Wednesday, 3 October, 2018
Pakenham
@PakenhamGazette
/PakenhamBerwickGazette
pakenham.starcommunity.com.au
Georgia's big day at the MCG
Sporting clubs targeted by thieves
Lincoln is off to the United Nations
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
PAGE 8
$1 Inc. GST
com.au
real estate
Property Lift out
Archer’s marathon journey Kooweerup’s Archer Clue will take on the Medibank Melbourne Marathon for the third year in a row, with the help of his family, to raise vital funds for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC). Archer is only four years old but has packed a lot into his little life, with multiple hospital visits and stays to manage his many health issues Archer is pictured leading up to the big event with dad Damien, sisters Indiana and Lennox and mum Courtney. For the full story, turn to page 6. 185452 Picture: ROB CAREW
■ CFA Captain douses ‘ludicrous’, hurtful allegations...
No looters here The Country Fire Authority has been accused of looting from the scorched remains of Gembrook’s Ranges Hotel in a ludicrous and insolent rumour circulating throughout the community. Gembrook CFA Captain Andrew Clark has been forced to douse the “far-fetched” theory, stating his team have been undertaking safety precautions at the charred site. “Yes, we have been checking to see if there are any hot spots,” he said. “We will always wear our turnout gear to identify us to the public driving past. “As to the rumour of us looting from the pub, this is entirely false.” It comes amid a heightened sense of anguish and apprehension in the Gembrook
Last Villas Now Selling
township, with several residents claiming to have seen trespassers entering the shell of the iconic heritage-listed building. Mr Clark outlined a simple way for those concerned to distinguish between volunteers and vandals. “If you see anybody in the pub area and they claim they are from the CFA they should have their turnout gear on or a CFA ID,” he added. Locals have praised the “brave, persistent” efforts of firefighters, who prevented the inferno from spreading to neighbouring properties. “They worked extremely hard - so for them to be accused of such rubbish is dumbfounding,” Jenna Parkes said. “It took them hours and hours of their time to bring it under control, and then they have to deal with these damaging accusations. “It’s disgraceful and anybody who is saying
these things should have a long, hard look at themselves.” It comes about a week after the historic watering hole was gutted by fire, sparked by a dryer in the laundry room. More than a dozen emergency service vehicles and about 50 firefighters were on scene, battling to extinguish the blaze. Former firefighter Wayne Gill said the allegations were “disgraceful”, especially considering the CFA volunteers tirelessly commit their time to keep the community safe. “They’ve got enough to deal with without being labelled with these ridiculous allegations,” he said. “I don’t see what would even be left to loot.” If anyone witnesses trespassers at the Rangers Hotel debris, they are advised to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Metal M Me eta Roof Sheets 0.47 Corry/5 RIB Cla Cl as Colour $12.95LM Classic
12391170
Custom Cut Only
Zinc $8.90LM Cu Custom C Cut and Stock Lengths Available
CALL ROBOT FOR ALL YOUR STEEL, ROOFING, RETAINING WALL & TIMBER NEEDS
Call 1800 770 222 11 Main St Pakenham mainstvillage.com.au
Stock Polycarb Roofing ONLY $11.24LM Clear, Bronze and Grey Tint Roma and Greca Profiles Multiple lengths available Stock subject to availability
12396889-SN37-18
By Rowan Forster
The 'heart and soul' of Gembrook's Main Street went up in flames early on Monday 24 September. 185607 Picture: RUSSELL BENNETT
YOUR LOCAL HEATING & COOLING SPECIALISTS
CALL TODAY 5940 9956
ORDER ONLINE AT robotbuildingsupplies.com.au OR coldstreamtimber.com.au TODAY!
CALL 1300GOROBOT (1300 467626)
www.activated.net.au 12396065-SN33-18