Wednesday, 30 September, 2020
Pakenham
/PakenhamBerwickGazette
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Probe into suspicious house fire
Gymnasts need help get back on feet
Celebrating the value of Men’s Sheds
Local clinches AFL’s Rising Star Award
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GET THE GAZETTE DELIVERED to your HOME 12450927-NG24-20
The Clean Up Cardinia crew. From left: Nav Malhi, Sharon Verschaeren, Brijal Parikh, Andrew McNabb, Travis Hamilton, Kaye Cameron and Shoheli Sunjida.
‘No MP link’ Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood has vehemently denied any untoward links to a controversial bloc campaign vying for a spot on Cardinia Shire Council. This comes as two former mayors warn of politics coming into play in the 24 October postal poll. The ‘Clean Up Cardinia’ group - spearheaded by outspoken Liberal member and Wood campaign manager Andrew McNabb - has seven confirmed candidates. Running in the cohort are Mr McNabb (Beacon Hills Ward), his sister in-law Kaye Cameron (Westernport Ward), Travis Hamilton (Toomuc Ward), Shoheli Sunjida (Officer Ward), Sharon Verschaeren (Bunyip Ward), Brijal Parikh (Central Ward) and Nav Malhi (Henty Ward). An extraordinary number of candidates are interlinked, including amongst this group. “Everyone running under the Clean Up Cardinia banner are fair dinkum candidates and want to get elected so they can serve the people of Cardinia,” Mr McNabb said, when questioned by the Gazette about the talk of running mates. His response failed to address the number of interpersonal links identified between the group and other candidates. Kylie Hamilton, wife of Pakenham Football
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ing if it is true. It is not in the best interests of community-led democracy and it is an insult to the purpose of having a transparent council elected by the community. It is an insult to the intelligence of our residents to try and pull the wool over our eyes,” he said. Mr Springfield said residents didn’t pay “too much attention” to local government elections in the past. “This year I implore all residents to please pay attention, investigate your prospective candidates and please make your votes count,” he said. “Please don’t be fooled by those who wish to play us like fools for there is an opportunity in front of us to elect a fantastic group of community focused councillors for the next four years.” Former mayor Graeme Moore, who is contending for Bunyip Ward, said the group appeared to have an intention to turn the council into a “politics machine”. “Do they really want me to sit back and let them turn Cardinia Shire Council into Casey Council? I think that’s what they’re trying to do,” Mr Moore said. Continued page 6
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Club president Travis, is running for a seat in Bunyip, alongside Ms Verschaeren. Both women, who are understood to be coworkers, have indicated they will direct votes to one another in their respective ward. Meanwhile, Ms Verschaeren’s brother, Greg, will run for Toomuc Ward, while her business partner, Jack Marshall, is running in Beacon Hills. Mr Verschaeren, along with two other Toomuc candidates, Taylah Budd and Manbir Singh, have publicly indicated in Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) statements they will direct votes towards Mr Hamilton. Meanwhile, Officer Ward candidate Tom Dalton, who is involved in the Pakenham Football Club, has pushed his preference votes to Ms Sunjida. Relatively unknown Henty Ward candidate Maria Dalla-Zanna has also pushed her preferences towards CUC member Mr Malhi. Current mayor Jeff Springfield, who has regained his spot on council by virtue of an uncontested election, said he had become aware of a number of candidates that had “no serious intention” of being elected. “This would be incredibly disappoint-
MEPSTEAD
12419558-CG23-19
from
It’s not a Liberal takeover”
After months of hard work, dedication and anticipation, the A Part Together board game is finally complete and ready to play. Pakenham artist Jenni Ivins spent the whole of lockdown 2.0 focussed on inventing a board game created by the community, for the community. And the result of that hard work and the contribution of many people throughout the district - appears in this edition of the Gazette. The all-important game cards were produced by people from across Cardinia Shire. “I invited all the voices of the shire to be heard and made sure all the areas are represented in the game,” Ms Ivins said. Reflecting back on the process, she said the project was more than just a game. Through the project many conversations were sparked about experiences as well as generous community surprises and support. The story of how the A Part Together game came about appears on page 2, the actual board game on pages 32 and 37, the instructions on page 54 and the game cards on pages 55-58. An additional set of game cards will appear in next week’s Gazette.
JASON WOOD MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LA TROBE 03 9768 9164 JasonWood.Updates Authorised by J.Wood, Liberal Party of Australia, 3/16 Langmore Ln, Berwick VIC 3806.
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By Mitchell Clarke
Free board game inside