Thursday, 16 July, 2026
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Proud to embrace NAIDOC week Kooweerup Hospital, part of Bayside Health, proudly hosted Cardinia Shire Council’s first official NAIDOC Week community event at the Koo Wee Rup Aboriginal Meeting Place and Bush School on Sunday, 5 July. STORY PAGE 3
Bunurong/Palawa man Danny West supported James Brown to conduct the smoking ceremony.
Rocked by crime By Afraa Kori An alleged stabbing and copper theft at a Pakenham shopping centre have put retail crime and safety concerns back in the spotlight. Police are investigating the theft, which occurred overnight on July 12 at a shopping centre on Main Street, Pakenham. Investigators believe copper required for electricity wiring was stolen from the exterior of the centre, resulting in a power outage.
Melbourne, and we are working closely with police while investing in measures including CCTV, electronic article surveillance, security personnel and safety training for our team.” One anonymous source was told by a Coles staff member that shoppers were also left shaken after reports of an alleged stabbing outside the Coles complex on Saturday evening. “Thumbs down to the rampant crime at Coles Pakenham Plaza,” the source said.
“Our community is sick of feeling unsafe just trying to do our basic grocery shopping.”
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Further details were sought from the police regarding the stabbing. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
LOCATIONS PAKENHAM, WARRAGUL, LEONGATHA, MOE
(03) 5922 2072 U2, 1 Stephenson Street PAKENHAM
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Low Dose CT, Digital X-ray, Comprehensive Ultrasound Dental X-ray, Dexa or Bone Densitometry, Echocardiogram
Coles Pakenham Plaza was forced to temporarily shut on Sunday morning before reopening by mid-morning once electricity was restored. “We were able to safely reopen for the community by mid-morning once power was restored,” a Coles spokesperson said. “The safety of our team members and customers is our priority. “Retail crime and antisocial behaviour continues to be a challenge affecting retailers across