turns and bounces; he just seems to have a lot of guys in trouble at the moment.” The Cobras travel to Carlisle Park this week while the Bulls face a huge challenge, hitting the road to take on Kooweerup. CASEY CARDINIA – ROUND 5 PREMIER Cardinia 132 (S Perera 6/52) def by Merinda Park 174 (D McCalman 70, K Bentick 49*, J Grogan 4/29, T Wheller 3/72). Kooweerup 321 (L McMaster 193, D Lever 4/61 SL Herath 3/43) def Clyde 6/250(cc) (M Vandort 50). Tooradin 7/322 (B Parrott 88, J Lownds 56) def Carlisle Park 153 (A Fonseka 51*, J Lownds 3/14). Pakenham 6/218 (J Anning 58) def Officer 163 (TJ Beddows 51, D Tormey 6/37). Ladder: Pakenham 66, Tooradin 54, Kooweerup 54, Merinda Park 30, Cardinia 30, Officer 30, Clyde 18, Carlisle Park 6. DISTRICT Cranbourne Meadows 198 (R Sharma 56, R Worsteling 5/36) def Devon Meadows 148 (A Randhawa 4/28, M Singh 3/30). Upper Beaconsfield 9/320(cc) (J Westra 60, N Kyval 3/98) def Pakenham Upper Toomuc 165 (K Gibbs 6/18, C McDonald 3/35). Lang Lang 216 (SS Samarasinghe 63, C Marsh 3/24 S Stapleton 3/26) def Emerald 119 (AC Jenkins 3/14). NNG/Maryknoll 5/130(dec) (N Phillips 58, G Interlandi 50) and 1/132 (J Markland 68*) def Gembrook 121 (N Mueller 5/38, C Davis 3/16) and 140 (D McPherson 50, W Taylor 4/24, C Davis 4/48). Ladder NNG/Maryknoll 62, Devon Meadows 54, Upper Beaconsfield 54, Cranbourne Meadows 42, Emerald 30, Lang Lang 30, Pakenham Upper Toomuc 18, Gembrook 6.

Wizards win while Snipers wait their turn for glory By David Nagel The stage is set for a magnificent division one grand final in the South West Gippsland Dart League (SWGDL) after Just Social booked a place in the big dance with an emphatic 8-2 victory over Warriors. Meanwhile, in division two, the Wizards became the inaugural winners of the Don Brown Memorial Shield after surviving a cracking grand final contest against the Rebels. Every leg was hard-fought at the Railway Hotel in Warragul, with the Wizards finally prevailing 8-7 in a heart-stopping finish to the season. Scores were locked at 7-all, but a doubletwo peg-out saw the Wizards become the first division two champions in the SWGDL. All 10 teams played in the same competition this season, with the top-four teams forming division one for finals, with teams five-through-eight competing for the division two title. Wizards were well-deserved winners; finishing fifth on the ladder with the Rebels close behind in sixth place. With their confidence now up, both teams will look to climb into the top-four when the next season of the SWGDL begins in the coming weeks. But there is still one massive game to be played before the current season come to an pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Just Social will be hunting back-to-back titles against the Snipers. end, with Just Social now taking on Snipers for this year’s trophy. Just Social proved too strong for the Warriors in the preliminary final, but will need to turn around a recent loss to Snipers in the second semi-final at the Cardinia Club in Pakenham. The grand final is a rematch of the most recent grand final played, where Just Social won 8-6 in a gripping encounter. The SWGDL would like to thank the Cardinia Club in Pakenham for their great support throughout the current season of darts.

Wizards were all smiles after winning the division two premiership in the South West Gippsland Picture: SUPPLIED Dart League. 308048 Thursday, 17 November, 2022

STAR NEWS 31

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FWY

NAR NAR GOON

East Pakenham Train Station (proposed)

Nar Nar Goon Train Station Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve Nar Nar Goon Primary

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HILL R

OAD

Chairo Christian School

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EE RU

EGOR MCGR

P ROA

ROAD

BALD

SEVEN

MILE R

Heritage Springs

S CE

OAD

CES

St James Primary

Deep Creek Reserve

Pakenham Train Station RY RO

PAKENHAM EAST

Pakenham Primary CES HWY HWY PRINCESPRIN

5KM

Pakenham Place

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ARMY

OAD

ROAD

An e

OAD

HAM R PAKEN

Beaconhills College

Pakenham Secondary College

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Pakenham Lifestyle Centre

t o e c c a a l ll h p

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Take a chance on a better way of living. Ridgelea offers a forward-thinking space for every family to flourish, including singles, retirees and growing families.

Take a chance on Ridgelea — it’s all at the Ridge.

Choose from a range of lot sizes situated within the Ridgelea community, each surrounded by fresh air, open spaces, parks and endless walking routes.

Speak with our sales team about the upcoming stage release on 1300 925 349.

Shopping, public transport, medical and convenience needs will be easily accessible via a newly created Pakenham East Town Centre and train station.

Learn more at ridgeleaestate.com.au

Scan to register your interest

12556269-MS38-22

32 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au