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27 AUGUST, 2024
A century of positivity Melton has welcomed another centenarian after Brookfield resident Jean Clark celebrated turning 100 on Friday, August 23. Born in Wycheproof, Mrs Clark spent her early years in the dry scrub of the Mallee before moving to Sunshine, where she spent the majority of her life. When asked about the secret to living through economic depressions, a world war, polio epidemics and a COVID pandemic, she remained tight lipped. “I better not tell you!” said Ms Clark. It appears a sense of humour is the secret, but in reality it is family. “I’m so, so proud of them … they’ve always been a very caring family and that’s why I’ve got to where I have.” While she misses her husband Jack, a veteran of the Kokoda Track campaign, she is well supported by her four children, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. Mrs Clark said it has been “a lovely hundred years” filled with “very happy memories,” including visits to the Melton Botanic Garden. Brookfield resident Jean Clark has celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. (Damjan Janevski) 426882_01
School student stabbed By Eddie Russell The stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Caroline Springs has sparked calls for stronger action on early intervention of knife crime. On Thursday August 22, a student from Springside West Secondary College was rushed to hospital after being stabbed during an altercation. It is believed that a group of seven, who were armed with machetes, accessed the school grounds and sought the teen out before fleeing in a black Honda sedan. A Victoria Police spokesperson said public safety remained a key priority and that efforts would focus on cracking down on knife crime.
“We completely understand the concern felt within the community when knife crime occurs in public places,” the spokesperson said. “That’s why we have boosted both vehicle and foot patrols in the Fraser Rise area, with officers from the public order response team and transit safety division providing ongoing support. On top of this, we have a number of proactive operations coming up in the Brimbank and Melton area to target those in the community who think carrying a weapon is acceptable.” However, Les Twentyman Foundation general manager of programs Chris Lacey said “You cannot police your way out of this and
having police officers knocking on the door of kids who are seen as ‘at risk’ of offending is not a solution”. “If we take the stick approach and throw kids behind bars, that will lead to institutionalisation and career criminals who will only become more dangerous to society. “What is needed are effective, intensive and positive early intervention programs aimed at ensuring that kids do not make the decision to pick a knife or a machete up in the first place.” The foundation runs an early intervention program at Taylors Lakes Secondary College, something that Mr Lacey believes provides youths with crucial access to help.
“When a child is starting to rebel and make poor decisions … it is incredibly difficult for parents and teachers and teachers to effectively intervene,” he said. “That’s why providing effective support through schools is so important, with the benefit of a youth worker to build trust and … bring in other support services.” Mr Lacey said this can come in a variety of forms, “Whether that be in the form of mental health, family support, alcohol or drugs counselling, or simply involving the child in positive activities and mentoring – the youth worker is there to support both the child and the family.”
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