PAKENHAM OFFICER
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 21 September, 2023
/pakenhamstarnews
@StarNews_SE
40¢ Inc. GST
Dancer on world stage
Idol performs for shoppers
Smaluch repays the faith
PAGE 4
PAGE 6
PAGE 9
SPORT
12496498-DL22-21
Celebrating Koorie kids
Classic torched The search for a 1970s Holden Kingswood, stolen from an elderly Pakenham man’s home last week, has reached a heartbreaking close with the vehicle located burnt out in Menzies Creek on Tuesday night. The classic car’s owner, 84-year-old Ross Costa, appealed for the return of the vehicle just hours earlier, after it was stolen from his Army Road shed early on Friday 15 September. Mr Costa, who is recovering from lymphoma and battling Parkinson’s disease, told reporters that he simply wanted his car back, appealing for the thief to leave it anywhere safe for him to just pick up. The car was a deeply sentimental possession for Mr Costa, who kept the classic Holden in good condition for over four decades, ever since he bought it in 1979. The estimated value of such a car was around $45,000, but as he explained to reporters the memories in the car was what he valued the most. It was on Friday evening 15 September when the car was stolen from his property on Army Road; at the time Mr Costa was staying with his son Alf. His neighbour alerted him to his missing car. It was a tough blow for Mr Costa. “It breaks my heart, I can’t accept it,” Mr Costa said, as reported by the Herald Sun. The vehicle was allegedly sighted by members of the public in Drouin and Warragul earlier in the week, before it was located ablaze overnight. It is understood a member of the public saw a car on fire near parklands near Lake Aura Vale and called Triple Zero about 11.30pm on 19 September. Emergency services attended the scene and put out the fire, which was identified as the sentimental Holden. Police have seized the Holden which will now undergo forensic testing. Police are appealing to anyone who has in-
Senior Constable Tanya van Praag. 361984
Pakenham’s Ross Costa told media he was devastated by the theft of his beloved 1970s Holden Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Kingswood. 361984
The vehicle was located burnt out in Menzies Creek overnight.
formation about the fire or theft of the Kingswood to come forward. The car was stolen during a burglary which
is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
occurred on Friday 15 September about 5am. Investigations remain ongoing. Anyone with information or CCTV footage
ADVERTISEMENT
Renee
Heath mp BULK BILLING OPEN 7 DAYS
U2, 1 Stephenson Street PAKENHAM
12514155-BL41-21
(03) 5922 2072
Eastern Victoria Region YOUR VOICE FOR EASTERN VICTORIA CONTACT RENEE: 51 James Street, Pakenham 3810 5941 1112 ReneeHeathMP ReneeHeath.com.au Renee.Heath@parliament.vic.gov.au Authorised by Renee Heath MP, 51 James St, Pakenham
12631816-KG37-23
Member for
12626926-AA34-23
Low Dose CT, Digital X-ray, Comprehensive Ultrasound Dental X-ray, Dexa or Bone Densitometry, Echocardiogram