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For the love of art
Coffee with a Cop returns
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SPORT
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Success for makeshift fire engine
School in harmony By Corey Everitt Pakenham Consolidated School is celebrating Harmony Day this week amid a busy week of NAPLAN tests. Kids dressed up for school in either traditional garments of their family or in colourful clothes. This is a sweet break during a stressful week for both students and teachers with the NAPLAN tests. The Pakenham school will spread out various fun activities throughout the week, including scavenger hunts, for all ages.
Pakenham Consolidated School celebrated Harmony Day on Tuesday, 21 March. Picture: COREY EVERITT
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The “advanced” and “modern” equipment was imported from overseas senders in Canada, France and Switzerland. Other ring-members in Australia, India, Indonesia and the UK used the details to withdraw money from the victims’ accounts. Kulothungam was a “key organising link” in Victoria, who received the equipment and communicated with members installing and retrieving the devices at ATMs, the court heard
on 3 March. However he was “far from a high-ranking conspirator” in the operation, the court heard. He was linked to $39,000 withdrawn by others from victims’ accounts. There was another $99,000 in unsuccessful transactions. Judge Mullaly said the overall amount stolen and Kulothungam’s share of the takings were “quite small”. Continued page 3
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A man who was part of an international ATMcard skimming fraud targeting ATMs in Melbourne’s South East has faced sentence. Diresh Kulothungam, 38, of Dandenong, pleaded guilty after a sentencing indication at the Victorian County Court to conspiring to defraud bank ATM customers in Berwick, Narre Warren and towns across Victoria, NSW
and South Australia. Sentencing judge Gerard Mullaly said Kulothungam was part of an organised syndicate that installed card readers and pinhole cameras at the ATMs between December 2016 and January 2018. The card readers would skim the card’s account details. The camera would film the PIN as the unsuspecting victim typed into the ATM keypad.
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By Cam Lucadou-Wells
THE LOWDOWN Q&A
with Balla Balla Community Centre’s program coordinator Lauren McCarthy
Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I have been a volunteer Laughter Group leader - Ho Ho Ho, Ha, Ha, Ha, Hee, Hee, Hee. What do you love the most? Walking on the beach, it soothes my soul. What are you most passionate about? Being involved and belonging in my community.
THREE … facts about Ramadan
1
Moon Ramadan begins during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, when the new crescent moon can first be seen. This year’s first day of Ramadan is estimated to be on 23 March and end on 22 April.
2
Fasting During Ramadan, Muslims worldwide fast every day from sunrise to sunset. Young children, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or on their periods, the elderly, and people with health problems, aren’t expected to fast.
3
Well-wishes You can express well-wishes for Ramadan by saying “Ramadan Kareem” (“Have a generous Ramadan”) or “Ramadan Mubarak” (which can translate as “Happy Ramadan”). After the last day of Ramadan, on Eid-al-fitr, the greeting changes to “Eid Mubarak”.
What would your last meal be? Summer barbecue with loads of salads. What was your most memorable moment? Becoming a mum – almost 27 years ago! What was your favourite subject in school? English, history, and politics. What event, past or present, would you like to witness? The Olympic Opening Ceremony in 2000 in Sydney, I think I’m the only Australian who didn’t see it as I had a sick baby. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? Tim Winton, Stephen King, Julia Gillard, Philippa Gregory, Dawn Fraser and Neil Armstrong. What are you currently listening to/watching or reading? I’m reading Scrublands by Christopher Hammer and watching Peaky Blinders (better late than never). How would you describe your fashion sense? Non-sense – I don’t follow fashion trends but
Lauren is passionate about her community. wear clothes I like and that I hope, suit me. I love rummaging in op shops for both clothes and books. Have you ever had a pet that has made an impact on your life? Leo, our larger than life cat adopted us and won our hearts with his amazing personality. I
Picture: SUPPLIED look forward to again meeting him and DJ, my childhood dog at the Rainbow Bridge. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? I wouldn’t pass the first round - I’d be better off as a taste tester and dishwasher!
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Successful race for ATM card skimmer running fire engine faces court By Eleanor Wilson Narre Warren CFA volunteers are giving their legs some much-needed rest this week, after tackling the daunting 14.5km Run For The Kids on Sunday. Completing the race in a makeshift running fire engine, the six-person team traversed Melbourne’s CBD alongside tens of thousands of people to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal. Senior firefighter Tony Bundock said the team was able to develop a good strategy to push them through to the finish line. “We rotated the number of members in the truck over every two or three kilometres so they could run alongside and conserve energy. “That saved everyone from getting too knocked around.” The team has thus far rallied over $1300 of its $2000 fundraising goal. “We’d still like to push it on a bit more… if we can get to the $2000 mark we’d be really pleased,” Mr Bundok said. Mr Bundock, who is a seasoned Run For The Kids participant, said he would “absolutely” participate in the fun run again next year. “Even though we’re really tired at the end, everyone agrees we’d do it again,” he said. “The truck just might need some modifications or a bit of a service before we take it out again next year.” To donate to the Narre Warren CFA’s Run For The Kids campaign, head to runforthekids. gofundraise.com.au/page/narrewarrenfirebrigaderunningfir
Rob Beard, Anthony Jones, Karen Bundock, Tony Bundock, Adrian Jones and Timmothy Oborne made up the running fire engine team. Picture: SUPPLIED
From page 1 But the attack on the banking system was “criminality of great concern”. “It undermines the services that banks can provide. So much of modern life does depend on cards and PIN numbers.” The Tamil refugee fled persecution in Sri Lanka in 2008, leaving behind his parents and six siblings. He met two of his co-conspirators Tharany Ramasamy, of Dandenong, and Ravishanth Raveendran, of Noble Park, in refugee camps. Since 2018, Kulothungam was unable to continue cleaning and factory work due to his physical injuries. A psychologist assessed him as an “anxious” and “socially isolated” man, who would find prison more onerous. His generosity in helping other refugees, lack of prior criminal history and the long delay in his court case were also noted. Ramasamy and Raveendran were more minor participants in the fraud. They had been sentenced to time already served in jail and a community corrections order on the basis of undertaking to give evidence against Kulothungam. Kulothungam was jailed for nine months followed by a three-year supervised community corrections order. The CCO includes 100 hours of unpaid work and mental health treatment.
‘Devastating’ impact: Teacher jailed for grooming student By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Toss waste Cardinia Shire Council’s free waste events Detox Your Home and DrumMuster are back for 2023. Detox Your Home provides a safe, free and easy way to dispose of unwanted common, toxic household chemicals without harming your health or the environment. The collected chemicals are safely sorted and transported to a specialist waste treatment facility. Where possible, chemicals are recycled or used for other purposes such as energy recovery. Additionally, DrumMuster provides commercial and residential community members with disposal opportunities for eligible, cleaned agvet chemical containers. Detox Your Home will be held 22 April 9am to 2pm at the council depot, 18 Purton Road, Pakenham. DrumMuster will be held 22 April 9am to noon at the depot. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Judge Wraight noted the teacher’s “very strong” rehabilitative prospects, with a low risk of reoffending. “Just be 100 per cent certain you want to do this.” They had sex about 15 times in nearly five months. The teacher also sent “thousands” of text messages to the boy, most were of a “grooming” nature with explicit images and videos of herself. Videos of them having sex in her bedroom were later found on the boy’s phone.
She “sought comfort” from the victim to “curb her loneliness without the risk of control and abuse from her previous relationships”, the psychologist reported. In what was her first teaching position, the teacher reportedly struggled to connect with colleagues and identified more with students. Her immaturity and “lack of clarity with interpersonal boundaries” led her to wrongly view the boy as an “equal”. Judge Wraight noted the teacher’s “very strong” rehabilitative prospects, with a low risk of reoffending. Her lack of criminal history, early guilty plea, genuine remorse, relative youth and developing insight were also taken into account. “You accept that your career as a teacher is over.” The teacher was jailed for up to three years and nine months. She is eligible for parole after serving two years. The term includes 401 days in pre-sentence remand. She must report as a registered sexual offender for life.
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A teacher in the South East has been jailed for grooming and having sex with her student. The 25-year-old pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to the offences with a child under 16 as well as possessing child sexual abuse material of herself and the boy. In sentencing on 21 March, Judge Trevor Wraight said she had been “motivated by sexual desire knowing you were breaching your position of trust and influence as a teacher”. In 2021, the teacher told him she wished he was older, and that she wanted to be friends with him outside of school. Later on Microsoft Teams, she told him she couldn’t believe she was “catching feelings” for him and gave him her phone number. They first had sex in the back of her car at a football ground at 5.30am. Beforehand, she said if they got caught “I’m gonna go to jail, I’m gonna lose my job” but she was “willing to risk it”.
Their relationship continued until his parents discovered the teacher’s messages on his phone. The teacher admitted the offending to them, saying she was in love with the boy. The parents reported the matter to police. While on bail, she was caught contacting the victim several times despite an intervention order. Her bail was revoked in February 2022. Although the boy willingly took part, his consent didn’t make the acts any less serious, Judge Wraight noted. In victim impact statements, his parents said there was a “devastating” impact on them and their son. His introduction to the “adult world of relationships” and the criminal justice system had robbed him of his “normal teenage years”, they stated. A psychologist found that the majorly depressed accused had previously suffered abusive, controlling partners.
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 3
NEWS
A smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country was provided by Eric Edwards and Jungala Ellis, on Bunurong land.
Scottish dancers impress at the Creative Arts Festival.
Pictures: SUPPLIED
An art mural included in the festival.
Celebrating creative arts By Eleanor Wilson Art lovers from across Casey gathered for a jam-packed weekend of activities at Hampton Park Uniting Church, as it celebrated its annual Creative Arts Festival from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 March. The three-day event saw dozens of art pieces on display and for sale, along with a myriad of creative workshops and entertainment.
A smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country kicked off the weekend’s proceedings, which were attended by local MPs Gary Maas and Cassandra Fernando. Event organiser Lyn McBain said the event, which attracted over 350 people, was a great success. “It was great! The workshops went really well and we’re already starting to plan for next year,” she said.
The Hampton Park Peace Choir performed a series of songs for the crowd. 4 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas addressed the crowd at the festival launch.
Holt MP Cassandra Fernando with Skye and her costume design. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Refugee leader recognised A committed advocate for refugees and migrants was crowned Bakhtar Woman of the Year at a gala dinner on 18 March. In front of 250 guests at Palmyra Hall, Shabnam Safa was presented the Bakhtar Community Association’s award by Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and Bakhtar Community Association chief executive Bassir Qadiri. Ms Safa has led several initiatives for positive social change and for meaningful participation for refugees. She has represented Australia at the United Nations, and serves on government advisory boards to solve challenges faced by migrant and refugee communities. Growing up as an Afghan refugee in Pakistan, Ms Safa founded Action for Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021, and has supported numerous evacuees arriving in Australia.
Other finalists included Hampton Park Community House worker Zohra Hasib, who supports families and children transitioning to early start kindergarten. Tahera Nassrat, who formed a diverse group of Afghan women working towards community harmony and empowerment, was also nominated. As was prodigious volunteer Mahjabeen Azim, who has translated, interpreted and educated mothers and children at Wellsprings for Women and in classrooms. Federal opposition multicultural affairs spokesperson Jason Wood, Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster and Victoria Police assistant commissioner Therese Fitzgerald were among the special guests. The evening entertainment included poetry recitals by Liesel Kippan and Shakila Nasir Bahana, and live music from Rabi Pardes.
Shabnam Safa, centre, receives the Bakhtar Woman of the Year award from Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and Bakhtar Community Association chief executive Bassir Qadiri.
City of Casey backs gambling reform plea Heritage grants open By Eleanor Wilson and Sahar Foladi
Residents in Casey spend almost $115 million on pokies per year, the second highest in the state. Picture: UNSPLASH most vulnerable to its impacts. “As part of our policy development, we will continue to identify measures that will minimise gambling harm in our local context. “There is growing recognition of the harm gambling causes to many, as well as significant national momentum for reform. “Council will continue to work to identify opportunities to minimise harm and welcomes State reform that will support this effort.” In a statement, a Victorian Government spokesperson said it has noted the various motions moved by respective councils in the letter. “We will continue to monitor the arrangements for hotels and clubs across the state to ensure we have the appropriate regulatory settings and reserve the right to make further changes,” the spokesperson said. In 2015, the State Government introduced the YourPlay pre-commitment initiative to 12427750-CG39-19
The City of Casey and other councils grappling with the worst pokies losses in the state have united in an urgent plea for gambling reforms. The council has signed a joint letter to Premier Daniel Andrews along with six other municipalities - Hume, Monash, Whittlesea, Darebin, Greater Dandenong and Wyndham - to demand mandatory cashless precommitment cards and tough laws to reduce the billions of dollars lost each year. The letter urged the State Government to follow the paths of NSW and Tasmania - who have both recently announced similar reforms. Data from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission shows Casey spends $314,148 on pokies every day, representing the second highest pokies expenditure in Victoria. More than $114 million was lost to 912 pokies machines at 13 venues in Casey in 2021-‘22, with the average Casey adult splashing $403 on pokies throughout the year. City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the 2022/23 financial year has seen a “post-COVID resurgence” in electronic gaming machine (EGM) expenditure in the municipality, putting the area on track for its greatest total EGM spend on record. Consequently, she said the council is committed to “practical and impactful measures that will curb the problem of gambling harm”, including the development of a Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy as part of its Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-‘25. “We recently signed a joint letter to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews expressing our concerns and called on the Victorian Government to seize upon the national momentum for progressive gambling reform to protect our communities. This includes the introduction of mandatory cashless pre-commitment cards.” The council takes a public health approach to the issue, Ms Duff said, focusing on primary prevention, education, and support for those
help players gamble responsibly by setting time and spend limits on a personal gaming card prior to playing. “Victoria was the first state to provide people the power to track and limit their betting on any electronic gaming machine through the statewide pre-commitment system, YourPlay,” a Victorian Government spokesperson said. “We have accepted all recommendations from the YourPlay evaluation report to strengthen the YourPlay scheme, with all recommendations actively underway or delivered.” The YourPlay pre-commitment tool is voluntary and free for players to use and is available at every gambling venue in Victoria. In addition to YourPlay, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) is currently funding a number of councils, including City of Casey, to implement the Libraries After Dark program, which focuses on reaching at-risk communities and those most vulnerable to social isolation, a known risk factor for gambling harm. According to Australian Institute of Family Services (AIFS), culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) participate in gambling less than the overall population of Australia. However, if they do gamble, they’ll be at a higher risk of developing problems due to different beliefs about luck and chance, factors related to migration and issues around stigma and shame. To combat the issue in Casey, in 2021-22, VRGF’s Prevention Partnerships Program funded the Cambodian Association Victoria for their project, ‘Engaging Cambodian Buddhist Temples in Gambling Prevention Partnerships’. The project involved delivering training and community events to build the capacity of Cambodian community leaders and community members in Melbourne’s south-east to raise awareness of gambling harm.
The Cardinia Shire Council has announced the Heritage Grant applications will be open to residents from 3 April to 27 May 2023. The grant provides much-needed funds to help restore and conserve places of heritage value that are covered by a heritage overlay in the Cardinia Shire Planning Scheme. The funds are available for private sites, and places open and accessible to the public, including commercial premises and other significant sites. Gardens, trees and hedges identified as having heritage significance, and covered by a heritage overlay, are also eligible to apply. To check if your place or site is covered by a heritage overlay, follow these steps: 1. Go to the Community Compass tool at cardinia.pozi.com 2. Select the magnifying glass and start typing the site’s street address into the search bar at the top of the page, until you see the full property address appear. Select the address. 3. Select ‘planning zones and overlays’ from the menu and check to see if the site is in a heritage overlay. 4. If your property is eligible for funding, select the link to SmartyGrants and apply for a Heritage Grant at cardinia. smartygrants.com.au Funding is available up to $5000 for public property and up to $2000 for private property. For more information, call the council on 1300 787 624 or visit cardinia.vic. gov.au/heritagegrants
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 5
NEWS
OPINION
Charges after thefts
LENSCAPE
A Hampton Park local has been arrested and charged following a search by VIPER Taskforce officers on Monday 20 March. VIPER Taskforce charged a man overnight after locating drugs, a stolen car, ammunition and stolen licences, bank cards and mail in a Hampton Park house during a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance search. Members of the taskforce had been at the property executing the FPO search on a 32-year-old Hampton Park man on Monday morning. During the search, police located a suspected stolen Subaru Forester wagon, almost 40 allegedly stolen bank and ID cards, quantities of what appear to be methylamphetamine and cannabis and a round of ammunition, among others. A 32-year-old Hampton Park man faced multiple charges including possess identification information belonging to another, possess drug of dependence, theft from motor vehicle and possess ammunition when subject to FPO. He was remanded overnight to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 21 March.
On the loo Clyde has ranked number one in portaloo rentals, with new data from AIM Hire and Building materials giant Bowens showing Clyde tradies log the most hours on site. Clyde alone was responsible for six per cent (441) of AIM Hire’s 7000 portaloo rentals over the past year. The “portaloo index” reveals which areas are flush with facilities. Officer and Pakenham tradies rented 148 loos, and Berwick tradies weren’t far behind, wiping the floor with 116 rentals. “We utilise the insights gained across the business to stay ahead of demand, ensuring we continue to respond quickly to the demands of all builders,” Mr Bowen said. Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Phillip Lowe has been urged to pay attention to where the loos are too, with AIM Hire managing director Elise Kelsey noting they’re the first thing on a building site and almost the last to go, which could help inform the strength of the economy. “I do think the RBA should be looking at the portaloos going out,” Ms Kelsey said. “It’s a good indicator, when our deliveries slow down they aren’t building as many houses.” Describing the firm as Victoria’s “number one” for portaloos, she said they currently have 7782 and were actively trying to get more as blowouts in build times due to labour shortages in the construction sector meant they were spending six months or more on a build site instead of the usual three or four months on the job. Building industry hire groups are concerned they could soon be backed up with portaloos sitting idle, and believe it’s an issue the Reserve Bank of Australia needs to consider. But while the city’s new housing estate suburbs are flush today, the people behind the portaloos have concerns the RBA’s cash rate hikes will soon put the industry in the toilet. “From what we are hearing from our builders is everyone’s sales are down, and that’s from interest rate hikes.”
Man shot in Tooradin A young man has suffered a suspected gunshot wound, following an alleged shooting in Tooradin. The incident took place at a residence on Bayview Road, just before 5am on Friday 17 March. Emergency services were called and the 19-year-old was airlifted to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made as police continue to investigate the circumstances around the incident. 6 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
A green hand gives a wave at the Lynbrook Festival of Colours. 324338
Earth Hour poem I experienced many a power cut, In the country I grew up in. When I think about the many we had, Gosh! They did make me angry and mad! Some of us called it ‘load shedding’, While others called it ‘power failure’, It still continues to this day,
In many countries across the equator. I try and look at ‘power cuts’ very differently today, I try not to swear or lose my cool, Cause if I do, I know I cannot help save our ‘Planet’, This beautiful world I inhabit! Shutting off the power during ‘Earth Hour’,
Picture: ROB CAREW
Will only go to show we care, For our families and our neighbours, Our planet and for nature! Let us make the conscious effort, By switching off the power, Let us show Mother Nature, That we respect Earth Hour. Marlene Laporte, Lynbrook
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up
Thumbs up
Thumbs up
To everyone who has volunteered at local cricket games this season. It couldn’t have happened without you!
To everyone who picked up rubbish.
To our community spirit. How we rally around people in need and help families in our community.
Thumbs up To the Warneet General Store who organised the Clean Up Australia for our coastal village and went the extra, providing a barbecue, drinks and ice-creams for participants.
Thumbs up On 9 March, I was waiting for service at Simply Fresh at Cranbourne Park, I noticed the lady next to me was looking at me all the time. When it was time to pay the lady behind the counter said to me the lady next to me had paid for my meal. Thanks again.
Thumbs up In February 2023 I was taken to Casey hospital with a swelling to my left hand, I can’t speak highly enough of the care the paramedics Sophie and George gave me.
Thumbs up Thumbs up To the Holland Festival, the Berwick Rotary Club and Dutch people!
Thumbs up Love the Community Centre, love Suburban Grind and the fantastic friendly staff (great coffee)!
To all the Allied Health workers.
Thumbs up To the Warneet Community ‘Meet and Greet’ last Sunday at the Warneet Boat Hire with free coffee and bickies which included a delightful Art Show in Warneet Yacht Club Public Hall, all sponsored by the Warneet Association Inc, was a great success measured the very many happy smiles.
Thumbs up Loved seeing all the colourful happy faces at the ‘The Festival of Colours’ Lynbrook - was great to see so much happiness and joy from both kids and adults. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS ACT NOW! Stage 2 almost sold.
Leading Senior Constable Frank Bailey at a previous Coffee with a Cop event.
Coffee with a Cop returns In partnership with Cardinia Shire’s Safer Communities Partnership Committee, Victoria Police will host a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event at Heritage Springs Shopping Centre on Tuesday morning, 4 April. Coffee with a Cop events provide an opportunity for community to chat with local police, the council, community safety partners and service providers. The council continues to work towards ‘A safer Cardinia’, including working closely with and supporting Victoria Police’s efforts in improving public safety across the shire.
One way the council does this is through the Safer Communities Partnership Committee, which supports the work of Victoria Police through the collaboration of police, council, community, safety experts, and other stakeholders. All community members are invited to attend the Coffee with a Cop event. Agencies at the event will include Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Council, Crime Stoppers, and representatives from the Level Crossing Removal Project.
Everyone’s busy worrying about the cost of living their best life at Aviva! Our homeowners have more money in their back pocket thanks to our “land lease” ownership style. So they’re busy living rather than worrying about the cost of it.
Jailed for Medicare fraud By Cam Lucadou-Wells A receptionist at a Noble Park North medical clinic has been jailed after defrauding more than $180,000 from Medicare. Sarah Naomi Ward, 31, of Clyde North, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to lodging more than 1600 false patient claims for medical consultations that didn’t occur while working at Melbourne Digestive Centre in 2019-‘20. For more than 12 months, she pocketed $181,121 – about $3417 a week – in her name and her husband’s name. In sentencing on 17 March, Judge Geoff Chettle said the “gross” betrayal of trust was motivated by “greed not need”. Ward had told a psychologist that she inadequately paid and wanted to keep up with her affluent friends. The mother of two wanted new clothing for her children, and a better car. The offending occurred just a year after completing a “relatively lenient” community corrections order for a similar $29,000 fraud while working at Cabrini Health in 2015. Being undeterred by the CCO, Ward required a significant jail term for her serious, repetitive, sophisticated and planned offending, Judge Chettle said. When the Department of Health received a tip-off in 2020, Ward initially stated the patient claims were for “training purposes”. After being sacked by the clinic, she has since been employed at a psychology prac-
tice. Up until now, her new employer hadn’t known about her criminal history, Judge Chettle noted. Ward’s barrister submitted she had been suffering from personality disorders, chronic social anxiety and low self-esteem due to childhood difficulties. “This manifested in a preoccupation to show people that she was successful and to keep up with the affluent lifestyles she observed on social media,” a psychologist stated. At the time, she was “increasingly stressed by her workload and resentful, believing that she was not being paid appropriately given how much she was working”. Raised in Endeavour Hills, Ward grew up in a family with serious financial issues, with her gambling father spending money impulsively. Her mother and father separated just before her Year 12 exams, causing her great anxiety. Judge Chettle noted Ward’s early guilty plea, her family’s support, court delays and her full repayment of the defrauded funds – which was a sign of “contrition”. Her rehabilitation prospects were “reasonable” if she got treatment for her selfcentred traits, the judge said. Ward was jailed for two years, but to be released after 12 months on a recognizance release order, which is a good-behaviour bond. Corrections Victoria has allowed Ward to bring her 12-month-old infant with her into custody.
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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 23 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 7
FOCUS ON … ONE CENTRE SQUARE OFFICER
Friendly cafe environment For The Locals, By The Locals, To The Locals Our mission is to professionally and efficiently serve modern restaurant quality meals in a homely, friendly cafe environment. We have a distinctive modern style, which is based on the personalities of both our community-based staff and our customers. Whether you want to kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast or wind down with a mellow lunch, our restaurant is the ideal place to visit. Simply head to Google and type “Breakfast Near Me” or “Lunch Near Me” to book a table. Our approach is family orientated, and we like all guests to feel that the Chathlys KItchen makes them feel comfortable with vibrant surroundings. We also cater to the unique needs of our customers. Want to avoid gluten food? Type “Gluten Free Restaurant Near Me” to find your way to our eatery. There’s a reason why Chathly’s Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Officer. You’d just have to visit to know why! Make a reservation today to experience fine lunch at one of the best restaurants in Pakenham. About Chathlys Kitchen Chathlys Kitchen is a family-run cafe, restaurant and bar with the help of locals. We try to emphasise everything around locals and commnity around us. We serve breakfast until 3pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends. Our kitchen is open till late every night. Large groups are welcome and bookings are advised. We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, a kids’ menu, set menus and Catering Menu on request (organised and ordered before hand). We also do takeaway and home delivery (order from our website). Chathlys Kitchen is fully licensed and has an outdoor area for seating.
The team at Chathlys Kitchen 43 Siding Avenue, Officer.
Full range of services At One Centre Square Medical Hub, we pride ourselves as a centre that provides the highest standard of patient care and takes the time to listen. We ensure that our staff are respectful towards everyone’s culture, gender and their community. We are a dedicated health and wellbeing precinct and provide a full range of community services, family medicine and occupational medicine services. Email: centresquarepharmacy@gmail.com Location: Shop 103/45 Siding Ave, Officer Phone: 9087 6050 Website: onecentresquaremedicalhub. com.au
One Centre Square Medical Hub is at Shop 103/45 Siding Ave, Officer.
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BAR 43-45 Siding Avenue, Officer VIC, Australia www.chathlyskitchen.com.au
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The new Officer store. 324411
Edita and Carlene. 324411
Pop in and see the friendly staff today. 324411
For all your uniform needs Noone has opened a new store in the new Officer One Square retail precinct to provide a personalised customer service experience to the growing schools in the Cardinia region which includes SMBG, Beaconhills College, Heritage College, Officer Secondary College, St Brigid’s, St Clare’s, Maranatha Christian School, Kurrun PS, Edenbrook SC, Bridgewood PS, St Patricks, Pakenham PS and Koo Wee Rup SC. The modern, large store offers a full range
of schoolwear and accessories including a new range of approved school shoes, online click and collect for all uniform, lay-by and a personalised customer booking and uniform fitting service. Noone provides a complete and complimentary academic uniform and sporting design service for schools. All garments are designed in Noone Imagewear’s modern facility in Melbourne which of-
fers complete flexibility with regards to innovation in gender fluid and all season options, colour, sustainable fabrics and style options. Established in 1947, Noone has been successfully partnering with schools to create tailored retail solutions through dedicated retail stores and on-campus managed facilities. With 12 dedicated retail stores including the new Officer store and over 70 on-campus retail store locations, the Noone Group of Compa-
nies currently manages the school uniform requirements for over 300 schools in Victoria. The new Officer store is open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 9am – 1pm. Telephone 5929 8201. For further information on how Noone Imagewear can tailor a uniform solution to meet your school’s needs, contact Noone Imagewear on telephone 9379 5037 or email sales@ noone.com.au
Soak up the atmosphere at Aladdin Cafe in Officer Step into a whole new world at Aladdin Cafe, located in the heart of Officer at One Centre Square. Your new local restaurant, cafe, and lounge, Aladdin Cafe serves breakfast (all day), lunch and dinner. Enjoy the freshly grounded coffee and freshly baked goods. It’s also your new shisha destination with live music. Open seven days. Come in and enjoy the Arabian atmosphere over a delicious array of food and drinks. Aladdin Cafe, situated at 5/43 Siding Avenue, Officer. Call 5918 4152.
Come in and enjoy the Arabian atmosphere over a delicious array of food and drinks.
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 9
NEWS
An entertainer signals to the huge crowd. 324044
Nawroz was celebrated with gusto. 324044
Masses of joy at Nawroz By Sahar Foladi The famous Nawroz Festival saw a huge turnout, as always, on Sunday 19 March in Dandenong Park. President of VAAN, Nazir Yousafi said the event attracted groups from across Australia with singers and performers from Sydney, Geelong, Shepparton and other parts of Victoria who made it to the event. Live music, performances, drama, a fashion show, karate and physical activities kept everyone entertained on the day including Bruce MP Julian Hill and councillors. The festival follows last year’s announcement of a $30,000 grant pledge for the festival over the next three years. Mr Yousafi said the $10,000 every year for the next three years would be used for increased security and cleaning staff. Bruce MP Julian Hill made the announcement on 27 March during last year’s Nawroz festival in front of the 8000-strong crowd. Mr Hill said: “I’m proud to represent more people born in Afghanistan than any other MP in Australia, plus many people from Iran. Of course while Nowroz is a celebration, we must also remember that many people are worried about the safety of family and friends in Afghanistan and Iran and miss them even more at this time of the year.” As Taliban have taken rule over the country, there will be no sign of celebrations of Nawroz in Afghanistan. “This festival was an opportunity for those to celebrate it in Melbourne,” Mr Yousafi said. Newly-arrived migrants also had the chance to celebrate this year’s Nawroz festival. Nawroz translates to ‘New Day’, a widely celebrated event which marks the first day of spring. Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and much more Central Asia celebrate Nawroz. Different ethnicities and religions therefore have slightly different traditions, spelling and pronunciation of Nawroz. Dressing up in cultural dresses, having a feast with family and giving out gifts are also among common practices. The abolishment of temporary protection visas announced by the Federal Government on 13 February and will make for another reason to celebrate hard while prayers are with everyone back home in Afghanistan.
Traditional dancers in front of a massive crowd in Dandenong Park on 19 March. 324044
Dancing with joy at the Nawroz Festival. 324044
The Afghanistan national flag. 32404
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
Pictures: ROB CAREW
Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster. 324044 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
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A tropical-themed La Caze Mama staff served authentic Mauritian flavours. 323343
Drazic from Trafalgar checking out the loud shirts at Daily Casual Clothing. 323343
Dancer Bryony was among the flurry of entertainment. 323343
Celebrating independence Exotic tropical foods and culture were sizzling at Dandenong Market on Sunday 12 March. Mauritius Independence Day celebrated the tiny Indian Ocean island with a program of sega music and dance as well as authentic flavours from popular trader La Caze Mama. A packed crowd savoured food and culture blends African, south Asian and European influences, with the ‘dress code’ for the day described as “tropical loud”. The event marked the anniversary of Mauritius’s independence from French colonial rule in 1968 and the formation of a republic in 1992.
Musicians during the Sega dancing. 323343
Mauritian dancers Sonik Waves attract an enraptured audience at Dandenong Market. 323343
Pictures: GARY SISSONS
Najlaa and Majid, from Avondale Heights, enjoying the activities. 323343
A dancer from the group Sonik Waves. 323343
Mauritian tunes filled the market hall. 323343
Shakira, 5, and Sophia, 4, from Pakenham. 323343
A dancer’s ruffle-dress ripples at Dandenong Market. 323343
Band members accompanying the Sonik Waves dancers. 323343
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 23 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 11
Are you Prepared? 202303205782_1-HC13-23
Estate plans
Mulgrave Country Club provides conference and seminar facilitie s in a range of room formations specific to your requirements.
Caring staff and facilities At Mulgrave Country Club, we understand the difficulty experienced when losing a loved one. Our professional team of dedicated staff can assist you in organising your special event in a personal and intimate setting, celebrating the memories of a loved one. To ensure a seamless, professional interaction for your friends, family members and loved one, Mulgrave Country Club provides facilities in a range of room formations specific to your requirements. There are three function rooms at our Wheelers Hill property: Mulgrave Room, Panorama Room and Heritage Room.
The rooms are comfortable and modern. In addition, they have views over the surrounding area or of the club’s grounds, hence the rooms have a wonderful atmosphere. Catering is available, and all rooms have an inbuilt audio system, data projectors and screens, block out blinds and bar facilities. We can cater for large or small groups from 20 to 250. Whether you are looking at a once off hire or regular room hire, we have the capacity and expertise to efficiently fulfil your brief. Call us now on 9582 4600 or visit mulgravecc.com.au
Based in Berwick and St Kilda, Neal Collin Lawyers are the experienced Melbourne lawyers you can rely on. Neal has over 50 years of experience and thousands of successful cases and clients can trust him to represent them and achieve the best outcome for their personal situation. Neal was awarded a Master of Laws degree from the University of Melbourne and this qualification should provide confidence for a successful outcome. ESTATE PLANNING Neal Collin Lawyers are experts in drafting Wills and estate planning. The first interview is free. A Will prescribes how you distribute your estate after your death to ensure your assets are allocated in the way you decide. Usually of course, you would include your spouse and children and sometimes make provision for friends, carers or charities, allowing your assets to be distributed strictly in accordance with your wishes. In the absence of a Will properly prepared and executed in accordance with the formalities of the Wills Act 1997 (Vic), your estate would be distributed according to legislation. (i.e. what the government thinks is fair, and this is usually contrary to how you would want your estate distributed). Neal will personally interview you and take instructions, advise the best course of action when in doubt, and draw your Will to ensure there is no conflict in the family after your death. If you already have a Will, Neal will review it without charge and advise you on whether or not you need to take further steps to ensure
your wishes will be complied with after your death. DECEASED ESTATES (PROBATE) Your Will must appoint an Executor, whose duty it is to apply to the Supreme Court of Victoria for a Grant of Probate. After this is approved, the Executor’s duty is to firstly collect the assets of the estate, pay any bills and funeral expenses and then distribute the net proceeds strictly according to the terms of the Will. If there are beneficiaries who are minors (i.e. under 18 years), then the share of that person must be held on trust until they reach the age of 18 years. Neal Collin is highly experienced in the preparation of the application to the court for the Grant of Probate and will ensure that the application is made as speedily as possible, and then assist the Executor to distribute the funds to beneficiaries without undue delay. Phone: 0419 993 800 Email: admin@nealcollinlawyers.com.au Address: Suite 3/94 High Street, Berwick VIC 3806
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Burial options Upright Burials provides Australians with a proven alternative in burials that is simple, natural, and economical. Our burial approach is distinctive in a number of ways. It is environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable. The body is placed in a vertical position in a biodegradable body bag. The burial method uses a far simpler and safer approach that removes the OH&S issues and labour costs associated with traditional horizontal burial. The burial service includes pick up, administration, burial preparation, and burial for a single, one-time fee of $3750 (including GST) - for Melbourne metropolitan area. There is an additional per kilometre charge for all other areas. Please contact us for further details. If you intend to pre-plan and use our service for an upright burial, please register your details. Each site is secure forever. As Kurweeton Road Cemetery is kept in a natural state, there are no individual headstones or grave markers. Details of the deceased are recorded on a memorial wall at the cemetery’s entrance. Family and friends are provided with the exact location of the grave and are welcome to visit at any time. Traditional funeral services For those who wish to have a traditional funeral service but still want an eco-friendly and economical burial, we can work with your nominated Funeral Director to fit in with the service that they provide and still have the burial at the Kurweeton Road Cemetery using Upright Burials method. Service No-fuss basic service that can be personalised.
Caring for the community Thomas Collins, Melissa Collins, Tony Collins and Louise Mather.
Caring for the community – Each individual site is secure for· Secure ever, with no additional fees payable. friendly and ecologically · Environmentally sustainable, non-energy intensive, the pro-
·
· · ·
cess leaves the lightest carbon footprint possible. Tree planting – Energy used in the collection, storage, and delivery of the deceased to the cemetery is partially offset via the planting of a tree at Mt. Elephant, the location has become a habitat for native marsupials and birds. Green power – Where possible, Upright Burials minimises the use of unnecessary resources. Landscaping – surrounding land is used for grazing sheep. Economic – the simplified burial process minimises costs.
David W. Bull Funeral Directors, Pakenham office and chapel was opened in 1981 in Bald Hill Road, Pakenham. They relocated to the current office and chapel at 190 Princes Highway, Pakenham in 1995. The proud family owned business have been caring for the community for over 43 years The location of the Pakenham Funeral Home offers a central meeting place for metropolitan and country family and friends attending. A large spacious modern chapel Seating for 130, room for over 220 in doors Large car port with external speakers. Air-conditioned Catering available afterwards 50 plus car spaces and off-street car parking
· · · · · ·
· Disabled access · DVD presentations available in Chapel · Foyer At David W. Bull Funeral Directors they also abide by a strict code of ethics, ensuring accredited quality premises, facilities and highly committed staff, providing family and friends a respectful service, combined with support and understanding. You will find the team - Melissa, Tony, Louise, Jamie, Thomas, Katie, Cameron, Violet, Tilly, Wayne and Liam at the Pakenham Office between the hours of 9.00am 5.00pm Monday to Friday. For immediate attention or After Hours call on 5941 4888. Situated at 190 Princes Highway, Pakenham, 59414888
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Cranbourne 6 Brunt Street Ph: 5996 6822
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Assuring personal attention and care at all times for our local community. Family owned company established in 1979.
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Our service offers the individual the opportunity to be buried in a rural setting using a simple approach that considers the environment and minimises the cost
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 13
NEWS
Building youth resilience Resilient and confident children become more successful adults. A new workshop being offered to the Botanic Ridge community will focus on building well-rounded children. Property group Sandhurst Retail & Logistics (SRL) is supporting The Reach Foundation (Reach), a national charity delivering transformative experiences to young people, as part of its commitment to support and enrich growing communities and invest in the mental health of local families and young people. The support will see The Reach Foundation deliver valuable workshops at SRL’s Botanic Ridge Village over four years, providing longterm support to the wellbeing of the communities, and connecting parents and young people to themselves and others. The Botanic Ridge community will also have access to a series of resources provided by Reach, to help parents better engage and understand their young people. SRL managing director and CEO, Vivek Subramanian says this support is a critical part of SRL’s mission to provide impactful visitation purposes beyond essential shopping. “We are focused on contributing to the health and wellbeing of the communities in which we operate,” he said. “Our hope is that our support for The Reach Foundation will add a lot of value to families in these growing communities, both now and for future generations. “Collaborating with The Reach Foundation to host these workshops will also provide opportunities for meaningful community connection, as well as access to services that may not typically be available in new neighbourhoods.” In addition, The Reach Foundation will run four school workshops a year in the Cranbourne area with the support of SRL. The workshops launch this month, com-
Natalie Greening, Sarah Blackmore, Fergus Watts, Jana Christodoulou, Vivek Subramanian and Alishia Francis. mencing with a free Youth Resilience Workshop at Botanic Ridge Village’s Town Square on Wednesday 29 March, to equip parents with the tools to navigate the teenage years, facilitated by The Reach Foundation’s CEO, Fergus
Watts, and crew facilitator, Josh Robinson. “The Reach Foundation is proud to be partnering with SRL to reach growing communities via their retail hubs,” Mr Watts said. “Navigating adolescence and raising teen-
Picture: SUPPLIED
agers can be a very tough time for parents and young people. “SRL is investing in the long-term wellbeing of Botanic Ridge and with Reach we can make a lasting positive impact.”
The Autumn Edition of your favourite family magazine is out now... Pick up a printed copy of Casey Cardinia Kids Today Magazine from outlets everywhere. Or, read the full digital edition as it appears in print now!
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Haji Hashim, Greater Dandenong deputy mayor Lana Formoso and Karim Darwaish at the inaugural game on Saturday 18 March. 324396
Richmond Soccer Club kicked off as the first Afghan-Australian football side in Dandenong last Saturday. 324396
Milestone for community By Sahar Foladi Richmond Soccer Club kicked off the first of many games on Saturday 18 March at Fotheringham Reserve Dandenong to mark the official opening of the Hazara and all Afghans soccer club. The newly acquired soccer club in the City of Greater Dandenong has been a milestone for the Afghan community. Its president Haji Hashim brought the club to Greater Dandenong, home to the majority of Afghans in Melbourne, and calls the shift an important one for the community and future generations. “We heard about this club in 2020 in January. We approached the president at that time, had been meeting for the whole year and finally we succeeded to get the club,” Mr Hashim said. The club was officially passed down to its new community in May 2021 but was held up due to Covid. “I felt proud and still am proud. This is for every community of Afghans, they should be proud. This is what we need. Sport is what brings the community together. “It’s not a private company, it’s a not for profit organisation for the community. “Step forward and support your club,” Mr Hashim asks of the community. The need for an established soccer club was apparent during a great turn-out from the Afghan community in a series of Easter and Christmas tournaments. The players who used to play in some of the tournaments now call Richmond SC their home. Mr Hashim describes the club as “the vision” for their future generations. “If we started from zero it would’ve taken us 15 years to get to our level but we are only one year behind the National Premiers League (NPL). While there have been many hitches up to now, the club has earned its home ground in Dandenong.
Richmond at its new home at Fotheringham Reserve. 324396 “We’ve got our home ground now. That’s what the community wanted to see. This is our home.” However it will still take a few years for the club and its committee members to fully immerse themselves in club operations, having no prior experience. With seven committee members on board, four teams and no women teams this club has a lot of hurdles and growth coming their way. “We’re trying to increase our teams by six for next year so 10 teams altogether.
Haji Hashim and Richmond SC committee members. 324396 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
We want players to play in high leagues and build junior and women teams with a vision to having a cricket club,” Mr Hashim said. Besides this, he has his mind set on revealing the hidden talents in the Afghan community with a proposal to Greater Dandenong Council for support. “If we have the facility we can increase the numbers. We have an old facility, but we have a proposal for an indoor soccer facility for women with a separate change room, to have
Pictures: GARY SISSONS volleyball, karate and boxing teams. “We have one of the boxing champions from Pakistan Asif Hazara who can train there.” The international boxer has earned medals from the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and South-Asian Games. A seven time national champion who also served as the captain of Pakistan’s boxing team. The club now seeks immense support from the community in order to thrive and in return be of service to the community to showcase their best.
Richmond’s goalkeeper athletically saves a penalty. 324396 Thursday, 23 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 15
NEWS
Taking time out for nature By Emily Chapman Laing Earth Hour is returning for its 16th consecutive year. The world will “switch off” and take #TimeOutForNature on Saturday 25 March. Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens director and chief executive Tim Entwisle believes we can inspire change by committing one hour of our time to nature. “Earth Hour is great way of reminding us that every minute of the day we are using energy and we’re having an impact on the environment,” he said. “So I think for one hour, to just stop and think about that impact is perfect. “Little things add up and I think if each of us make small gestures, not only do we actually save energy and perhaps reduce the loss of trees, but we also send an important message to our children and the rest of the community that we want change.” Earth Hour is the world’s biggest movement to protect our planet. This year it will be taking place on Saturday 25 March from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. “For 60 minutes people in more than 7000 cities in over 190 countries switch off their lights as a symbolic gesture of solidarity to show they care about our planet and its future,” the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) organisation wrote. “Earth Hour isn’t just about switching off your lights. “Our aim is to spark global conversations on the impacts of climate change and inspire positive action to protect our natural world. “By working together, we can help shape a bright future for us all.” The environment continues to degrade at an alarming pace and deforestation is becoming an increasingly alarming issue. Eastern Australia is among the 24 global
Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens director and chief executive Tim Entwisle. deforestation fronts and Australia is the only developed nation on this list. “Nearly 50 per cent of Australia’s forest cover has been cleared in the last two centuries, making it one of the worst developed countries for deforestation,” wrote The Wilderness Society (TWS). An estimated 200,000 trees are bulldozed in Australia every day. That’s 8000 trees every hour. The Wilderness Society noted that the land equivalent of the MCG is destroyed every 86 seconds in Australia. “Australia has lost 27 per cent of its rainforest, 19 per cent of open forest, 11 per cent of woodland forest, and 28 per cent of mallee forest since 1750,” TWS wrote. Even more alarmingly, Australia holds the record for the highest number of mammal extinctions on the planet.
“To date, 55 wildlife species and 37 plant species have gone extinct in Australia.” Trees are the lungs of our planet and we need them to help reverse the impacts of climate change. “Even if we’re not living near a forest or you don’t feel that we’re the people destroying or removing forests, we still have the ability to plant trees,” Mr Entwisle said. “We still have the ability to encourage our local council and government to plant more trees. “In the Botanic Gardens, we’re really keen that every visitor who comes into the gardens goes away wanting not only to look after the plants they have in their garden, but also to think about planting more. “Every tree makes the air better, every tree helps to soak up carbon from the atmosphere. “Every small thing you do helps.” Founded in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment. It is known for inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organisations in more than 190 countries and territories to take tangible environmental action for over a decade. Historically, Earth Hour has focused on the climate crisis, but more recently Earth Hour is striving to bring the pressing issue of nature loss to the fore. The aim is to create an unstoppable movement for nature. The movement recognises the role of individuals in creating solutions to the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges and harnesses the collective power of its millions of supporters to drive change. According to the Pachamama Alliance (PA), “the loss of trees and other vegetation can cause climate change, desertification, soil
erosion, fewer crops, flooding [and] increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere”. Deforestation occurs for a number of reasons. “The most common reason is agriculture, with 80 per cent of deforestation resulting from extensive cattle ranching, and logging for materials and development,” PA wrote. According to Christina Nunez of National Geograhic, there is “imminent danger of disease caused by deforestation”. “An estimated 60 per cent of emerging infectious diseases come from animals, and a major cause of viruses’ jump from wildlife to humans is habitat loss, often through deforestation,” Christina said. Trees also help to control the level of water in the atmosphere by helping to regulate the water cycle. In deforested areas, there is less water in the air to be returned to the soil. This causes drier soil and the inability to grow crops. “The numbers are grim, but many conservationists see reasons for hope,” Christina said. “A movement is under way to preserve existing forest ecosystems and restore lost tree cover by first reforesting (replanting trees) and ultimately rewilding (a more comprehensive mission to restore entire ecosystems). “For consumers, it makes sense to examine the products and meats you buy, looking for sustainably produced sources when you can.” Founder of The Little Big Bamboo, Lynbrook local Neesh, says that simple replacements can create change. “Bamboo, as an example, is a sustainable source for loo rolls,” Neesh said. “Bamboo [helps to] stop deforestation and save 27,000 trees per day that are used to make toilet paper and recycled toilet paper.”
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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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Artwork from smart data A Swinburne motion design team is taking data from the lives of everyday Melburnians and transforming it into a living artwork. Lead designer James Berrett, project manager Sonja Pedell and communication designer Simone Taffe have used smart city data to create a captivating set of real-time data visualisations that respond to human movements around the City of Casey. “The driver for the project was to showcase movement across the City of Casey 24/7 and demonstrate how smart city data can be used in creative ways,” Berrett said. The motion artwork called Three Corners of the City featured at Bunjil Place community hub and has been awarded the Victorian Premier’s Design Award Best in Category Digital Design, an Australian Good Design Award and a DNA Paris Design Award. Smart city data is information collected from Internet of Things (IoT) sensors placed around a city. The sensors can track a variety of information, such as when a button is pressed, a bin is emptied or a person walks past. The City of Casey has developed an open data platform to make all that information accessible to the public. “The council commissioned this piece to engage community members in what is happening around the City of Casey,” Berrett said. The project uses real-time data sets from Narre Warren, Berwick and Cranbourne that measure the amount of pedestrian traffic in busy areas. “It was about taking the everyday life of people, the movements of people, and turning this information into something visually engaging,” Berrett said. A motion artwork created from real-time data visualisation of human movements around the City of Casey. The unique colour sets for the suburbs
Three Corners of the City is a motion art piece commissioned by the City of Casey to promote the creative use of data from smart city sensors. Picture: SUPPLIED helped to give each data set its own personality. The challenge was to take raw data, something that would usually not interest the public, and transform it into a creation that was visually captivating and could be understood intuitively. Berrett used his diverse background in visual effects, graphic design, motion graphics and media art to curate meaningful data sets and transformed them into intriguing motion graphics visualisations. One of the most unique aspects of the project is that it allows viewers to see what is happening across their city in real time. Motion graphics are usually created in
timeline-based applications, making this impossible, but Three Corners of the City uses a game engine instead. The team designed the standalone realtime application from scratch. It uses the foot traffic in each suburb to determine the density, colour intensity, speed, and direction of the particles that make up the visualisations. These multifaceted visuals make it intuitive to relate peaks and troughs in the data to a suburb’s respective movement and ‘busyness’. This was particularly important to ensure the visualisation was accessible across lan-
guage barriers for the City of Casey’s multicultural community. The project encouraged people to consider the visualisations through their own lens. The project has won three prestigious awards: a Victoria Premier’s Design Award, an Australian Good Design Award, and a DNA Paris Design Award. The awards have recognised the unique use of motion graphics to communicate real-time data to a diverse audience in a digestible and engaging manner. The Good Design Awards jury compared the work to that of critically acclaimed artist, Refik Anadol.
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STAR NEWS 17
WHAT’S ON Harewood Heritage Day Edrington Great Art Show
Harewood House will be open for tours for the annual Harewood Heritage Day event. Other local historical displays, traditional trades and craft demonstrations, period costumes, vintage cars and live entertainment will also feature on the day. Sunday 2 April from 10am to 3pm, 3300 South Gippsland Highway, Kooweerup (next to the Tooradin Airfield).
Held over two floors in the historic homestead of Lord and Lady Casey, this art show is being touted as "simply the greatest art show in the south east". Hosted by Provenance Artists Inc, a not-for-profit society of artists based in the City of Casey, this is the 23rd annual show. This is a major art event especially that it is held in the magnificent historical homestead which is normally closed to the public. Besides the art, this is a special opportunity for local residents to view and inspect the homestead.
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CPAC costume sale Cardinia Performing Arts Company has a huge array of costumes and sets for sale at bargain prices. This includes full and partial costume sets from such shows as Beauty and the Beast, Joseph, Grease, and High School Musical. There are dance costumes and tutus, set pieces, props and furniture from many shows that could be used in a variety of contexts, as well as wigs, jewellery and fabric bolts and some lighting and special effects machines. Costumes will be on sale at the Upper Pakenham Hall from March 18-25. Sets and props are stored in Garfield so we would like people to book a time if you would like to have a look at what’s available. For enquiries or to make a booking for sets/ props, call Lee on 0407 090 354.
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Bunyip Agricultural Show A community show once a year which families can attend. Please encourage your friends and family to attend from 9am to 3pm and get behind this local community event. The main show will be run on Sunday 26 March with some horse events happening on Saturday 25 March due to the ground currently undergoing renovations.
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Saturday 25 March and Sunday 26 March 10am to 4pm.
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Selandra Rise Community Twilight Market
Gembrook Market
Selandra Rise residents and other talented stallholders will showcase a range of individually designed products and original craft creations.
This market is held once a month. You will find
Lynbrook Neighbour Day The event is designed to help you and your family get to know your community. Enjoy free pizza and chocolate while watching The Incredibles 2. Neighbour Day encourages everyone to reach out and make meaningful connections with the people around them - every day. Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris Street, Lynbrook on Friday 31 March, 5pm-8pm.
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Local news from Pakenham & Officer... 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!
Build resilient and confident children with this local workshop. Fergus Watts, CEO of The Reach Foundation, will be visiting Botanic Ridge Village to provide a free keynote session for the community, providing parents the tips and insight to navigate the teenage years alongside their children. The Reach Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation directly helping young people across Australia build the skills and confidence to navigate the future. Botanic Ridge Village Town Square, 10 Hummingbird Drive, Botanic Ridge on Wednesday 29 March, 6pm - 7pm.
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PAKENHAM OFFIC
ER Thursday, Thursday,24 3 March, 2022
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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
Dancer takes centre stage
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Youth Resilience Workshops
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A family-friendly event held each year that includes fun parades, carnival rides, food trucks and market stalls. It goes over Saturday and Sunday, starting with a carnival on Saturday evening, while Sunday will be the main day of fun parades, food and stalls that will take over the park. PB Ronald Reserve, Saturday 29 April from 5pm, Sunday 30 April from 11am.
Food trucks, coffee van and music will be there on the night. 5 Harmony Chase, Clyde North on Friday 24 March, 4.30pm-7.30pm.
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Yakkerboo Festival
local stalls providing crafts, plants, fresh produce, hot food selections and nice coffee. There is a jumping castle, farm animals and many more children’s activities. It is held on the fourth Sunday of every month - this month it is on 26 March from 9am to roughly 2pm. The market is located at the Gembrook Community Centre, 4 Gembrook Road.
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LA TROBE 03 9768 9164 JasonWood.Updates Authorised by J.Wood, Liberal Party of Australia, 3/16 Langmore Ln, Berwick VIC 3806.
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NEWS
Responsibilities of a CEO TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH One simple, but highly effective, method of ensuring alignment and clarity on a role in a business is to write a position description (PD) or job description (JD). This is best written in terms of the role’s responsibilities rather than tasks since knowing what a person is responsible for is far more empowering and engaging than simply writing a task list, plus it is necessarily more succinct. An additional benefit is there should be little or no need to update it ever again since responsibilities in a role very rarely change whereas the tasks associated with them frequently do. It is a sad fact that most small and mediumsized enterprises don’t tend to define these extremely useful documents since the belief often pervades that ‘people should know what is expected of them’. While fine in theory, in practice when staff performance issues become apparent, the cause can often be traced back to a mismatch in expectations of the role itself, which a documented PD/JD could well have mitigated. Some companies do have position descriptions defined and while roles such as sales manager, operations manager, financial controller, quality manager, etc, may be written down, I am yet to find one that has defined the role of the chief executive. So why is this? Perhaps similar to the above view, a chief executive ought to know the responsibilities of the role. However, if this is missing, the chief execu-
A position description can mitigate issues down the line. tive may well feel responsible for everything and hence feel the need to be across what is happening across all areas of the business. No wonder that the most common issue that af-
flicts chief executives is the universal ‘lack of time’. The antidote to this is to push responsibilities as far down in the organisation as possible.
So, for example, the sales manager has the responsibility for hitting the company’s sales budget and the quality manager is responsible for product and service quality. If this is done for all the key functions in the business, then what is left for the chief executive to do? Well, here are the five key areas that cannot be delegated and for which the chief executive remains ultimately responsible: 1. Business strategy Identify the primary focus areas for the business, company culture and definition of business goals. It defines what the business is trying to achieve and hence the associated priorities. 2. Management team leadership Development and support of the leadership team with a particular focus on communication and accountability. 3. Financial performance The chief executive is the only person with complete oversight of the sales and operations capability and a big part of the job is keeping these in balance. Ultimate responsibility for the profit and loss is here. 4. Commercial direction Determine partnerships, relationships with key stakeholders and coordination of risk analysis. 5. Corporate governance Ensure that the company is compliant with corporate and government rules and regulations and authorise contracts with staff, suppliers and customers. If you are chief executive, check what you are actually doing against the above list and see how your day-to-day activities compare with the above chief executive responsibilities. Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions.
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PAGES 14-16
$50m gallery approved
Star News Group seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
art galIn late June, plans to build a $50 million art - alongside lery - with $500 million worth of in the semia restaurant and function centre approved by rural suburb of Harkaway were the State Government. opposed But local residents, who have long say they the development of Rosemaur Gallery, the decision. are “surprised and saddened” by resThe approved plans for the gallery, cater for a taurant and function centre will with up to maximum of 300 patrons at a time, quarterly 580 patrons permitted during large events. STORY PAGE 3
100 days celebrated
Crackdown on hoons in South East
BERWICK
Thursday, 4 August, 2022
St Clare’s Primary School Officer Foundation students and teachers of are celebrating reaching 100 days learning in the classroom. as Students enjoyed dressing up 100 year olds, with props of pearls, sushair rollers, walking sticks and penders donned for the special day. a The students celebrated with singshindig that involved dancing, berwicknews.starcommu 100. nity.com.au ing, colouring-in and counting to STORY PAGE 18
Oakfern Tree Care /L P
Pleas for a school crossing supervisor
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Community rallies around bookshop
Avery and Brooklyn colouring-in. 291782
Dream come true for Elvis
has reAn adjustment to policing methods number of sulted in a dramatic drop in the South East, hooning events in Melbourne’s charges laid. and large numbers of arrests and Police From January to July 2021, Victoria events reported 40 to 50 large-scale hooning region, inin industrial areas within the SD3 Areas of corporating the Local Government Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia. @StarNews_SE 40¢ Inc. were just GST In the same period in 2022, there two reported events. STORY PAGE 7
Kucks legacy lives on
Still hot proper ty Dogged by Covid
Pruning Removal Stump Grinding
PAGE 5
area Pakenham is proving to be an appealing prices remain for first home buyers as house suburbs closrelatively low when compared to er to Melbourne’s CBD. unit price The annual pace of house and and surgrowth is easing across Melbourne
DESIGNER By Eleanor Wilson EYEWEAR from
PAGE 8
Domain’s June rounding suburbs, according to Quarterly House Price Report. said Ray White Pakenham’s Gavin Staindl in Pakengrowth had declined marginally ham. in Paken“We’re in a very affordable area
buyers it’s quite appealing.” increase, With interest rates continuing to to borrow as first home buyers won’t be able much as they would have previously.
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“We all know people who bought dogs during Covid who couldn’t be socialised due to restrictions, yet our council properly does noth-
Mr Cini, who started his dog training ness after noticing the need for specialisedbusiservices for his dog Sasha, said he had personally offered to provide free training for dog owners to prevent dog attacks in the municipality, but
Phone Geoff 0418 340 825
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@StarNews_SE /Cranbournestarnews “Most people see a wagging tail munity.com.au and they Power Pooches’ Jake Cini and Sasha, cranbournenews.starcom think of a happy dog, but that who are advocating for increased is not the case at
education for dog owners. 240150
Exciting Gracious to walk down the street sustained in the attack. when dogs are not contained were also used for education programs Successful Eagles to their property,” he said. on reOlympian and not have a fear of dogs rushing us or ownThe school girl and her parents Grigson sponsible pet ownership, including are underroad shows “Dogs that have not been adequately crackdown stood to be mentally shaken by add pace so- and events, the Maternal and Child the attack, but inspires Tooradin backcialised with It comes after a series of dog attacks gives Health other animals are also more likely Centre’s in the are grateful their dog and daughter We Are Family program and education on hoons are alive. to demonstrate aggression students “I want to be able
Fully Insured
Two dogs were seized by Casey
Council7ofPAGE
PAGE 2
underwent a six-hour operation
for injuries he
City of Casey manager of safer communi10 PAGE ties Daniel Osborne said the matter remains
dog rushes occur
if they find themSPORT selves not contained to their property, which can lead to instances of dog attacks.
“Keeping your dogs securely confined to your property, and ensuring they are always under effective control when out, are key measures to keep your pets and the community He said pet registration fees help council provide a number of services, including reuniting lost pets with owners, investigating dog attacks, puppy farms, and prosecuting ofMr Osborne added that registrations
in schools on safety around animals. But Mr Cini said he remained sceptical about council’s investment in education for dog owners. “A lot of people are misinformed about the reasons their dog might have social issues,” he said. “We have to have proper education programs...why not give [owners] a quick online test or a copy of the legal requirement of owning a dog when they register their pets?” In 2020/21, there was a total of 237 reported dog attacks in the City of Casey, 151 of the attacks on dogs and 51 attacks on humans.
fees
BABY SEAT FITTING
on the fivethe same period in 2021, and seven year average. Speaking on those events, Superintendent John Road Policing Operations & Investigation as a “worryFitzpatrick described the increase of the vulnering trend” and issued a reminder abilities of motorcycle riders. some of the “These figures are alarming and coming is that AUTOBARN anecdotal evidence that we see to sitting out of Covid-19, people aren’t used NARRE WARREN and they’re Cnr Narre Warren in traffic for long periods of time Cranbourne Nth & in precinct maybe alshopping that High Street Lauderdale choosing a mode of transport Rds Gippsland Tuesday, 9 August, 2022 Fitzpatrick before proceeding down the South lows them to (avoid) that,” Supt Highway for the big race. said on Saturday 23 July. PatterCity of Casey chief executive Glenn many more people on motorseeing “We’re of a number son said the council attributed bikes than we’ve seen ever before. was not made a bike, it’s factors to their decision, which “Driving a motorcar and riding lightly. a shared responsibility about understanding the signifiwhat’s around “Council has taken into account where you are on the road and the disruption about cant costs of running the event, you. We ask people to please be sensible moaware of the they ride to local traffic and we are also the way they drive and the way of Cranfrustration experienced by a number torbikes.” disconsiderable face of bourne businesses, who President of the Cranbourne Chamber to seeing decision ruption due to the road closure, without Commerce Jeremy Dart said the said. given the an increase in patronage,” Mr Patterson cancel the event was “short-sighted”, dandenong.starcommun budget and to take ity.com.au “We will be retaining this event missed opportunity for local traders /DandenongJournal com@StarJournal_SE of the increased patronage. are investigating options for another advantage 40¢ Inc. GST area that offeedback munity event in the Cranbourne While the Chamber has received benefits to aligning with fers greater enjoyment and more from some retailers in the region to be anto the residents and ratepayers, with details 199533 Casey’s hypothesis that the disruption The last Cranbourne GP Run in 2019. problematic, nounced at a future date.” roads and their businesses was 60 per options relationship between riders and The City of Casey said approximately and they’ll be spend- ness of the he was disappointed that alternative was required will be at Phillip Island, vehicles. approved. cent of the $93,000 event budget money down there instead.” to see how had not been to the of the PAGE “We need to encourage people 2 South Gippsland ing their to manage the closure “It does bring significant numbers that4Casey would have PAGE He said he hoped a valid form of transport. arePAGE Highway for the event. the specific precinct,” Mr Dart said. too late, allowing the two-wheelers 9 road-user region and Motorcycle a “re-think” before it’s SPORT would “We’re the most vulnerable John Eacott from the Victorian two-year absence. “To allow a different model to exist “extremely event to proceed after a are protected with pathplenty of are Pedestrians There group. option. VictoCouncil (VMC) said the council was better within decision. “It’s not just locals and people cyclist have bike lanes. be a much the back (of High Street) that disappointed” with the City of Casey’s thing. Peo- ways and crossings; facilities out constantly ria who attend - it’s a nation-wideSouth Wales, We’re out there in the middle of the traffic but festival still. “The VMC had years of working would allow them to still have a road congestion).” ple come from Queensland, New said. it would get-to- we are such a solution (to with the City of Casey,” Mr Eacott “Had there been some foresight, in re focus South Australia. The GP is an annual sharp into come has The issue
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WINTER “It’s a big deal. They really love it,” she says. 2022 “Everyone needs to be acknowledged at least one day a year.” Her husband and principal Kevin says it goes to how much the school’s team cares. Next term, the couple will face their own special day – their last day at the school that they have served for such an extraordinary time. Mr and Ms Mackay have been there for 39 years and 36 years, respectively. All up, their teaching careers have spanned 60 years and 45 years. On 4 October, they will mark their retirement with a massive ‘general assembly’ at Dandenong High School hall. Kevin and Jenny Mackay have served Mr Mackay OAM said it would Dandenong North Primary School be the first as principal and assistant principal assembly since the Covid pandemic’s for nearly four decades. 292591 start. “It’s been an enormous part, where Picture: GARY SISSONS I get to food parcels or writing to government teach all the kids for half an hour. agen- follow each other to Dandenong We’ve missed cies on their behalf. North Pri- the best teachers I’ve that, so it will be good to have a met. mary School. last one. “And that kids know that you like “As the school became more complex “It’s going to be hard to avoid tears.” them. You Alarm bells rang for over have staff here that care about them – they’ll principal Mr Mackay the newly-appointed many years, Jenny’s experience has helped In their time, the school has built adwhen his wife was ap- dress an envi- ask the kids to ‘tell me more’. They go that the complexities. able reputation to bringing out the extra pointed to join the school. mile. best in from more than 50 diverse backgrounds. kids “From the synergies of effort you Mr Mackay worried about how get more “I think all the Dandenong schools to handle bang for your buck do a ter- the potential conflicts Its cutting-edge programs have than just two people. We’re of interest and staff dis- more been docu- rific job at that.” like two-and-a-half.” mented in award-winning films. harmony. While deputy principal at Clayton Meanwhile, Ms Mackay Primary What makes the school special “We made it work,” he said. “And School in the 1980’s, Mr Mackay thank God cipal as an “incredibly describes the prinmet a first- she was appointed “warmth”, Ms Mackay says. The school is its creative and lateral here. ensures year teacher Jenny. thinker” who will always look for the families get what they need a better way “My job is to get the best teachers – whether it’s They of course later married, and I possibly of doing things. were to can to work with the children. Jenny is one of Continued page 10
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Lions to roar with Power By Jonty Ralphsmith The Pakenham Junior Football Club is proud as punch, having produced six players who have made the Gippsland Power girls under-16 futures list. The Power pathway will give the girls the opportunity to play against the best of their age in the state and develop their skills at the highest junior level. Among that six are the Power co-captains, Abby Hobson and Ava Deszcz. Deszcz is a strong-bodied key forward who can rotate through the midfield with good skills and speed. This season is her first at Pakenham with coach James Perkins describing her as “the loudest at training by a country mile.” Gippsland Under-16 coach Shayla Marsh added. “The energy they bring to each training session got them voted in, they’re always enthusiastic and get around the other girls,“ she said. Hobson is another who can play key forward, leading the Lions goal-kicking last year. “She would be one of the best female footballers I’ve seen ever,” said Perkins. “A really strong contested mark and beautiful kick, she leads by example on the field. “When she played, we won most of the time.” Jayda Tannahill, Bonnie Williams, Ashleigh Perkins and Addison Venten round out the Lions who made the cut.
The six Pakenham girls after the Power’s round one game on the weekend. Left to right: Jayda Tannahill, Bonnie Williams, Abby Hobson, Ava Deszcz, Ashleigh Perkins and Addison Venten. 324908 Picture: SUPPLIED Tannahill has improved markedly in the last 12 months, playing the role of an in-and-under workmanlike midfielder. “She tackles well and has a really good
work-rate and you know you’ll get 100 per cent effort week in week out,“ Perkins said. Williams also plays through the midfield, backing herself to breakaway and take the
game on when she gets ball in hand. She was one of the stronger performers for Gippsland on the weekend, which went down to Dandenong by 12 points at a hot and blustery Hastings. Perkins, a left-footer with a good tank and high footy IQ, is the most experienced of the lot, having played 75 games of junior footy. Her experienced shines through at Power level according to Marsh, who lauded her willingness to help those newer to the game. Venten, meanwhile, is new to the club, having played in West Gippsland in an under-18 competition last year which threw her in the deep end. Pakenham see her as a halfback. Perkins, Tannahill, Williams and Hobson were all part of the Lions squad which made an impressive run to the preliminary final last year. Williams won the club best and fairest, and, with teammate Hobson tied for fourth in the league medal. “They all have aspirations to go as far as they can with their footy,” Perkins said. “They’re six really good girls and they’ve all become a close-knit group. “It’s great to see so many from the same area who will hopefully be with the Power for the next couple of years.” As well as being the best 22 players for the under-16 team, all six girls will be a chance to represent the under-18 team later in the season.
Mixed bag for the Warriors By Jonty Ralphsmith Pakenham Warriors Championship Women’s team came home with a wet sail but weren’t able to close the Camberwell lead in round one Big V action at Cardinia Life on Saturday The Warriors ultimately went down by five points - 61-66 - in a disappointing start to the season. The Warriors will reflect on the first quarter, where they were only able to put eight points on the board, while leaking 20. They were able to peg much of that back in a high-scoring second stanza, but couldn’t maintain it in the third, leaving them 14 points in arrears heading into the last. Import Haille Nickerson carried her strong form on from last season, scoring 16 points to go with eight rebounds and playing the most minutes of the Warriors. The Warriors showed glimpses that they will adapt to the way new coach Robertus Dielemans wants them to transition, but weren’t able to piece it together for a full four quarters on Saturday. “We didn’t make the most of the opportunities presented to us and gave up too many rebounds – and they shot well,” he said. “The team is coming to terms with playing a different offensive style. “Apart from on-ball pressure the defensive transition is stronger.” The coach was also happy with the effort of Samantha Romaowski in the first half, while Mel Prior won the player’s vote for skipper in
her first season at the club, underlining that she’s one to watch in 2023. Meanwhile, Joe Davis and Josh Dow carried their form and class into season 2023, scoring 58 points between them in Pakenham men’s 23-point victory over Southern Peninsula. Last year’s Youth League MVP Michael Johns was another starter and coach Rob Roberts said he held his own in his 24 minutes on the court. “After the preseason, I looked at him and said ‘he’s ready for the next level’ so after a chat with Braden and him, we agreed the men’s would be better for him,” Roberts said. “He has the pace and quick movement we’re looking for – he’s a creator at whatever level he plays.” In the absence of Nathan Dodgson and Alistair Parker through injury, and with lots of experience having retired at the end of 2022, Roberts was also pleased with the on-field leadership. Dow, Ned Weideman and Davis are the cocaptains, with Weideman highlighted as one whose defensive role was important for the team. The coach believes mirroring the depth in leadership this season is the overall depth which has the squad primed, as they’ll look to make it two from two against a strong Shepparton team on Sunday. The youth men’s team, meanwhile, used 11 players but went down by 10 points after a poor first half. The youth women also lost by 10 points to open the season.
Michael Johns spent plenty of time on court for the Warriors. 295034 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS 22 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
Aidan O’Rorke leaps his Rosebud opponent during Pakenham’s season opener on Saturday. 324385 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
United hot and bothered after shaky start to season Pakenham United has had a shaky start to its 2023 campaign with the home side going down 2-0 to Rosebud at a hot and breezy IYU Reserve on Saturday. United failed to take advantage of an early numerical advantage after Rosebud goal-keeper Colin McCormack was dealt a red card in just the sixth minute of the new season. United had two players shown yellow cards in the opening half, with captain Mun Chun Lee and the experienced Albert Mambo both on the wrong side of the referee. Scores remained locked at nil-all at half time, and there was no sign of either team breaking through – with defences on top –
as the clock ticked over the hour. But the visiting Rosebud then made its move. Striker Noah Musso hit the back of the net in the 63rd minute of play, before repeating the dose with just four minutes of regulation time remaining to take the three points away from the contest. United will be keen to bounce back – under lights on its home deck again on Friday night – when IYU lights up for the big game against Seaford. Seaford began its life in the Men’s State League 5 South competition with a 2-1 loss to Mount Eliza. Friday night’s game kicks-off at 8.30pm. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
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Dream finale for Demons By David Nagel The culture of the Kooweerup Cricket Club has once again shined bright with the Demons claiming a stunning eighth premiership in 14 years against Cardinia in the CCCA Premier Division grand final at Denhams Road. The Demons gave club legend and skipper Michael ‘Doofy’ Giles a fairytale and emotional finish to his top-flight career with an 83-run triumph in front of a boisterous home crowd. After winning the toss and batting first – in hot and windy conditions – the Demons made 212 on Saturday, courtesy of patient half centuries from opener Luke McMaster (60 off 137) and number-five Chris Bright (66 off 141). McMaster held the Demons top-order together before handing over to Bright after the pair shared a 26-run stand either side of the tea break. McMaster skied a ‘jumper’ from off-spinner Travis Wheller just five overs after tea, with Bright tucking away his naturally aggressive game to guide the Demons through to the last over of the day. Wheller (3/48 off 24) and Lachlan Volpe (4/77 off 29) were brilliant for the Bulls on day one, with the pair bowling unchanged for the last 20 overs of the innings, taking a combined 6/61 to keep a dangerous situation under control. But the Bulls had no answer to a rampaging Demons’ pace attack on Sunday, with Adam McMaster (4/32 off 12.5), Jess Mathers (4/54 off 18) and Luke McMaster (2/42 off 13) bowling the home side to victory after restricting the Bulls to 129. Alex Nooy (23) top scored for the Bulls, who had six players work their way into the teens but not get through to 20. Bright was named Man of the Match after his patient vigil on Saturday, which was played in complete contrast to the thoughts he had as he headed to the crease. “How far can I hit the ball, that’s what I was thinking to be honest,” he said. “But, in the back of my mind, I knew Doofy (Giles) was retiring, I knew my brother (Matt) was thinking about retiring, and I wanted to do it for a couple of others as well. “Mitch Davey, the son a great in Matt Davey, he hadn’t won a flag, Luke McMaster, he only had the Covid flag, they’re a couple of blokes that have really put the work in over a few years and I wanted to do it for them as well. “That’s not how I normally bat, I’ve never blocked so many balls in my life, but to dig in and do it for the team was really important and very satisfying. “I just tried to bat as deep as I could and get us to a competitive total…it’s probably the first time I’ve ever really dug in for the team and not thought about blasting. “I’m proud of myself how I dug in, and to hear a few of the older guys at the club – Johnno (Steve Johnson), Matty (Davey) and Tubsy (Chris O’Hara) – say, ‘we’re proud of you mate, well batted’ that really means a lot to me.” Giles had a falling out with the club after leading the Demons to back-to-back flags
The dominance continues. The Kooweerup premiership team, back from left; Cody Miller, Adam McMaster, Gamini Kumara, Rob Maskiell, Matt Bright, Brannon Harrison (12th man), Steven Dillon and Jess Mathers. Middle: Chris Bright. Front row: Luke McMaster, Barry ‘Bo’ Robertson, Michael Giles Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS and Mitch Davey. (Mascot: Ollie Mathers). 324390 against the Bulls between 2013 and ’15…before returning this season for one last crack at the title. “I guess fairytales do come true,” an emotional Giles said after the match. “We weren’t the best team all season, but I had enormous confidence in this group that it could get the job done. “To come back to Kooweerup and for it to end like this…it’s unbelievable really. “To play in a premiership again with two of my best mates in Wombat (Chris Bright) and Mushy (Matt Bright), it’s something I’ve dreamed of but never thought would happen in 100 years.” The Bright brothers have now played together in all eight premiership wins since that 2009/10 triumph. This was the third consecutive grand final appearance for Cardinia under captain Jake Prosser, who led the Bulls to their first premiership in 12 years in 2021. Prosser will return to his home-club Langwarrin next season after a three-year stint with the Bulls.
Jess Mathers continued his magnificent finals record with grand final figures of 4/54 off 18 overs. 324917
Revolving door in full swing as tungsten titans take aim By David Nagel The revolving door at the top of the South West Gippsland Dart League has continued to spin freely with Just Social now the ladder leaders after an intriguing round eight of competition. There are now four teams locked at the top on six wins for the season – with percentage dictating ladder positions. This was the most even round of the season, with the five losing teams accumulating 28 legs – the highest number for the year. The biggest blow out was still a competitive contest, with fourth-placed 26ers having to work hard for an 11-4 victory over Fore. Rebels won their third game for the season, scoring a 10-5 win over Bullseyes, while Mud Rats made it two wins for the season with a 9-6 triumph over the Hoodies. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Shane from PakyOne, left, and Liam from Warriors give the thumbs up after throwing 180 maximums in round eight of the SWGDL. 324755 Picture: SUPPLIED The Hoodies are a new team to the competition and are starting to show signs of improvement; winning six legs in round eight after not troubling the scorers in rounds
six and seven. The game-of-the-round took place at the Cardinia Club in Pakenham where great rivals Warriors and PakyOne fought out a nailbiter. There was little between the two teams all night, with most legs having both teams in a position to peg out; with PakyOne finally prevailing in an 8-7 scoreline. There were many highlights in this contest, with Shane from PakyOne and Liam from the Warriors both throwing 180’s to rubber-stamp the quality of the match up. Dean, from Bullseyes, also threw a 180 in round eight. The narrow loss for the Warriors has seen them removed from first place after Just Social scored a 9-6 victory over a rapidly-improving Gembrook.
The Brookers have been a lot more competitive against the better teams in the competition in recent rounds and continued that trend against the perennial finalists from Kooweerup. Snipers had the round-eight bye, but it didn’t stop Dean Gibbs from maintaining his lead at the top of the tons-thrown category with 44 tons for the season. Anthony from the Warriors sits second with 34 tons, with Shane from PakyOne in third place on 31. LADDER – R8: Just Social 24, Warriors 24, PakyOne 24, 26ers 24, Snipers 20, Rebels 16, Gembrook 12, Mud rats 8, Bullseyes 8, Fore 0, The Hoodies 0. FIXTURE – R9: Rebels v Gembrook, Hoodies v PakyOne, Fore v Just Social, Warriors v Mud Rats, Bullseyes v Snipers, 26ers – Bye.
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Thursday, 23 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 23
St Clare’s Catholic Primary School in Officer
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Our faith leads to wisdom and courage. ’s and is embedded in the ethos of the school, the curriculum we offer and the
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