News - Berwick - 31st October 2013

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Thursday, 31 October, 2013

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October, 2013

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Property ty Lift outt

Shorn in sympathy WHEN Tara, from Berwick Primary School, heard that one of her teachers was diagnosed with cancer, she decided she would cut her hair to raise money for breast cancer research. For the full story turn to page 3.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Doggone attack

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animal to stop attacking Buddy, after which it fled. Buddy suffered from a scratch to his shoulder blades and bite marks and lacerations in his cheek following the attack.

Mark has since contacted Dandenong Police and Casey Council and warned locals to be wary of the reserve.

“People have to be careful if they’re walking around Waratah, it’s so remote,” he said. “If something does happen to you, you have no chance. I was just lucky I had people there.”

Casey Community Safety manager Caroline Bell said a council officer had visited Waratah Reserve after Mark’s sighting of the pitbull but had been unable to locate it.

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“Council has been in contact with the victim and is investigating the matter, however council is unable to identify where the offending dog may have originated from,” she said.

“Council is appealing to residents to come forward if they witnessed the incident and to assist council in identifying the offending dog.”

According to the Domestic Animals Act it is an offence for any animal to attack another animal and all animals need to be under effective control at all times.

Reports can be made to the City of Casey on 9705 5200.

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it came towards us to get at Buddy,” Mark said. “If he’s attacking my dog, then he’s attacking me.”

Mark, who is 110 kilograms, said he then started punching and kicking the animal but it could not be stopped.

“I’ve boxed before but after two minutes of fighting this animal I was stuffed,” he said.

“I was feeling hopeless. I’ve never felt hopeless before.”

Mark had to let go of Buddy’s lead before two residents from neighbouring houses heard the commotion and came out to help. One had a shovel while his neighbour picked up a tree branch and managed to force the

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the weekends and regularly walks him at Waratah Reserve, said he heard the pitbull before he saw it.

“I was walking the outline of the soccer oval where the fence follows the stormwater drain,” he said.

“As I passed the park area I heard the dog but I kept walking and when I turned around I saw this thing heading towards us, about 30 metres away.

“Most dogs usually stop about 10 metres away but this one didn’t stop,” he said.

The pitbull jumped at Buddy and started attacking him despite Mark’s best efforts to deter the other animal.

“I jumped in front of the pitbull and

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A EUMEMMERRING man has vowed never to venture “anywhere near” Doveton again after he and his dog were viciously attacked by an uncollared pitbull in Waratah Reserve.

Mark, who didn’t want his surname published, said he was terrified when a pitbull attacked and bit his brother’s boxer cross Staffordshire terrier, Buddy, on Saturday morning and was warning residents to be on the lookout for it.

“It’s the most terrifying moment I’ve experienced,” he said.

“I don’t want it to happen again.”

Mark, who takes care of Buddy on

1096268-EP41-13

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD

| starcommunity.com.au

Page 2 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

House break-in spree POLICE are seeking information about three residential burglaries across Casey on Tuesday 22 October.

Between 8.50am and 9.30am on 22 October, a house in Endeavour Drive, Cranbourne North, was broken into and laptops, MP3 players and a camera were stolen.

On the same day, between 6am and 7pm, a house was also broken into in Quartz Place, Narre Warren.

Cash, collectible coins, a televi-

sion, Toshiba computer and jewellery was stolen.

A house in Inglis Road, Berwick, was broken into the same day between 6am and 4.30pm and a blue, six-pack esky was stolen containing $1050 cash.

In all three burglaries, a jemmy bar was used to force open a door or window.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Phone stolen during attack A MAN was attacked and had his phone stolen during a robbery involving at least four men this week.

About 1.20am on Sunday 27 October, a man was walking along Kennington Park Drive, Endeavour Hills, when he was approached by four or five men of African appearance.

Police said one of the men punched the victim to the face causing him to fall to the ground, where he was then repeatedly kicked to the torso and facial area.

The victim managed to get up off the ground and one of his attackers then snatched his mobile phone from him, police said.

The victim sustained bruising and swelling to his torso and face as a result of the incident.

One of the men was described as being in his mid-20s, six-foot tall, of thin build and wearing a dark black hooded jumper and cargo pants.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Connecting people and communities BN

Kids have a ball

By BRIDGET SCOTT CASEY’S kids visited Myuna Farm in disguise last week when children dressed up in their favourite costumes to celebrate Children’s Week.

On Thursday 24 October, children sprung into play at Doveton’s Myuna Farm to mark Children’s Week, an initiative which celebrates a child’s right to play and enjoy their childhood.

Families from across the city attended the day and enjoyed an array of activities such as pony rides, face painting, drumming, nursery animals and much more.

Casey is a diverse community and is predicted to be home to 47,000 children aged between 0 and 9 years by 2017.

Former City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon praised the event and said it was one of many which aimed to be accessible for all families.

“Council is dedicated to ensuring that the services, programs and events we provide are inclusive and accessible to all families and children in the community,” she said.

Two-year-old Rebecca got into the spirit of Children’s Week. 108437 Left: Olivia and Reuben enjoyed the activities at Myuna Farm last Thursday.

108437

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

2013-2014

Right: Four-year-old Allan from Hampton Park got his hands on a few furry friends at Myuna Farm.

108437

Shabby treatment of cops 1098564-RC44-13

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A 19-YEAR-OLD man was spared conviction after resisting arrest while police tried to clear a 200-strong “car enthusiasts’ meet” in a Bunnings car park in Cranbourne on 15 April.

Police prosecutor Chris Capuano told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Monday the man was heard by a plain-clothes officer saying: “F---ing pigs. Why don’t you have a go?”

The plain-clothes officer identified himself and told the man to move on. The man’s reply was: “F... you”.

The court was told the unemployed man, who has been suffering depression, pulled his arm

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away and struggled as the officer arrested him.

He was charged with resisting arrest and failing to comply with a police direction to ’move on’.

Magistrate Gerard Bryant said the man’s “rallying cry” was not going to help police pacify what was “clearly an emotion-charged event”.

“You need to show respect for yourself and the job police are doing,” Mr Bryant said.

“You need to keep your mouth shut.

“Even if you’re angry, to incite police in the way ... there was a potential for that situation to escalate.”

Mr Bryant placed the man on a 12-month good-behavior bond, ordered him to go on a positive lifestyle program and to write a letter-ofapology to the police officer.

The man told the court he was sorry for his actions.

“If I could take it back, I would. That’s no way to treat a police officer. They’re just doing their job.”

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It’s a washout

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD A BERWICK woman is pleading for her voice to be heard - after more than a year of campaigning for her eroded nature strip to be fixed.

Tracey McPherson wrote to the City of Casey in September last year after the nature strip where she lives in Cedarwood Crescent, made from granitic sand, had deteriorated significantly following heavy rain.

“It’s an absolute disaster, no-one can walk down the side of the street. It’s just dangerous,” Ms McPherson said, adding she was forced to set up pit covers at the front of her house.

“The nature strip is sand gravel, so it’s always a bit loose, but it was a lot better than what it is now.

“Every time it rains, more washes away.”

After months of consultation with council officers and a visit from Cr Mick Morland in January, Ms McPherson was hopeful repairs to the sidewalk would get the green light.

But after a council evaluation which estimated the collective repairs on the crescent’s nature strips would cost over $4000, the City of Casey told Ms McPherson it could not justify the expense.

Ms McPherson argued the Cedarwood Crescent residents shouldn’t be expected to foot the bill.

“The financial burden of repairing the nature strip is huge and one landowner cannot make improvements unless all of the others do,” Ms McPherson said.

“The drainage is appalling and really needs an engineer to make sure the nature strip does not wash away to the bottom of the street. Most of it ends up on the road, again making it a hazard to local road users.”

Earlier this year Ms McPherson organised a petition which was signed by owners of the other properties in Cedarwood Crescent affected by the erosion.

City of Casey parks and reserves manager Trevor Griffin said Cedarwood Crescent was initially constructed by developers to accommodate display homes.

“At that time, the developer constructed some granitic sand nature strips in place of grass and they have not been maintained by the subsequent property owners,” he said.

“It is each property owner’s responsibility to maintain their own nature strip. The council is not responsible for funding the removal and disposal of the granitic sand, replacement of top soil and seeding for these nature strips.

“The council will, however, undertake any works required to ensure there are no trip hazards.”

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 3

Full court squeeze

By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS A PRISONER in custody for more than two weeks was unable to apply for bail because Corrections Victoria failed to transport him from remand to Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrate Gerard Bryant branded the situation as “lamentable” after being told that Craig Ivor Bowen and three other prisoners could not be presented to court from Melbourne Custody Centre.

“It’s a lamentable situation that the system is under so much strain that he is not being brought to court for a bail application - where he may not be required to be in (remand) any more is a cause of concern.

Bowen’s defence barrister Alan Hands successfully applied for $1000 costs against Corrections Victoria for the aborted hearing.

Craig Ivor Bowen, who had been in custody for more than two weeks, was scheduled to appear at court on Monday to apply for bail over charges of indecent exposure in a Fountain Gate department store’s female clothing section.

His next scheduled hearing is on 15 November.

Mr Hands indicated to the court

Weapons and drugs charges THREE men were charged with firearm and drug offences after police pursued them in a car with stolen numberplates just before 2am on Sunday.

A 25-year-old Narre Warren man and two Berwick men, aged 26 and 22, were charged with carrying a loaded firearm and possession of a pipe bomb, a large quantity of GHB, drug paraphernalia and a balaclava.

They were also charged with handling stolen goods.

Tracey McPherson has been campaigning for more than a year for her eroded nature strip in Berwick to be fixed.

Tara shows shear determination

that Bowen, in seeking bail, would reverse his “ill-considered” guilty pleas lodged by a “Legal Aid Victoria lawyer” on 14 October.

At the time, Magistrate Pauline Spencer ordered Bowen to be held in custody for eight weeks while undertaking a full psychiatric assessment prior to sentencing on 11 December.

Mr Hands told the Journal he didn’t know when Bowen would be transferred from police cells into Melbourne Remand Centre.

“It’s dreadful. I rang Corrections (on Tuesday) and they said there’s a crisis within the prison system.

“He’s been in police cells for 14 days, exceeding Corrections Victoria guidelines. They said they can’t get him out of police cells into Melbourne Remand Centre straightaway. There’s not enough beds.

“Apparently there were 13 in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court police cells on Monday and there may not have been room there.”

A Corrections Victoria spokesman said last week that temporary accommodation had been added to prisons to help ease pressure on police cells.

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Tara will be cutting her hair to raise money for breast cancer research and her mother, Trish, is behind her every step of the way.

“As she was talking about it the more I realised she was serious. I told her that once you do something like this, you can’t back away from it.”

Tara has raised $200 so far for the foundation, through Facebook contact and donation boxes set up at Cathy Lea Dance in Narre Warren and Snap Fitness in Berwick.

Tara’s mum said she was so proud that her daughter was going through with the gesture. “On some level I kind of thought she’d change her mind but she completely ran with it,” Ms Medlen said.

“She’s really excited and she’s preparing for her short hair.”

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MOST nine-year-old girls cherish their long hair and wouldn’t dare part with it, but Tara isn’t like most girls.

Life can throw up curve balls, even for nine year olds, and when Tara heard that her Grade 3 teacher was diagnosed with breast cancer, she saw the opportunity to use her hair for something worthwhile.

Before the end of the year Tara, from Berwick Primary School, will cut her very long hair and donate the ponytail to raise money for the Australian Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Trish Medlen, Tara’s mum, said the haircut idea came from a harmless comment she made to her daughter.

“Tara was very excited to have this teacher in Grade 3 and she asked me what she could do to help,” Ms Medlen said.

“So I said, ‘why don’t you cut your hair?’”

The only stipulation Tara had for the haircut was for it to be held after her endof-year dance concerts, where long hair was a bit of necessity, and she is now set to have the trim in early December.

“She’s never really had a haircut before so she has really long hair,” Ms Medlen said.

| starcommunity.com.au

Page 4 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

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Furry friends teach social skills CHILDREN from Yooralla’s Early Childhood service celebrated National Children’s Week with a host of furry friends by their side.

Animals on the Move, a mobile petting zoo, paid a visit to the Narre Warren Children’s Centre on Friday and gave the kids an opportunity to learn about, feed and handle the potential pets.

Yooralla manager Chris Vallas said it was wonderful for children to experience such close contact with baby animals. “The children will have to exercise care when handling the animals,� Mr Vallas said, speaking before the event. “They can practise essential social skills like waiting, sharing and taking turns.�

Yooralla’s Early Childhood Services support children with disability and their families, providing specialised services within home community and school, from birth through primary and secondary schooling.

Anniversary endeavour A CALL is going out to all budding student artists throughout Casey for the upcoming 40th anniversary of Endeavour Hills.

Primary school students throughout the region are being encouraged to submit celebratory posters depicting the spirit or history of Endeavour Hills in preparation for a display at the Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre.

There will be a prize for the winner from each school in addition to an overall winner.

Participating students should submit their art to Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan’s office at Shop 91 Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre (near Australia Post).

Entries can be submitted on Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm and close on 8 November.

Name, school and age needs to be written on the back of the student’s artwork.

The 40th anniversary display will be unveiled on Friday 15 November and will be on show for 10 days.

The winners are set to be announced at noon on Saturday 23 November.

For more information contact Luke Donnellan’s office on 9706 0566.

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Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 5

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Amber Thomas, who has recovered from a serious leg injury, is excited to participate in next month’s City2Sea event with her mum Dianne, daughter Charley, and four-month-old son Kai.

Walking tall

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD AFTER a horrific dirt bike crash at Easter last year, Amber Thomas thought she might never walk again.

But after 18 months of rehabilitation, Amber’s broken leg will hopefully be little more than a bad memory when she participates in the annual City2Sea event next month, walking from the Arts Centre in the Melbourne CBD to Albert Park.

The Narre Warren mother of two said she had been planning to compete in a marathon before those dreams came crashing down alongside her dirt bike.

“I shattered my tibia and ripped my ACL clear off the bone,” she said.

“I had three operations and a metal plate and pins inserted into my leg.

“I had to learn to walk on my leg again through lots of physiotherapy and lots of hydrotherapy.”

While still receiving regular treatment for her injuries, Amber has rediscovered how to use her leg and takes her children on regular walks in the pram.

Two-year-old daughter Charley and four-month-old son Kai will be joining Amber and their grandmother, Dianne, in walking the 5km City2Sea, with Kai claiming the award for the event’s youngest competitor.

“Me and Mum are going to walk and we’ll push the kids in the pram,” Amber said.

“They’re a bit too young to understand it but I think Charley will find it exciting.”

Amber’s recovery from a broken leg is only one chapter of the resilient mum’s life. For 13 years she has lived with depression, battling pre-natal depression while pregnant with Kai. It’s no surprise that Amber will be

donating the money she raises from City2Sea to Beyond Blue, an organisation close to her heart.

“Some people with depression, especially those who have just been diagnosed, feel ashamed, like they’re not worthy,” Amber said.

“I know a lot of people who have felt that way and talking about it is what helps.”

When she sets off on the City2Sea walk on Sunday 17 November, Amber will be doing all she can to raise awareness of depression and encourage people to do just that - talk.

“Mum’s proud of me,” Amber said.

“I’m sure she’s proud of how far I’ve come and how I carry myself now,” Amber said.

For more information on the City2Sea or to get involved with the event, visit www.thecity2sea.com.au

Victoria’s Largest and Most Vibrant Municipality

FREE EVENTS FORUM

Best practice for community events This FREE forum for community event organisers aims to increase awareness of Council’s event related services, learn best practice and provides an opportunity for participants to network and discuss their experiences.

Date:

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Session 1 Time: Venue:

2 pm – 4 pm City of Casey Civic Centre, Magid Drive, Narre Warren (Melway Ref: 110 D4)

Session 2 Time: Venue:

6 pm – 8 pm City of Casey Civic Centre, Magid Drive, Narre Warren (Melway Ref: 110 D4)

To book, contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200 or email events@casey.vic.gov.au.

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Page 6 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

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All letters published must carry the writer’s name and town or suburb.

A home address and daytime phone number are also required for verification.

Lenscape

Junk the junkets COUNCILLOR Wayne Smith and Cr Louise Berkelmans are having an extravagant fully paid $3700 junket by Casey Council to go to enjoy the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

They are being paid the air fare, $250, top hotel, $1250 and car hire, $350 each. Sheer arogance and abuse of power.

Ratepayers are angry that the junket is approved and paid by the council just after a massive rates increase.

Ratepayers believe that this is a serious breach of councillor duty and responsibility to the public.

Ratepayers believe that it was in breach of the conflict of interest that Cr Smith moved the resolution and Cr Berkelmans seconded the motion for their own junket.

The council has already funded a concert group to perform at the festival and there is no reason at all for councillors to enjoy the festival at public expense.

Councils have a responsibility and an obligation to deal with complaints openly and with transparancy required.

We demand that the council review this junket and rescind the resolution.

Keith Townsend, Narre Warren.

Artist Tony Sowersby at Tooradin Primary School. 108512 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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the Melbourne Zoo and learnt about the terrible times the orangutans are going through at the moment.

Palm oil is produced by palm trees and used in everyday products available at supermarkets, such as food, cosmetics and cleaning products.

You won’t know which products have palm oil in them because it isn’t always labelled.

The production of palm oil, brutally destroys the habitat of animals such as the orangutan and tigers, bringing them closer and closer to extinction.

We are not only letting people know about this issue as a school project but also as we are worried the orangutans will be extinct by 2020 if we don’t do something.

We urge people to join the Don’t Palm Us Off campaign to let companies know you want the choice.

Jasmine and Sasha, Students at Berwick Chase Primary School.

Ray’s

say

Socially speaking HEAD OFFICE:

Don’t be so lazy

Phone 5945 0666 Fax 5945 0777 starnewsgroup@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starcommunity.com.au PO Box 9, Pakenham 3810 Open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday Authorised agent at: 29-31 High St, Berwick 3806.

The News is produced in three editions with a total audited circulation of 88,807 Also included inside the News September 2010

The South Eastern Star Real Estate has a total audited circulation of 132,150 Advertising advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Classifieds 5945 0600 Fax 5945 0667 classifieds@starnewsgroup.com.au Editorial editor@starnewsgroup.com.au Production production@starnewsgroup.com.au

Produced and published by Paul Thomas for Star News Group Pty. Ltd. ACN 005 484 108, Cnr. Princes Highway & Army Road, Pakenham 3810.

Printed under contract by Border Mail Printing Pty Ltd. 1 McKoy St, Wodonga. Vic 3690. Advertising Terms and Conditions, Terms and Conditions of Competitions and Privacy Statement are available at: www.starcommunity.com.au

INSIDE PANEL NEWS - 1068504

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT

IN relation to the article Shops Petition To Open Up Parking (Star Community, Cranbourne), as a nearby resident I applaud the council for enforcing the parking laws on William Thwaites Boulevard.

When there was no enforcement, lazy drivers parked in the right hand lane, on the centre divider and in the nearby turning lane.

Not only are these illegal they cause issues with traffic trying to drive along William Thwaites Boulevard or trying to make a right hand turn off William Thwaites.

It was dangerous for other drivers with cars moving off from right into traffic, pulling out in front of cars wanting to turn, not to mention pedestrians who had to deal with going all over the place.

Initially no standing signs were erected however this did nothing with drivers ignoring them and continuing to park illegally.

The bollards that have been installed have made

visiting these shops and getting in and out of the estate bearable.

However, some drivers still ignore the signs and the bollards and continue to park illegally.

There is additional parking just around the corner plus a car park directly behind that is more than large enough to cater for the number of cars visiting the shops.

This is not a case of not enough parking, it is more to do with drivers being too lazy to have to walk an additional 20 metres to get to the shop.

As for reduction in customers, it may have more to do with the new centre down the road with a Woolworths where customers still have to park and walk.

For one I say leave the bollards and no standing signs, all they do is enforce what is the law plus it has improved traffic flow, made it easier to access the estate and is much safer for pedestrians and drivers.

Stuart Simpson, Via web.

Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Thumbs down TO scooters that have the sparks. You cannot run a lawn mower on fire ban days or a petrol remote control car, but the scooter can make sparks on dry grass as well.

Thumbs up TO Spotlight finally coming to Cranbourne. Woohoo!

Thumbs down TO the waste of money statue in Berwick. Let’s honour local heroes.

Thumbs up TO the Cranbourne Food Truck. What a great service these dedicated locals provide to those less fortunate.

Thumbs Up Thumbs Down is your chance to have your say. Malicious or defamatory submissions will not be accepted. All submissions must include a full name, address and daytime phone number. Contributions over the phone will not be accepted. Contributors will not be identified. The News reserves the right to edit submissions. To submit a Thumbs Up Thumbs Down, email to editor@starnewsgroup.com.au, fax to 5945 0777 or post to P.O. Box 9, Pakenham, 3810.

The penalty for using a phone while driving will rise from $289 and three demerit points to $433 and four demerit points on 25 November.

What do you think of the change? Do you think it will help to change driver behaviour and reduce phone-related accidents? caught. But totally agree with the Claire Waite: It’s not going to rise in fines and demerits. change anything and it’s just a more of a money-making thing.

Rhonda Fuller: No, it shouldn’t go up in money, but the points, yes.

Tracie Battye: Of course not. They use them now because they think Judie Hedrick: Have to agree they won’t get caught and that will with the majority. It won’t change still be the same. They think it’s certain people’s attitudes, and if not going to happen to them. they lose their licence, they’ll still drive and still use their phones.

Michele Halsall: Only if they get

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| starcommunity.com.au

Connecting people and communities

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 7 1099811-HM44-13

Cultural fit for caring

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Mr Haroon said children as young as six unable to be placed in a foster home, but instead living in group homes or residential units with other unplaced children or those from “broken placements”.

“This makes the situation more complex and unsettling for them,” Mr Haroon said.

He said it was important to protect children’s cultural identity so they know how to engage with their community as adults.

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CHILDREN in the south east are at risk of losing their cultural identity and becoming part of a “stolen generation” due to a lack of diversity among foster carers, says a foster care advocate.

Faisal Haroon is part of Care With Me - a group that recently held a forum in Dandenong trying to lift the number of foster carers from culturally diverse, particularly Muslim, backgrounds.

Foster carers house and care for children who cannot live with their families.

Mr Haroon says children are being rescued “off the street” because of cultural clashes with their well-meaning but culturally mismatched foster parents.

“If you look at the foster care system, a lot of the volunteers and carers and are from Anglo-Saxon background, not very diverse. We don’t want to have a repeat of the whole stolen generation.

“It can mean a situation where the child is the only translator for the whole family, comes into foster care and then goes out after an year or so and not being able to speak their first language.

“It ends up in disaster when they are not able to communicate with the parents who can’t speak English.

“You can imagine what impact foster care may have on the wider community where people think that foster care is about taking children and removing them from their culture.”

Mr Haroon said the group’s forums were hearing of constant calls from carers seeking help in understanding their foster child’s culture.

“The biggest one is when the child is not helped to maintain their identity, they act out and placements break down.

“The reason is children think they’ve been put into a household where their identity and culture is not respected. ‘’Sometimes children don’t understand the discipline structure where they expect the foster parent to be strict

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Page 8 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

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Connecting people and communities

City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett, with his wife Joy and children Cassandra and Jake.

Picture: GARRY HOWE

Mayor sets the tone

By BRIDGET COOK THE former league footballer side of Geoff Ablett came out on Monday night when he was elected as the City of Casey mayor for the next year.

Following his unanimous appointment to the top job at a special council meeting, Cr Ablett called on his team and fellow councillors to take a leaf out of Hawthorn’s book for the next year.

Like Hawthorn, he said, he wanted the council to follow the values of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice as they headed into the next year.

“We want to ensure we always stay true to our values and ethics,” he said.

“Organisations like ours can come under pressure, and we will come under pressure.

But it’s how we maintain those values and the way we work together under pressure that will define us.

“I will work with my fellow councillors to build a bright and prosperous future for Casey and work to ensure council remains united.

“Together, we will deliver quality services, develop necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of our rapidly growing population, build a strong local economy, a sustainable environment and continue to advocate on behalf of our residents.”

It is the second time Cr Ablett has taken on the mayoralty position, having also been mayor in the 2008 to 2009 term, which was marred by the death of his son Ryan.

“That was the year my son passed away,” he said.

“It was a pretty rough year, and I’m looking forward to having a more enjoyable year this time around.

“His death will give me a real focus.

“After a loss like that, you need a real focus and to do something really good for the community will be mine.

“I’m hoping that this year will be a good smooth year and we do a lot of good things together.”

Cr Ablett said his main priorities during his term would be creating more jobs locally, preserving prime agricultural land and supporting community groups and sporting clubs.

“During my mayoral year, I will be working to preserve Casey’s agricultural land and to support and progress our strong agricultural business-

es, ensuring farmers in our rural areas thrive alongside residential growth,” he said.

“Through the Casey Cardinia partnership, I will seek opportunities to stimulate local employment opportunities and encourage businesses to set up shop in the region, providing local jobs for local people.

“Community service and sporting clubs are the backbone of our community, and I look forward to working with these clubs closely and advocating on their behalf.”

Outgoing mayor Amanda Stapledon was elected as deputy mayor, councillor Damien Rosario was appointed chairperson of the Planning Committee and councillor Susan Serey was appointed as chairperson of the General Purposes Committee.

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 9

Agenda achieved

By BRIDGET COOK WHEN Amanda Stapledon took on the mayoralty of Casey she set three areas she wanted to focus on during her term - strategic growth, economic development and social justice initiatives.

With her term coming to an end on Monday night, Cr Stapledon said her year could not have gone better in all of those areas.

Cr Stapledon completed the 75-kilometre Mayor’s Walk for Disability to raise money and awareness for disability issues and was involved with regional plans for economic growth, the extension of a philanthropic foundation in Casey and setting visions for the city’s future.

“As mayor I made a commitment to focus on strategic growth, economic development and social justice initiatives and I am delighted that, together, we have delivered some amazing projects,” she said.

“Not only have we delivered some great things in those areas in the past year, but also set a lot of things in motion.

“On a regional scale, our partnership with Cardinia Shire Council to launch the Casey Cardinia Business Group and Investment Attraction Partnership is promising.

“Our work setting the vision and plan for Casey for the next four years through the development of the council plan was a highlight.

“Most recently, I had the pleasure of announcing council’s $100,000 contribution towards the Casey Cardinia Foundation, which sees the two councils come together again to increase the impact of the foundation to more readily respond to the challenges of today’s society.”

Cr Stapledon said a highlight of her year was the inaugural Mayor’s Walk for Disability in August, which had a personal connection given her son Pete has a disability.

“The two weeks that I spent trek-

king in all manner of conditions was a personally rewarding experience and I believe it also enhanced my aim to raise awareness of the critical service gaps facing people living with a disability and their carers in Casey,” she said.

“I’m so pleased that I was able to honour my commitment to social justice issues in such a wonderfully inclusive way, and I thank all the people who helped make this extraordinary event possible.

“I’m thrilled that will now become an annual event.”

Cr Stapledon said it wasn’t all highs though, and as a council they faced a number of challenges.

“I didn’t expect some of the challenges I faced, but I definitely think I grew as a person and leader because of them,” she said.

“The mosque issue was one of those challenges.

“However, I’m proud we based that decision on planning merits, as we are mandated to do.”

Cr Stapledon said another challenge, but also a highlight, was having five new councillors and two returned councillors in the group.

“It was a challenge, but also very rewarding, to settle in seven new councillors and skilling them up with the tools and support they needed to represent their communities well,” she said.

“They have done such a great job and it didn’t take them long at all to be up to speed.

“I’m a bit of a nurturer so I enjoyed fussing over them, even though they didn’t need much of it at all.

“It was really great to have a very diverse age range among the councillors as well.”

Cr Stapledon said overall her year had been amazing.

Cr Stapledon now plans to spend two weeks in the Gold Coast with her son Pete.

Council push for transport access

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD PUBLIC transport access in Narre Warren’s Victor Crescent has been placed high on Casey council’s wish list.

Councillor Sam Aziz has called on the City of Casey to lobby Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder and CEO of Public Transport Victoria Ian Dobbs for an urgent review of public transport services to the Fountain Gate/ Narre Warren CBD, particularly Victor Crescent.

City of Casey manager Transport Paul Hamilton agreed with Cr Aziz that the office precinct in Victor Cres-

cent needed a bus service.

“In the past, the developments in the area were along the edge of Princes Highway and Narre Warren North Road. Now, there are more office developments in the infill area away from the existing bus routes servicing the area,” he said.

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) is already developing a bus network plan, but has not included the Victor Crescent area into its assessment.

Mr Hamilton said the council officers would write to Mr Mulder, asking for a specific provision to the network plan to allow for the introduction of bus services to the Victor

Crescent office precinct.

“Bus services should be co-ordinated with rail services and more frequent services should be provided within walkable distances,” Mr Hamilton said.

Cr Aziz said a bus service in the Fountain Gate CBD would attract more business to the precinct.

“It’s a central business district and a place that has tremendous amounts of activity going on, but it’s not supported by any public transport,” he said.

“It’s a clear cut case, it’s an area that has strong potential for economic and employment growth.”

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Page 10 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

Connecting people and communities BN

Top honour for five

Robbers strike FOUR people were robbed by a group of men of Pacific Islander appearance in Cranbourne on the weekend.

At about 2.40am on Saturday 26 October, four people were walking through the car park of Centro Cranbourne, to the intersection of Scott and Greaves streets, when they were approached by a group of five males aged between 15 and 20 years old.

Police said the main offender was wearing a black balaclava.

The group assaulted and robbed the victims of one iPhone and a wallet.

The offenders then left on foot down Cranbourne Drive to Lorna Street.

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD

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LAST week’s Narre Warren Rotary Club meeting was anything but a regular gathering.

Five highly regarded Casey women were recognised for their outstanding service to the region and the broader community with each being named a Paul Harris Fellow.

The meeting, held last Wednesday at the Fountain Gate Hotel, was an extra-special event with Margaret Sansom, Anne McGill, Diana Heath, Margaret Randall and Carrol Cooke all receiving an honorary certificate and lapel pin as new Paul Harris Fellows.

Lyn Pickering, chairman of the Rotary Club of Narre Warren, said the Paul Harris Fellowship is a way to acknowledge the hard work of a person who volunteers their time and effort in support of others.

“Tonight we recognise and applaud a number of people whom the Rotary Club of Narre Warren have chosen to honour for their dedication and service to our local community,” she said, speaking at the event.

Each of the five Paul Harris Fellow recipients have had a long involvement with the Meals on Wheels organisation as volunteers and have affiliations with both the Rotary club and the Inner Wheel Club of Narre Warren.

“The Rotary Club of Narre Warren believes that your lives exemplify the humanitarian and educational objectives of the Rotary Foundation,” Ms Pickering said.

Five women were recognised as Paul Harris Fellows at last week’s Narre Warren Rotary Club meeting including, from left, Anne McGill, Margaret Randall, Margaret Sansom, Carrol Cooke and Diana Heath.

“We thank you for demonstrating in your lives a commitment to helping people in need here and around the world.”

The Paul Harris Fellow is named after Paul Harris, who founded Rotary with three business associates in Chicago in 1905. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition was established in his honour in 1957 to express appreciation for his contribu-

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FRIENDSHIP is a key cog in the Doveton Special Soccer School’s philosophy.

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“The Friendship Day means a lot, this was part of my dream for many years,” Mr Loyola said.

“We had to stop the day for a few years and it’s been my dream to get it back.

“I encourage the community to come out to it.”

The Friendship Day, to be held at Waratah Reserve in Doveton tomorrow, Thursday, allows participants from several special schools to compete in soccer matches across a range of different divisions.

The special schools participating in this year’s event include Ashwood, Berendale, Emerson, Marenbek, Wangaratta and Doveton.

The opening ceremony will kick off proceedings at 10.20am before the games get underway for the rest of the morning and afternoon.

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Families and supporters are encouraged to come along to the event, while any help that can be offered would be greatly appreciated.

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Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 11

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Page 12 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

| starcommunity.com.au

Connecting people and communities BN

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Access work is awarded A GREATER Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia partnership took home a Victorian Early Years Award last week - and $15,000.

The Maternal and Child Health and South East Family Services Alliance received Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Wendy Lovell’s special commendation at a ceremony on 23 October.

The collaboration has paved the way for improved access and participation levels in early childhood programs in the south-east.

South East Family Services Alliance initiated a pilot project after finding that vulnerable children and families at-risk were not readily accessing support services as well as they could.

With support from council maternal and child health services, it sought to address the disadvantage by increasing awareness, referral and participation levels in early years services.

Key to the project was building the capacity of professionals to work with young children and foster links between Child FIRST Connections, family services and early childhood stakeholders.

There has been an increase in the number of vulnerable children receiving developmen-

Cardinia maternal and child health services co-ordinator Fiona Fox and Child FIRST Connections team leader Rabia Sikander lend a hand. tal checks and ongoing participation in services across the region.

“By recognising a problem and addressing it with a targeted and collaborative solution, vulnerable children in Melbourne’s south-east are already receiving more checks and better support,” Ms Lovell said.

“Thanks to this vital work, these children can look forward to a brighter future.”

She said the awards highlighted the “creativity, incredible team work and leadership

that continue to define the early years sector in this state”.

The night’s four winners each received a $15,000 state government grant to further enhance their programs.

The Early Years Awards are now in their eighth year and attract many applications from across the state, from which 13 finalists were chosen.

“By showcasing their achievements tonight, we are driving improvement and innovation across the sector,” Ms Lovell said.

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 13

Promising outlook for jobs

By BRIDGET COOK OUTLOOK Environmental has been recognised for enriching the lives of people with a disability through employment.

The Hampton Park-based business was named runner-up at the Australian Disability Enterprise Awards for Excellence, held on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

Outlook Environmental runs a state-of-the-art waste transfer station and recycling facility based at SITA’s Hallam Road landfill, which employs people with a disability.

The initiative is dedicated to creating opportunities and improving the lives of people with disability through employment, training and social inclusion.

The business, which has been in operation for more than 40 years, is one of only a few disability enterprises that operates an integrated workforce, pays award wages and provides a comprehensive training calendar for all employees.

Outlook deputy chief executive Anne McCormick said the social enterprise model used

by Outlook Environmental continued to go from strength to strength and had resulted in the organisation gaining business confidence and winning national tenders.

“Training such as OH&S, self-care and wellbeing and on-the-job training help many of Outlook Environmental’s supported employees to build skills and knowledge that will increase their longer term employability,” she said.

“Many employees have also achieved industry approved qualifications such as their forklift and front-end loader licenses and horticultural certificates.

“Other benefits to employees include increased confidence, a sense of purpose and friendships with co-workers, which extends to greater social interaction and inclusion during their free time.”

SITA Victoria general manager Daniel Fyfe and Tony Fitzgerald and Outlook president Edwin Hume, with the runner-up Australian Disability Enterprise Award for Excellence.

Picture: MEAGAN ROGERS Chief executive Tony Fitzgerald paid tribute to SITA Australia Victoria for their long-standing partnership that commenced in October 1997.

“Without SITA, this award would not be possible,” he said.

SITA Victoria general manager Daniel Fyfe said they were a world leader in the provision of sustainable environmental services.

“Our unique partnership with Outlook reflects SITA’s objectives and provides both organisations with positive outcomes,” he said.

“Training and award-wage employment for disadvantaged workers and low cost, recycled goods for the community while reducing waste to landfill are benefits with which SITA is very proud to be associated.

“Being presented with national recognition is certain acknowledgement of Outlook’s dedication to improving the lives of people with disability through employment, training and social inclusion, while providing advantages for the entire community.”

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| starcommunity.com.au

Page 14 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

Connecting people and communities BN

Parliament in the pink THE gardens of Parliament House were planted with a Mini-Field of Women on Monday thanks to a team of pink ladies from the City of Casey.

The pink tribute to those affected by breast cancer helped raise $1000 for Breast Cancer Network Australia as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

State Labor Member for Narre Warren South Judith Graley was accompanied by her team of pink ladies, Nichole Hayes, Kym Frost, Caitlyn Slade, Therese Howell, Tracey Ryan, Melinda Anderson and Poly Van Kroning.

“Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month these wonderful women, all of whom live in my electorate, have gone above and beyond to do what they can to support those affected by breast cancer,” Ms Graley said.

The string quartet from Nossal High School featuring Joanna An, Roland Cheing, George Lim and Kathy Nguyen joined the women.

Also among the gardens was Breast Cancer Network Australia Chief Executive Officer the Hon Maxine Morand and other Members of Parliament including State Premier Denis Napthine and Leader of the Opposition Daniel Andrews.

“To see so many of my colleagues out and proud in pink to support Breast Cancer Network Australia was truly a sight to behold,” Ms Graley said.

“Thankyou ladies and to everyone who came out today to turn Parliament House pink for a day.”

Traders will be pretty in pink

By NICOLE WILLIAMS

From left, Poly Van Kroning, Therese Howell, Nichole Hayes, Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley, Melinda Anderson, Kym Frost and Caitlyn Slade. 109153 Inset: Nossal High School string quartet serenade the gardens at Parliament House.

PINKING Berwick is only weeks away and the organising committee is seeking support from traders.

Member of the committee Harry Hutchinson said it was time for traders to get on board for the Saturday 16 November event.

“We’re calling on more people to start waving the pink flag and start collecting show bags,” he said.

Beno’s Restaurant began distributing the show bags containing decorations at 5.30 last night (Wednesday) to be put up in shop fronts next week.

Jenny Prowse, member of the committee and the Pink Smurfettes, said most traders were already on board but the committee wanted the entire street ‘pinked’.

“We are really hoping the whole street gets involved,” she said.

The committee has also recently confirmed a tribute field of women.

“We hope everyone comes and writes notes for those they have lost or who are suffering,” she said.

“It will be just wonderful with the big Veronica and field of women at bottom of her will be very moving and very special.”

The Pinking Berwick event will be held on High Street Berwick from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 16 November.

The event will feature lots of entertainment, activities Veronica the Pink Lady, a jumping castle and showbags.

It is the second time Berwick has gone pink for breast cancer awareness.

Pinking Berwick will raise for Breast Cancer Network Australia and the Pink Smurfettes for 2014 Weekend to End Women’s Cancers benefiting the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Business profile

Never too young: Berwick Montuna junior Ben Powell gets some putting tips from former club champion and now touring professional Steve Allan.

Golf’s new round The local Maccas team, back row from left: David Fowler, Gerrie Richardson, Margaret Cook, Joanne Hilliard, Denise Nabb, Jenny Hill and Ross Thornton. Front: Howard Armitage and Gary Sandler.

Maccas gives prizes with that CHRISTMAS is arriving early across the Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong regions with 22 McDonald’s restaurants giving local customers the chance to win up to $25,000 in prizes as part of their Christmas competition.

The major prize up for grabs is a new Fiat 500 - POP Edition with five speed manual transmission and 1.2L petrol engine including 12 months registration valued at $14,000.

The competition will also see 21 lucky runners up to receive a $500 Westfield gift

voucher just in time to spend before Christmas.

The Casey Clan Christmas competition opens today (Monday) and is easy to enter, simply visit a participating McDonald’s restaurant in the Casey region to obtain an entry form and fill out with your contact details.

McDonald’s local licensee Howard Armitage is delighted to be part of an initiative designed to give back to the local community.

“Our Christmas Community Competition is our way

of thanking the local supporters of McDonald’s restaurants in the region and we are thrilled to have Berwick Fiat on board to provide such a generous gift to spread the Christmas cheer.

“The competition is a great opportunity to give back this holiday season and get locals into the Christmas spirit,“ Mr Armitage said.

The competition will conclude on Sunday 8 December with the winner to be announced on Thursday 12 December 2013.

Participating restaurants include Berwick, Berwick South, Cranbourne, Cranbourne Express, Dandenong North, Dandenong Plaza, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Fountain Gate, Fountain Gate Food court, Hampton Park, Keysborough, Lyndhurst, Noble Park, Pakenham, Pakenham Bypass Inbound, Pakenham Bypass Outbound, Parkmore Shopping Centre, Skye, Springvale, Waverley Gardens and Caldermeade.

Terms and conditions are available at each of the participating restaurants.

THE ripples from Adam Scott’s US Masters victory are being felt throughout Australian golf, with clubs around the country hoping to surf a new wave of popularity triggered by the Queenslander’s historic victory.

Berwick Montuna is one such club and is now looking at innovative programs to attract new golfers or lapsed golfers back to the game.

Club president Wayne Foote well remembers the impetus Greg Norman’s reign as the world’s number one player gave the game in Australia, and would like to think the success of players such as Scott and Jason Day could see history repeat.

However, Foote acknowledges that clubs can’t just sit back and wait for new members and has launched a membership “two for the price of one” special.

“We want to get the message out that golf is a game for all ages, male and female. You’re basically never too old - or too young - to

give it a go. We feel the two-forone deal not only provides a financial incentive, but might make it that little bit easier for people who are thinking about joining a club but may feel more comfortable joining with a friend or family member at the same time.

“Having said that, we pride ourselves on being a friendly club that welcomes new members, no matter their ability. And that’s one of the many great things about golf - it’s a handicap game, so no matter your level, you are able to enjoy the challenges of competition.”

Berwick-Montuna is also keen to welcome more green-fee players who just want to enjoy an occasional round without necessarily joining a club. Such players should inquire about the club’s “mates rates” deal for a 20 per cent discount on green fees.

More information: Phone 9707 1887 or visit www.berwickmontuna.com.au

BN

| starcommunity.com.au

Connecting people and communities

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 15

$1m for safety

ALMOST $1 million in funding has been announced towards a safety upgrade of a dangerous Cranbourne East intersection.

South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich announced a $905,000 in funding last week for improvements to the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and Linsell Boulevard intersection.

The intersection has a significant crash history, with five casualty crashes, including two resulting in serious injury, over the past five years.

Ms Peulich said the project funding would be spent on addressing a history of crashes involving right hand turns.

“This intersection will receive $905,000 of safety upgrades that will deliver a second right turn lane into Linsell Boulevard that will be controlled by a right turn arrow,” she said.

“For those turning left, a slip lane from Linsell Boulevard into Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road will also be constructed and will include a pedestrian crossing.

“These works will most certainly be very welcomed by the fast-growing community in Cranbourne East.”

Work on this project is expected to start in March 2014 and be finished by mid-2014.

The project is being funded by the Safer Road Infrastructure Program

(SRIP), which is aimed at making our roads and roadsides safer.

Assistant Treasurer Gordon RichPhillips said SRIP is funded by the Transport Accident Commission and VicRoads manages the program.

“Funded through the TAC SRIP, this unprecedented $1 billion investment, an increase of more than 30 per cent a year on the previous road safety program, is the centrepiece of the government’s Road Safety Strategy 2012/2022 to reduce the road toll,” he said.

“Victorian high-risk road locations will significantly benefit from the upgrades, providing the local community with specific and immediate safety benefits towards reducing road trauma.”

Business profiles

Clinic welcomes doctor’s return IT is with great enthusiasm that colleagues at Woodleigh Waters Medical Clinic announce Dr Siaw Wei Hong’s return from maternity leave.

She will resume her practice at Woodleigh Waters Medical Clinic from 17 September.

The clinic appreciates the flexibility of her patients these past few months and congratulates Dr Hong and her family.

She also looks forward to welcoming new patients.

Dr Hong speaks fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka and Malay.

She will be available for consultations on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons as well as some Saturdays.

Woodleigh Waters Medical Clinic is an AGPAL fully accredited clinic.

It’s also a Melbourne University ap-

Dr John Tseng. proved teaching clinic.

It bulk bills all patients.

WWMC is an ‘one stop’ clinic.

There are pathology, dispensary, den-

tist, osteopath and some allied health practitioners such as masseur, physio, dietitian, foot and leg pain clinic and diabetes educator.

The services provided are emergency care, after hours service, men’s and women’s health, acupuncture, which is bulk billed, and immunisation.

The clinic has five experienced and friendly medical practitioners – Dr John Tseng, Dr Jayanthi Murali Manohar, Dr Sharmini Amalan, Dr Htay Htay Aung and Dr Siaw Wei Hong. Woodleigh Waters Medical Clinic is at 137 Moondarra Drive, Berwick, corner of Clyde Road.

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