Thursday, 3 September, 2026
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SPORT
Semi-final battles see the Lions roar Pakenham players, coaches and supporters ventured to Healesville on Saturday for second semi-final day in Outer East Division 1. SEE MORE INSIDE
Spirits were high at Healesville after Pakenham’s A Grade win over Seville. (575197)
Ready to rumble With the state election approaching, Liberal candidate Radmila Dyson is fighting to stand out against her political rivals in the battle for Pakenham. She secured the party’s endorsement after defeating former candidates and now faces the challenge of winning the second-most marginal Labor-held seat in Victoria. Born in Serbia, Ms Dyson has called Australia
home for most of her life and is raising 14-yearold twins. She has spent almost 30 years working in the family’s engineering and manufacturing business, and believes her experience has given her an understanding of the pressures facing local employers. Ms Dyson said she recognised a shortage of sporting opportunities for children in the grow-
ing Pakenham community and helped establish a thriving soccer club with over 500 members. She pledged to pursue more funding for local clubs as increasing participation places further pressure on grounds and facilities. Beyond sport, Ms Dyson identified crime, transport infrastructure and cost-of-living pressures as key priorities, and backed the Liberals’
promises to recruit more police officers and repair potholes. Ms Dyson said her community experience had shown her how much persistence was required to secure investment for the rapidly growing area, and that Pakenham needs a strong voice to ensure it doesn’t get left behind. STORY PAGE 2
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