News - Cranbourne - 31st October 2013

Connecting people & communities CRANBOURNE

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Thursday, 31 October, 2013

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Ex-Hawk k takes reins

Jockey’s equity plea

Scott’s the boss

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SPORT

Thursday, 31

October, 2013

Pag

Property ty Lift outt

Dumping menace

By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS

EPA Victoria regional manager Leigh Bryant surveys strewn industrial garbage left at vacant residential lots in Lynbrook Greens. 108145 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “Sometimes the developers will clean it up, but unfortunately with this case, the developer is not there anymore. He’s gone. “[Illegal dumping] is impossible to police. There are times I’ve seen trucks

drive down and then see me and turn around. What can you do?

“It’s unfortunately a part of life before you start building.”

Since 2010, the EPA’s strike team has slapped down 13 prosecutions -

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NEW-HOME buyers in Lynbrook Greens housing estate have been billed for unsightly piles of industrial waste being illegally dumped on their vacant properties.

EPA Victoria regional manager Leigh Bryant said the home-buyers in Banjo Circuit were innocent victims of “brazen” acts - even before a brick had been laid on their house-and-land packages.

Such illegal dumping was being orchestrated by an “organised-crime network” of clear-fill, soil and waste disposal businesses - though most in those industries were “doing the right thing”, he said.

“They are in competition with other people in the industry, but they tell each other of new, empty places to dump.”

Evidently, these places include near-deserted, semi-developed housing estates like Lynbrook Greens.

The aim is profiteering: simply to avoid landfill fees - about $200 for a skip of industrial waste - at a waste transfer station or landfill, Mr Bryant said.

Instead that fee - as well as clean-up and pick-up costs of up to $1000 - are being passed on to the landholder.

Mr Bryant said the dozen ugly mounds of bricks, tiles, boards and tyres at the four vacant lots had been clearly dumped from a rubbish skip.

The EPA’s illegal dumping strike force team have since covertly surveiled the area; one of among 80 operations in Victoria using techniques such as black ops surveillance cameras and soil testing guns.

“We’re watching. We’re now aware of this site,” Mr Bryant said.

Matthew Robins, a Victorian House and Land Specialists real estate agent selling in Lynbrook Greens, said dumping was a “part of life” at housing estates in the south-east.

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Page 2 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

Robbed in car park 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. The victims went to hospital for medical attention.

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

Double burglary uses stolen car A STOLEN car was used during a residential burglary in Lyndhurst last week.

About 12.40pm on Thursday 24 October, a burglar forced his way into a house in Carbine Way, Lyndhurst, by kicking in a sliding door.

A man left the house in a stolen silver, 1990 Mazda 626 sedan with the numberplates UKJ801, which was stolen from Dandenong Plaza.

The man also attempted to break into another house on the same street.

He was described as 20 to 30 years old, of medium build, bald, blonde hair, Australian accent and of medium height.

He was also allegedly carrying a pair of scissors.

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

Connecting people and communities CN

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.

Above: 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.

Weapons and drugs charges after car stopped

108437

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

THREE men were charged with firearm and drug offences after police pursued them in a car with stolen number plates 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.

They have been remanded in custody to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court this week.

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

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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

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has been suffering depression, pulled his arm 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”.

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 letterof-apology to the police officer. The man told the court he was sorry for his actions.

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Connecting people and communities

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 3

Mayor sets Hawkish tone

By BRIDGET COOK 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 en-

joyable 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 businesses, 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.

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

Agenda’s achieved for Stapledon 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,” she said.

“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 trekking 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,” she said.

“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.

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

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Connecting people and communities CN

Eyes on the prize

By BRIDGET COOK NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch (NHW) Casey has been honoured for its work in promoting safety to the community.

The group won three awards at the Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Annual State Award of Honours, held at the Caulfield RSL on 10 October.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay presented the highest awards on the night - the State Awards of Honour - including one to the NHW Casey committee.

The committee received the award for its work over the past 12 months, particularly with the Community Safety and Family Fun Day held late last year in Cranbourne which attracted more than 6000 people.

The committee has organised and run at least one major event every month and was also instrumental in the formation of NHW Cardinia a few months ago.

The group was also awarded with the David Lentin Memorial Award which recognised the group with the most acclaimed program initiative, for its family fun day event.

Editor of the NHW Casey Reporter, a newsletter the covers what the group has been up to, and Facebook page David Hewitt was also awarded with a State Communication Award for his work in promoting NHW to the community.

NHW Casey secretary Jennifer Baird said the group was thrilled to win the awards.

“It’s really cemented the group as a good working committee, as we were struggling a bit before we had the big family fun day,” he said.

“The family fun day certainly gave us some great momentum, with a number of other things coming out of it. We now have KC Watchdog mascot out and about in the community and got a good email address data base from the event.”

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

Picture: MEAGAN ROGERS

Promising outlook for jobs

By BRIDGET COOK

Back, Stuart Chalmers, Sharon Wallace, Leading Senior Constable Stuart Wright and Senior Constable Annmarie Logan, front, Rita Hartney and Jennifer Baird with Neighbourhood Watch Casey’s State Award of Honours.

Ms Baird said the group has grown a lot since it started.

“We started as a group of 15 strangers thrown in a room together,” she said.

“Suddenly we have come together and found that each of us had great things we could offer to Neighbourhood Watch.”

Speaking at the awards, Mr Lay said the quality of policing was dependent upon its interaction with citizens and the quality of communities depends upon the interaction between each other.

“This is where Neighbourhood Watch comes in,” he said.

“Together, you have created a powerful network of information.

“You have created a web of concerned citizens and it’s working.

“It’s helped keep your neighbourhoods safer and it’s helped strengthen the relationship between police and the public.

“Now the essence of Neighbourhood Watch is provided by volunteers.

“So thank you for your work, your concern, your sense of community service.”

The group is looking for more volunteers, who do not need to attend meetings, to help with a number of initiatives being run.

The community is also invited to the group’s AGM on 13 November at the City of Casey Civic Centre, Narre Warren.

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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

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in the organisation gaining business confidence and winning national tenders.

“Training such as OH&S, selfcare and well-being 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 coworkers, which extends to greater social interaction and inclusion during their free time.”

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.

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Connecting people and communities

Women take the reins

By BRIDGET COOK THE hurdles faced by women in the racing industry highlighted in a new campaign are nothing new to Cranbourne jockey Sally Wynne.

Last week the Australian Jockey’s Association (AJA) released it’s Racing for Equality report and kicked off a campaign to improve conditions for female jockeys.

The campaign outlines three key recommendations, with the main being for the Federal Government to fix a legislative glitch, where jockeys miss out on Paid Parental Leave because of safety restrictions on riding when pregnant.

Under federal law, women must have worked at least 10 of the 13 months before they have a baby to be eligible for financial support.

However, female jockeys are obliged to inform stewards of their pregnancy by the end of the first trimester and immediately stop riding.

Ms Wynne said it was unfair on jockeys to miss out on paid maternity leave because of this glitch.

“We are working and paying taxes like everyone else, so we should be able to get the same benefits,” she said.

“The current system is not fair for us at all.”

The two other recommendations highlighted in the Racing for Equality report are raising the standard for women’s jockey rooms and support once their career is over.

Ms Wynne said in her 23 years as a jockey, these had always been a problem.

“I have been complaining about female jockey rooms since I started,” she said.

“This is not new for me and it’s just not good enough.

“The rooms weren’t good enough 20 years ago, so they definitely aren’t good enough now.”

Ms Wynne said the lack of support for both female and male jockeys after their career was over was worrying.

“We dedicate our lives to this job, so when others are out doing work experience, applying for jobs and going to university, we are already doing our job,” she said.

“We lose that window of experience, which is not our fault as we have dedicated our lives to racing.

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 5

$1m cash for crash corner

By BRIDGET COOK

Cranbourne jockey Sally Wynne has praised the Racing for Equality report, which aims to Picture: MEAGAN ROGERS improve conditions for female jockeys. 109094 “There needs to be some sort of training in place for retired jockeys so they can go out there and find a new career path.”

Ms Wynne said the report was a step in the right direction.

“All these issues have been eating at me for a long time and I’m glad that now, something is being done about it,” she said.

“When I first started, I’d be lucky to have one or two other companions in the room.

“There are more and more females now so it’s good these issues are being addressed.

“Trainers and owners are accepting female jockeys now, and we are no longer a novelty.”

AJA chief executive Paul Innes said it was time the industry took a positive step forward

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in recognising the contribution female jockeys made to the racing industry and ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all riders, regardless of their gender.

“It’s no secret that racing is a tough profession with the risk of injury or death every time a jockey rides,” Mr Innes said.

“But our female riders face an extra set of challenges such as the difficulty in accessing Paid Parental Leave, sub-standard jockey rooms at venues and lack of support beyond the race track.

“A quarter of jockeys - and almost half of apprentices - are female and while they are carving out a proud history of Australian female riders, they continue to face some serious hurdles to making racing a viable long-term career.”

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 WarrenCranbourne 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 Rich-Phillips 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.”

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Page 6 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

Connecting people and communities CN

Opinion

M120804-SAH12-8

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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 change anything and it’s just a rise in fines and demerits.Rhonmore of a money-making thing. da 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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CN

| starcommunity.com.au

Connecting people and communities

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 7

By BRIDGET COOK

Tooradin horse rider Tesse Cook said motorists needed to be educated to slow down around horses.

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THE City of Casey has called for the safety of horse riders to be taken into consideration by VicRoads when setting roads speed limits.

Casey mayor Geoff Ablett has asked for the council to write to the State Government and VicRoads, urging them to consider how roads are used by horse riders, when setting speed limits.

Cr Ablett also wants the use of roads by horse riders in Casey to become part of the State-wide Speed Zone Guidelines, and both the council and the Casey Equestrian Reference Committee be consulted on setting speed limits.

The call came after local residents along Browns Road, in Cranbourne South, raised concerns about the 80km/h speed limit being too fast for a number of factors, including that a lot of riders use that stretch.

The council reviewed the speed zone, in consultation with Victoria Police and VicRoads, and found that the speed limit was appropriate.

“Horses are not taken into consideration when setting the speed limits anywhere in Victoria, and that’s worrying to me,” Cr Ablett said.

“Particularly in Casey, that’s hundreds of riders, young and old, whose safety is not considered.

“Roads used by a lot of horses, need to have the factor taken into consideration.

“This is particularly relevant on roads surrounding popular trail ride tracks and riding clubs.”

Cr Ablett said the community also needed to be educated on how to drive safely with horses around.

“So many drivers don’t slow down when they fly past horse riders and don’t realise how easily horses can be spooked,” he said.

“An educational pamphlet would be ideal to let people know to slow down around horses and the correct action to take.

“Horses are unpredictable, and some people don’t realise that.”

Tooradin horse rider Tesse Cook said riding on the roads around Tooradin could be dangerous at times.

“Most of the roads near my house are 80 to 100km/h, so when drivers don’t slow down it can be quite scary not knowing how your horse will react,” she said.

“We have a great horse riding estate in Tooradin and some good tracks to ride on, and we shouldn’t be put off from using them because of motorists.”

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| starcommunity.com.au

Connecting people and communities CN

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| starcommunity.com.au

Connecting people and communities

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 9

Wot a beat-up on souvlakis

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD

Sophy Mylonas now has a vest, designed for sufferers of Cystic Fibrosis, thanks to the generosity of the local community.

Picture: MEAGAN ROGERS

Vest for life

By BRIDGET COOK A CRANBOURNE toddler has received a potentially life-saving vest, thanks to the generosity of the local community.

A big fund-raising event was held at Amstel Golf Club in September to raise money to purchase a $14,000 vest for Sophy Mylonas, which will help treat her life-threatening condition Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

More than 200 turned out to the Team Sophy Charity Event, which included auctions, raffles and live entertainment, and managed to raise the money required for the vest.

Sophy’s mother Sally Mylonas said it was one of the best nights of her life.

“Knowing everyone was there for Sophy was amazing,” she said.

“There was so much love and support in the room, from both my family and friends and complete strangers.

“I thank everyone who helped from the bottom of my heart.

“It’s amazing to think there are people out there who do stuff like this for others and expect nothing in return.”

CF is a genetic disease that substantially impairs normal respiratory and digestive functions, making the simple acts of eating and breathing a challenge.

In people with CF, a faulty gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs, pancreas and other organs and can lead to severe respiratory and digestive problems.

The life expectancy of those with CF is only mid to late thirties.

The vest is an air pulse generator that rapidly fills and deflates an inflatable vest, gently compressing and releasing the chest wall up to 25 times per second.

This process creates minicoughs that dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls, promoting increased lung function and clearer lungs.

Ms Mylonas said the vest would not only give her daughter a healthier and longer life, but also take some of the guilt off her as a parent.

“I know I’m giving my daughter gold-class treatment and doing everything I possibly can to help keep her healthy as long as possible,” she said.

A CRANBOURNE North fish and chip shop caught in the middle of a media feeding frenzy last week won’t be forced to wipe souvlakis off its menu.

Controversy and Facebook vitriol hit fever pitch last week after reports that Wot A Kebab and George’s Fish and Chips in The Avenue shopping centre were at war over whether the latter should be able to sell souvlakis.

Talk of the souvlaki spat fired up after rumours that centre management had approached Alex and Ali Sleiman, from George’s Fish and Chips, and requested they no longer sell souvlakis since there was a kebab store next door.

But following a meeting with the shop owners on Friday, centre management denied ever asking either store to take items

off their respective menus.

Leasing agent Gross Waddell Pty Ltd representative, Samantha Murphy, who attended the Friday meeting, said centre management had reassured the store owners they wouldn’t have to change their current menus.

“They had reached an agreement before I got there (to the meeting). They’d agreed amicably to sell their existing menus with no changes to them,” she said.

“We (centre management) never requested that any changes be made to the menus. We spoke to them about their approved menus and asked for a copy of them.”

The development comes after Ryan and Shane Barrington, owners of Wot a Kebab, said last week they had been portrayed as “bullies” and that there was no dispute between

them and the Sleiman brothers from George’s Fish and Chips.

Centre management approved the Sleiman brothers’ menu before they opened their store three weeks ago, of which souvlakis were a major component.The brothers concur there is no feud between the shops.

“We don’t have a problem with each other,” Alex Sleiman said.

“We eat from the boys (Wot a Kebab) and the boys eat from us. We’re neighbours,” Alex said.

Ryan, who also had the Wot a Kebab menu approved when it opened three months ago, said centre management had never tried to dictate the stores.

“There was a miscommunication when Alex opened,” he said.

“The whole thing was blown out of proportion.”

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| starcommunity.com.au

Page 10 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

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Police said a man ran out of the bushes and exposed his genitals and fondled himself at Sydney Parkinson

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Romper stomper

By BRITTANY PIASENTIN FOLLOWING his completion of the MCG’s Stadium Stomp six times in one day, Jeremy Riley is seeking a new vertical challenge in 2013’s Eureka Climb.

After completing the fund-raiser in 13.17 minutes last year, the Cranbourne North resident hopes to improve on his time and prove his fitness.

“If I beat last year’s time, then I will be very happy,” he said.

The event taking place on Sunday 17 November includes climbing the 1642 steps of Melbourne’s Eureka tower to raise money for Whitelion and Interplast Australia and New Zealand. The money donated to the cause goes to the charities to help rebuild lives.

The Cranbourne North resident is kept busy competing in Sydney’s Spartan Race, a half-marathon called ‘The Beast’ on Melbourne Cup Day weekend. Just over two weeks later, he’ll be back in Melbourne to compete in the climb.

“The Eureka Climb isn’t my main focus at the moment, and my performance will depend on how I pull up after the Sydney event,” he said.

Individuals who raise $500 and teams of four that raise $2000 will be given the opportunity to ‘run the roof’ and have a photograph taken on the rooftop of the tower. An entertainment precinct will be located at the bottom of the tower for the supporters, family and friends of participants.

Registration starts at $50 and is open to untimed ‘walkers’ who participate socially, and competitive ‘climbers’ who are timed. For more information, or to donate, visit www.eurekaclimb.com.au

Jeremy Riley is gearing up for the Eureka Climb on Sunday 17 November.

Photo: DONNA OATES

Cultural fit for caring kind

By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS 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

Faisal Haroon says more Muslim and culturally diverse foster carers are Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS urgently needed. 106736 they expect the foster parent to be strict whereas the parents are more lenient and flexible, letting the child do what they want.”

Generally, foster carer numbers are in decline. Care With Me says that more than 1000 foster carers are urgently needed in Victoria. 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.

Otherwise, more children would fall

into the juvenile justice system because they are outcast from “both sides of the community”.

According to Wesley Mission Victoria, volunteer foster carers from all Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds - and with a spare bedroom - were needed.

A spokeswoman said volunteers’ safe and caring homes could change children’s lives for the better - whether it’s for a month or longer.

Foster carers get accredited training and 24-hour ongoing support, with taxfree financial reimbursements to help meet the young person’s living costs.

If you can help, visit Care With Me on cwme.org.au or phone 13000 829 335, or go to Wesley Mission Victoira, 280 Thomas Street, Dandenong.

Details on 9794 3000 or wesley.org.au.

CN

Connecting people and communities

| starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 11

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Terms and Conditions: Starts 9am (AEDT) 28/10/2013 and ends 5pm (AEDT) 8/12/2013. Open to Victorian residents aged 14 years or older. Under 18ʼs must have parent/guardian consent. Fully complete an official entry form at a Participating Restaurant and place in the entry box/s provided. One entry per person per calendar day only. Preliminary Draw: 11am (AEDT) 12/12/2013 at McDonaldʼs Hampton Park, 553 South Gippsland Highway, Hampton Park, VIC 3976. Final Draw: 11:30am (AEDT) on same date and at same place as Preliminary Draw. Major prize: 1 x Fiat 500 POP 2013 base model manual car valued to AUS $14,000. Minor prizes: 21 x AUS$500 Westfield gift vouchers. Total prize pool value up to AUS $24,500 Winner of Major prize published in The Australian on 17/12/13. Prizes only awarded following any winner verification required by Promoter. Promoter: McDonaldʼs Australia Limited (ABN 43 008 496 928) of 21-29 Central Ave, Thornleigh NSW 2120. Participating Restaurants are Berwick, Berwick South, Caldermeade, Cranbourne, Cranbourne Express, Dandenong North, Dandenong Plaza, Doveton II, 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 II and Waverley Gardens II. Full Terms see Restaurant Manager. VIC Permit 13/2077. *Product image is for illustration purposes only. For details please see actual item.

| starcommunity.com.au

Page 12 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

Connecting people and communities CN

Good access leads to award 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 developmental 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.

Cardinia maternal and child health services co-ordinator Fiona Fox and Child FIRST Connections team leader Rabia Sikander lend a hand.

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.

Dance teacher gets toes tapping

By BRIDGET COOK ONE of Melbourne’s top choreographers has been jazzing up a routine for a group of Cranbourne dancers.

Contemporary Independent Dance (CID) has welcomed Luke Alleva to its Cranbourne studio for five weeks to choreograph a jazz routine.

CID principal and artistic director Nicole Jacobsson said Mr Alleva was creating the routine in celebration of the school introducing jazz this year and to share his knowledge with the CaseyCardinia dance scene.

“Luke is a great network and contact of mine and has offered his skills to us to broaden the jazz dance scene for suburban aspiring dancers,” she said.

Mr Alleva is not only a choreographer but also a dancer, actor and singer who has worked extensively throughout Australasia and internationally. He most recently worked as dance captain in Cat Stevens’ musical Moonshadow and is currently working as the choreographer of the highly acclaimed Hot Shoe Shuffle, which performed to sold out audiences in both Melbourne and Sydney.

Contemporary Independent Dance students, back from left: Paige, Lauren, Aimee, Meagan, Bec, Erica and Eboni. Front: Nikeesha, Isabelle, Miranda, Elise, Tessa and Zoe with renowned choreographer Luke Alleva.

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Connecting people and communities

Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 13

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Page 14 Thursday, 31 October, 2013

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Connecting people and communities CN

Business profile

Clinic welcomes doctor’s return

Zac met Goldilocks and Papa Bear when they came to visit Kidz Kastle Child Care Centre.

Teddy bear treat

Lachlan was very excited to meet Papa Bear and Goldilocks.

Htay Htay Aung and Dr Siaw Wei Hong. Woodleigh Waters Medical Clinic is at 137 Moondarra Drive, Berwick, corner of Clyde Road.

The trading hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm.

For more information or to book an appointment, phone 8786 9596.

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Izzy shows her excitement during the teddy bear picnic when she hugged Gail.

Dr John Tseng.

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109998-EP44-13

THOSE who went down to Tooradin last week were sure of a big surprise.

As Friday was the day Kidz Kastle Child Care Centre held its teddy bear picnic.

Children at the centre were treated to a visit from a Papa Bear and Goldilocks, who arrived in a hot-rod car.

News photographer DONNA OATES was there to capture all the excitement on the kids’ faces.

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 approved teaching clinic.

It bulk bills all patients.

WWMC is an ‘one stop’ clinic.

There are pathology, dispensary, dentist, 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

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Thursday, 31 October, 2013 Page 15

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