News - Berwick Star News - 8th July 2021 by Star News Group

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Aunty Pat’s life lessons

Berwick Railway Sation car park. 196128

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Carpark stoush By Danielle Kutchel La Trobe MP Jason Wood has stood by the Federal Government’s funding for carparks at Berwick Railway Station, despite a damning report finding the project was not “meritbased”.

The carpark project at Berwick Station was one of the big cash-splashes announced in this year’s Federal Budget, with $64.2 million allocated towards a multi-storey car park for commuters. It was one of 47 commuter car park projects

announced under the Federal Government’s National Commuter Carpark Fund. At the time, Mr Wood said while roads and carparks weren’t usually the responsibility of the Federal Government, he had fought hard to secure the funding as he knew it was an im-

portant issue for local residents. But a report by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has called into scrutiny the commuter carpark projects announced by the Federal Government. Continued page 12

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Lual bail opposed By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Pakenham man with two phones is arguing he wasn’t carrying a “pinging” phone that linked him to an aggravated burglary and two car thefts. Emmanuel Lual, 19, of Pakenham, argued there was a lack of evidence placing him in a stolen 2019 Jaguar in Noble Park about 4.14am on 17 March. Police say the driver attempted to ram them and “continued to bait” police officers. Lual’s mobile phone ‘pinged’ from a mobile tower 200 metres away around the same time, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard on 29 June. The car and a 2019 Range Rover, both with GPS tracking, had been stolen during an aggravated home burglary in Kalorama that night, police told the court. Lual’s phone was allegedly ‘pinging’ off towers in the Mt Dandenong and Silvan area between 1am and 2.54am. The Range Rover was found abandoned in Narre Warren, with the Jaguar and Lual’s phone both pinging in the vicinity, according to police.

When police approached Lual and three associates in the vehicle in Cranbourne North that morning, they refused to exit, a police summary stated. A co-accused revved and reversed at high speed, launching the Jag over another vehicle and causing it to be “partially suspended in the air”. Police used OC spray to force the four occupants out of the car. Lual was allegedly found with a satchel carrying property stolen from three aggravated burglaries in Kalorama that night. They included a Mercedes Benz car key, three wallets, at least six bank cards, licenses and IDs. Inside the Jag was Lual’s puffer jacket, which contained the Range Rover key, police claimed. According to a police summary, Lual told police he was at a male’s house during the alleged break-ins and then caught an Uber to an associate’s house about 2am. Defence lawyer Damian Fragapane said there were no witnesses, CCTV footage, fingerprint or DNA evidence implicating Lual in the burglaries and car thefts.

There was just mobile ‘pings’ from Lual’s phone that wasn’t on him at the time, Mr Fragapane argued. He told the court there were also “potential alibi witnesses”. Despite tight finances, Lual’s parents offered a $2000 surety. Lual was “absolutely cognisant” that if he breached his bail, they would lose the surety, the lawyer said. Mr Fragapane listed several ‘exceptional circumstances’ in favour of bail such as Lual’s young age, his three months in remand so far and his stable family home. He’d suffered depression, anxiety and drug use disorders, as well as a spinal injury at sport, being bullied at school, assaulted by Sudanese peers, and a recent close-family tragedy. Police opposed bail, and Corrections Victoria was unwilling to supervise Lual’s bail due to a corrections breach, the court heard. Magistrate Suzette Doojtes said there was a “strong case” for bail, but Corrections or CISP supervision was required to reduce Lual’s risk of re-offending. The bail application was adjourned until 8 July for a CISP supervised bail assessment. He remained in remand custody.

Classy move by café A classy move by Berwick burger shop Mad Benji has paid dividends for a local charity. Casey ADRA Cafe partnered with Mad Benji in a ‘pay as you feel’ fundraising day. Read more about this innovative approach on page 9

Kim runs some meals out. 242718 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Police search extended By Danielle Kutchel The search for a missing Doveton man has moved to the Cranbourne scrub. Victoria Police began searching parkland off Cemetery Road on Tuesday 6 July, as part of the Missing Persons Squad investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Brendon Farrell. The 32-year-old was last seen by a friend around 12.30pm on Monday 31 May at his home address on Kidds Road in Doveton. His disappearance was considered out of character and family members subsequently reported him missing to police on 2 June. His bank accounts and phone have not been touched since his disappearance. Members of the Missing Persons Squad, Public Order Response Team, search and rescue team and the mounted branch converged on the location before midday, with the search expected to continue into the afternoon. Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper from Victoria Police told media that police were “reasonably confident” of finding something connected to Mr Farrell – or even the missing man’s body. “There was certainly evidence at a house on Kidds Road of what I’m calling a violent altercation,” he said. “Clearly the fact that Brendon hasn’t been seen since that time … we know he was sadly mixing in some pretty bad circles. That’s what leads us to the sad hypothesis that he’s met with foul play.” Det. Insp. Stamper would not say what specific information had led police to the area, but said that information picked up during the investigation had guided the search. Mr Farrell is described as being about 168cm tall with a slim to medium build and shaved, reddish hair. It’s believed he was wearing a black tracksuit at the time he was last seen. Anyone with information about his disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Court told of drug-driver’s ‘dangerous’ flight By Cam Lucadou-Wells An unlicensed drug driver was found with a police officer’s ID cards after fleeing at high speed in a stolen car through a Pakenham shopping strip. Jesse Gavin, 26, of Officer, pleaded guilty at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 29 June to charges such as car theft, evading police, unlicensed driving, breaching bail, drug-driving and driving dangerously. On 7 March, an unlicensed Gavin spotted a marked police car and made a U-turn in a stolen Toyota Camry with home-made plates on Princes Highway, Pakenham.

Police followed as Gavin hit a fast speed on the wrong side of the road and overtook cars in a busy shopping precinct in Cardinia Lakes Boulevard in the middle of the day. In the stolen car were 1.7 grams of suspected meth, diazepam pills, three grams of cannabis and suspected stolen identity cards, including Medicare cards belonging to a police officer. A hatchet and a sling-shot were also seized. Police also found four sets of Hyundai car keys stolen during a burglary at a Cranbourne car dealer on 27 February. Gavin, who tested positive to ‘ice’ in his system, told police he had “a couple of bumps of

speed” days earlier. Later on bail, Gavin fled from police while he was driving an unregistered Ford Territory with stolen plates in Pine Way, Pakenham on 28 May. Police chose not to pursue him due to being near a children’s park. Three hours later, Gavin was arrested at his home, where he tested positive for an illicit drug. Defence lawyer Matthew McLellan said Gavin’s offending “de-escalated” from firearm and family violence charges in the past. With prospects such as a stable home and a new job, Gavin was better able to tackle his drug

and mental health issues, Mr McLellan said. In sentencing on 6 July, magistrate Suzette Dootjes said Gavin’s “extremely dangerous” driving while on drugs had potential of causing “great harm to the community”. She noted his priors relating to drugs, driving and family violence. Gavin had chances to reform on two previous CCOs, which he “hardly complied with”, Ms Dootjes said. He was jailed for five months, followed by a 12-month CCO including treatment, supervision and judicial monitoring. On his release from prison, Gavin will be disqualified from driving for 12 months .

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Dancers perform the black duck dance at the re-dedication ceremony.

Lynn Ahoy Thomas sings Warpu at the grave.

Family descendants at the grave.

Uncovering Jack’s story By Danielle Kutchel The names and histories of many of Australia’s First Nations soldiers remain shrouded in mystery – but one Cranbourne resident has made it his mission to uncover their stories. Peter Bakker, an amateur historian and military researcher of 16 years, has spent thousands of hours researching and verifying Aboriginal participation in Australia’s early military forces. His work has dispelled many of the myths around their service and treatment, while also uncovering the names of some Australia’s earliest Aboriginal soldiers. One of those soldiers is Jack Alick Bond. Jack was born around 1872 in the Braidwood district of New South Wales, the son of Jacky Alick and Ellen de Mestre. His maternal grandfather was the trainer of Archer, the winner of the first and second Melbourne Cups. His father was a police tracker, as was his paternal grandfather, the tribal spokesperson ‘King John Bond’. Jack was a member of the Yuin Nation living near Braidwood, on the south coast of NSW. He served as a police tracker before enlisting in the Boer War, making him one of only 10 currently known Aboriginal soldiers to serve in this war. Jack served as a fully-fledged trooper as part of the 1st Australian Horse, a colonial NSW militia, as well as the 1st Australian Commonwealth Horse. His horsemanship, skill with a rifle and bush skills were recognised for their usefulness by the army. The 1st Australian Horse unit underwent comprehensive training, including how to shoot while riding on horseback and charging with the use of sabres. Jack passed the tests for selection to serve overseas just two weeks before his ship left for South Africa. Mr Bakker said that it was a “credit to the army selectors that he was chosen based on his skills rather than eliminated because of his Aboriginality”. On 17 January 1900, Jack set sail on the ‘Surrey’ for South Africa, arriving in Cape Town on 23 February 1900. His first major battle was at Poplar Grove in March 1900. The war was tough, with soldiers having to survive harsh conditions including meagre rations, traversing rough Veldt country, poor hy-

Aboriginal dancers Matty Sims and his son Sunny Sims, ceremony speaker Lynno Ahoy Thomas, and Aboriginal dancers Jordie Thomas with his son Jerramah Ted Thomas. Pictures: SUPPLIED giene and spending many cold nights exposed out in the open. While convalescing from a bout of the deadly enteric fever in September 1900, Jack sent a letter back home to his white friend, George Larkin, stating he was fed up with the war – saying it had “lasted quite long enough” and that he was ready to go back to Australia. When the letter was discovered by Mr Bakker in late 2013, it was the earliest known correspondence from an Australian Aboriginal serving overseas. In 2020 Bakker located two letters by another NSW Aboriginal soldier, Frank Leighton Sinclair, that predated Jack’s letter by a few months. Mr Bakker said Jack’s letter and life story challenge the widely-held generalisation that First Nations people were not accepted by all white Australians in colonial Australia. Jack returned to Australia on 2 May 1901 and was welcomed back to Braidwood with a wine and cigar night in the local Albion Hall

hosted by Braidwood Mayor, Alderman Higgins. In 1901 the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York undertook a royal tour of British dominions that included their participation in opening Australia’s first Federal Parliament in Melbourne on 9 May 1901. On 1 June 1901 in the grounds of Government House, Sydney, the Duke presented nearly 1000 returned Boer War veterans, including Jack Alick Bond, with the Queen’s South Africa Medal. Jack personally received his medal from the hands of the future King George V of England. In 1902 Jack returned to South Africa for a second tour of duty and late in 1918 attempted to enlist to serve in World War One. By 1918, he was around 44 years old, although he stated his age as 38 years and 11 months. It’s unclear whether his application was fully processed. Jack died on 4 November 1941 after be-

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ing run over by a tram on Anzac Parade in La Perouse, Sydney. A newspaper report from the time notes that he was well-known in the area as a seller of curios and boomerang exhibitor at La Perouse. While there was a short funeral notice placed in the newspaper, no record has yet been found describing his funeral. However, his story did not end there. After uncovering Jack’s history, Mr Bakker – who was also instrumental in the creation of Victoria’s first Aboriginal War Memorial in Warrnambool – contacted some of Jack’s family descendants. While Jack has no direct descendants there are many Bond and Ahoy descendants via his brothers, half-brother and two half-sisters. In 2014 Mr Bakker located Jack’s unmarked grave in Botany Cemetery Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in Sydney. With no commemoration of Jack’s life and military service existing, Mr Bakker formed the Jack Alick Bond Memorial Grave Committee in mid-2020, which began planning for a grave memorial and re-dedication ceremony for Jack. Having raised sufficient funds, including a grant of $30,000 from the NIAA (National Indigenous Australians Agency), Monday 30 May – on the 119th anniversary of the Treaty of Vereeniging which ended the Boer War – saw the memorial and re-dedication service of Jack’s new grave and plaque. The service was attended by many Bond and Ahoy family descendants, including Linno Ahoy Thomas, who provided guidance on incorporating Aboriginal culture into the event. The service began with a smoking ceremony and featured traditional Aboriginal dances. Thanks to historian Mr Bakker’s research and the publication of his illustrated booklet, ‘Recognising a Warrior: The extraordinary life, family and military service of an Aboriginal man – Jack Alick Bond’, Jack’s story is now known and preserved. Mr Bakker continues his mission to uncover the lives of other early Indigenous soldiers, painstakingly tracing their family trees and service records for verification, before presenting them in a dossier to the Australian War Memorial for formal recognition. “There is still more Aboriginal history to be found and acknowledged,” Mr Bakker said.

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Lessons from an Elder By Cam Lucadou-Wells Aunty Pat Ockwell’s life story is a message. As a revered senior Wurundjeri elder, she now has a fervent urge to pass lessons learnt from her elders to younger minds. This is as it has been done for tens of thousands of years. In a 250-page, lusciously illustrated biography, ‘Aunty Pat Ockwell Tells Her Story’, she traces 84 years of life and her deep family connections. There is also the story of a tireless community servant in justice, housing, and hostels in Dandenong and across Australia. She is renowned for getting young lives back on track and out of jail, such as by sitting on the Koori Court as an Elder for 14 years. “I wanted to help the younger ones coming up in the future,” Aunty Pat says. “I thought if I did a book, I could put a lot of stuff in it for the younger ones to read. And to teach them about life and what it was like.” The book took two-and-a-half years, including 12 months of Covid disruptions that limited her contact with collaborator Pauline Mackinnon to chats on the phone. “This book means a lot to me. It tells the story of my family, and it goes right back to the start.” She starts with her Mum and Dad. When Aunty Pat was born in 1937, her mother Martha Terrick and husband Patrick Nicholson lived with her grandmother Jessie Jemima Wandin Terrick in Collingwood. At the time, her father served with the Royal Australian Air Force. Her childhood memories are of growing up in Healesville – an area with strong connection for the Terrick family. Seeking seasonal farm and orchard work, they travelled the countryside as a family in an

old truck that her Dad converted into a caravan. Along the way, they camped. The kids woke early to hunt, kill and prepare their food for breakfast, such as rabbit. “We knew how to do all that stuff. We were taught by our uncles and mum the way to do things, and how to live off the land. “We grew up with a lot of experiences – that’s where we picked up a lot of knowledge while travelling around.” As a kid, she remembers running and playing around the middle of the dried-up salty Lake Boga. Recently, she saw it full of water and pelicans. “It’s so beautiful up there now.” In 1958, she married Woori Yallock farmer Ted Ockwell, and mothered six children. Inspired by elders before her, Aunty Pat’s service has been devoted to trying to help her people. Her Auntie Winnie - a very important Wurundjeri leader – said that when she was gone, Aunty Pat would have to “step up”. And she did. She’s served on the board of Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative, as well as the Wurundjeri Tribe Council, Aboriginal Community Elders Services and Aboriginal Housing Victoria. She started domestic work at the Roy Harrison (Gunai) Hostel in Dandenong, helping students, the homeless and interstate visitors. She progressed to a national manager of Aboriginal Hostels Limited, talking the nittygritty of enterprise bargaining in hostels as far flung as the NT. In her introduction to her book, she writes: “It is still very difficult times for all our people. “So, we must create a way for our people, and especially our young ones, to hear the stories of their Elders. “So they learn about who they are and learn

Pauline Mackinnon and Aunty Pat Ockwell with the wonderfully-presented life-story. 240276 Picture: GARY SISSONS to be proud.” Aunty Pat Ockwell Tells Her Story is available for sale through Aunty Pat for $50. Contact: Pauline Mackinnon at bonesy.

mackinnon@gmail.com or 0418 429 025 It will be available at the Melbourne Museum, and some other book stores, at a higher price.

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Melbourne Airport Rail will run from a new station at Melbourne Airport to Sunshine Station, where it will then travel through the Metro Tunnel into the heart of the CBD before continuing on to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.

Call us today for a free Info Kit tailored to your personal needs. 1800 22 00 99 / enquiries@pcfa.org.au www.pcfa.org.au Thursday, 8 July, 2021

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LENSCAPE

Ros Spence announced $2000 grants for Covid-hit sports clubs.

Clubs win Covid-aid package Hallam Football Netball Club was one of more than 200 clubs receiving $2000 Covid relief grants. Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced 202 grassroots clubs and organisations received the grants to help with the impact of the latest lockdowns. “This is about helping support our community clubs and their members get back to the playing field and resume momentum as safely as possible.” The Sporting Club Grants Program was designed to help with costs such as cancellation fees for facilities, coaches and officials and the loss of perishable goods and booking fees. Hallam FNC had incurred costs from cancelling training and competitions. “The Sporting Club grant for event support is a huge help for our club with paying coaching fees due to the recent lockdown,” club treasurer Paris Hipsz said. “It means we can continue to grow as a club and won’t fall behind.” The next round of the Sporting Club Grants Program will open later this year.

Thumbs Up! For sacking the Casey Council, the silence is deafening. I hope we never have a council again as the administrators are doing a great job. To all the litter and rubbish left around the Adams Lane area and the back of Woolies at Berwick. We try to clean up there every few weeks, but quickly the same mess.

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Thumbs Down! To Victorian Police, who are not doing their job of policing motorists in all aspects of driving properly and obeying all the road rules, by targeting DUI and speed and allowing motorists to believe no one is watching, so they can flout the law safely.

Thumbs Up! To being alive and (relatively) healthy.

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Thumbs Down! To those who do not QR code at the supermarket.

Thumbs Down! To the Federal Government for interfering with the rollout of the Covid -9 vaccine, instead of leaving it to the tried and tested Medicare system with a directive of who must get the vaccination first.

Thumbs Up! To my pets xo.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Friday 2 July, a story was shared to the Berwick Star News and Cranbourne Star News Facebook pages about the number of Casey residents in arrears on their rates. Here’s how our readers responded online: Andrea MacDonald: And they will go up again. Derek Sullivan: With the amount of houses and townhouses getting built there shouldn’t be a reason why the rates go up every year.

Thumbs Up! To all the medical staff, you are doing a great job and should get the huge pay rise instead of the MPs.

Thumbs Up! To snow!!

Thumbs Down! To the Victorian politicians, accepting an undeserved, huge pay rise, knowing full well that the committee who OK’d it are also government employees who will get the same rise.

On Tuesday 6 July, a story was shared to the Cranbourne Star News Facebook page regarding a push from the City of Casey to ensure residents put the right rubbish in the right bin. Here’s how our readers responded online: Sue Stride: It doesn’t help when people put contaminated rubbish in your bin. Tanya L Rogers: Some ppl just want to be able to throw their rubbish in the bin without it being a “process”. Geez.

Plea for respect for health workers By Danielle Kutchel

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After an alleged anti-vaxxer incident at a local vaccination hub, authorities are asking the public to be respectful of health care workers. On Friday 2 July, Health Minister Martin Foley told reporters an anti-vaxxer had visited the Cranbourne mass vaccination hub that morning and threatened nurses. Victoria Police was contacted for comment, however, was unable to confirm the circumstances surrounding the event. Speaking to reporters, Mr Foley said those with “tinpot theories” should keep them to themselves. “You aren’t allowed to come in and abuse our nurses and our healthcare professionals,” he said on Friday. “If you want to have your tinpot theories, fine, but keep them to yourself and keep them out of our healthcare services.” A Monash Health spokesperson said its two mass vaccination centres in the south east - one at Cranbourne Turf Club and one

Nursing staff from the vaccine hub at Cranbourne Turf Club with Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, Picture: FILE PIC Rabia Safa and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards. 236670 at Springvale Racecourse - were supported by security and customer service teams to help manage queues, respond to enquiries and ensure the safety of those within the clinics, including employees.

“We thank everyone for their patience as we work to ensure eligible members of our community have the opportunity to be protected against Covid-19,” the spokesperson said. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

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Help when most needed By Cam Lucadou-Wells Here is some ‘screen time’ that actually does wonders for mental health. MOST (Moderated Online Social Therapy) is an Australian-designed digital mental health therapy for young people offered by services such as headspace and Monash Health. And it is the very opposite to online trolling and “fake” social media. One of its early adopters is Malamati who is part of a MOST youth advisory group using the prototype platform. “I’m not a big person on social media,” she told a launch at Monash Health Community Health Services in Dandenong on 30 June. “I don’t have Instagram or Twitter anymore. I find it overwhelming.” But MOST is something different. It’s a 24-7 digital program that provides clinical advice and peer support for 15 to 25-year-olds whenever they need it. Crucially, it fast-tracks therapy for a surge of young people on mental health services’ waiting lists. Even in those lonely, despairing moments late at night, ‘real time’ help is at hand. Clinicians, specialists and trained peers with lived experience like Malamati are online with supportive posts and positive feedback. “To see people in their purest forms and their accomplishments during their mental health journey is the most wonderful thing,” Malamati says. Accomplishments can be eating every day, getting out of bed or going out to a job interview and “nailing it”. The positive feedback received was “destigmatising”. MOST was designed by Orygen at its National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health.

Orygen Digital director Professor Mario Alvarez-Jiminez, MOST youth advisory group member Malamati, Orygen director Professor Patrick McGorry, Parliamentary mental health secretary Steve Dimopoulos and Monash Health mental health general manager Paula Hakesley. 242465 Picture: GARY SISSONS Orygen Digital director Professor Mario Alvarez-Jimenez said it was a platform young people had asked for. “The dream is that young people will get the help they need when they need it and for as long as they need it.” It operates at 32 youth mental health services in Victoria, including headspace centres and Monash Health. Last week, the State Government announced $12 million to continue MOST over the next two years. Mental health parliamentary secretary Steve Dimopoulos also announced a pilot, extending help for 12-14-year-old clients.

He spoke of the importance of treating mental health early – 75 per cent of diagnosable mental illness emerged before the age of 25. “MOST is a critical service because we know the earlier we can reach someone struggling with their mental health, the better their life outcomes.” Mr Dimopoulos said the Government was addressing the under-funding of mental health – long seen as the “poor cousin of the health system”. In the wake of the state’s Royal Commission into mental health, the Government had boosted funding to a record $3.8 billion, in-

cluding $842 million for youths. Orygen executive director Professor Patrick McGorry said he’d seen the mental health system “crumble” after an initially exciting shift to de-institutionalisation became chronically underfunded. “It’s taken 20 years for a government to come along and recognise the policy failure from that time.” After the Royal Commission, there was a “new dawn”. Out of anywhere in the world, Victoria was now “the place to be” for mental health services, Professor McGorry said. “It’s a big responsibility for us not to blow it this time”.

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A piece by Phil Nevin, done using ink pens, Biro and textas. 242155

Monique Clift, mixed media artist from Narre Warren North. 242155

Doveton artist Phil Nevin with part of his Head Cases project. 242155

Artists open their doors By Danielle Kutchel As part of Casey’s Winter Arts Festival, the South Eastern Contemporary Arts Network (SECAN) is holding an open studio exhibition every weekend in July. The events will give guests an insight into the artists’ work. Visitors will be able to view exhibited work and interact with the artists as they work on their current projects. The SECAN Open Studios Exhibition will run every weekend until Saturday 31 July, 10am – 4pm (Saturdays and Sundays only) at Gate 6 Gallery, Gate 6, Akoonah Park, Cardinia Street, Berwick. For more information, visit secan.com.au Star News Group photographer STEWART CHAMBERS popped down to the first open weekend to see what the artists were working on...

Jennie-Maree Tempest. 242155

Kathleen Kendall. 242155

Monique Clift with Bonnie. 242155

Elma Young’s work. 242155

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Food to feed all in need By Danielle Kutchel Every day in the City of Casey there are families unable to afford to put food on the table – but a local charity is hoping to change that with a little help from the community. Casey ADRA Cafe partnered with Berwick burger shop Mad Benji to give some of our most vulnerable a boost through an innovative fundraiser. On Monday 5 July, Mad Benji ran a ‘pay as you feel’ day, where customers were asked to pay what they felt for a meal plus more if their heart prompted them. All of Monday’s profits were donated to ADRA, to help the organisation to continue to feed those in need. All up, ADRA received $5809.93. As part of the day, ADRA also covered the costs of a meal for some of their clients, so that they too had the opportunity to experience a restaurant meal – something that many would be unable to afford usually. Project manager for Casey ADRA Cafe, BB, said the organisation was pleased to see Mad Benji “open their hearts to the community”. While the organisation did not have a set fundraising target, BB said any money raised would make a difference. ADRA currently provides 5000 cooked meals a week and supplys food hampers of fresh produce and non-perishables to almost 800 families. Benji, owner of Mad Benji, said the shop was always looking for a way to help the local community. “We wanted the proceeds to go directly to the people in need,” he said, adding getting in touch with ADRA meant this was exactly what would happen. “We are very fortunate, enough to be able to support and help others less fortunate. Any help is good,” he said.

Berwick residents Oliver, Kristy and Ava visit Mad Benji. 242718

BB (in beanie) with the crew from ADRA. 242718 He said the cafe’s regular patrons had been supportive of the event. One of those customers, Jack Hurst, visited with his son to pick up some coffees and contribute to ADRA. “It’s nice to be able to help people in the community,” he said. “Mad Benji are part of the community themselves so it’s nice that they give back and we can all help. They’re really generous.” Federal member for Bruce, Julian Hill, also dropped in for a chai and a cookie, and said he was blown away by the work ADRA was doing. “The event is absolutely fantastic – a local

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS business welcoming the community in and raising money for such a good cause,” he said. BB said the ADRA was always looking for more hands to cater to the demand. Her dream is to expand the program – which is currently run from her house – to a warehouse somewhere in Casey. This would allow ADRA to pack more meals, open its own pay-as-you-feel cafe and employ disadvantaged young people to give them a leg up into a career. Anyone interested in donating to ADRA or volunteering can visit facebook.com/ADRACasey

Benji, owner of Mad Benji. 242718

Julian Hill MP with Rebecca Aurient from ADRA. 242718

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Thursday, 8 July, 2021

STAR NEWS 9

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Casey artist Kathleen Kendall

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I asked my friends this question and they said it’s my Eurovision obsession. I am not a morning person but willing get up at ridiculous hours of the morning to watch the live shows and then watch the televised version that night. This year I was hoping for Malta or Ukraine but was happy when Italy won. How did you get involved in SECAN? I originally joined BAS (Berwick Artists Society) which is a traditional art group as there were no contemporary art groups in Casey. Some artists in the group decided to set up SECAN (South Eastern Contemporary Art Network) and invited me. Through SECAN I met and joined the artists from CART (Cardinia Artist Society). I have made some wonderful friends through these groups and we inspire and bounce off ideas with each other. What is your favourite medium or material to work with and why? I love using recycled materials and have two pieces in ‘Art Show Pakenham’ at the Cardinia Cultural Centre that is on until 18 July. One is made from magazines and the other is a wearable art dress made from plastic and bubble wrap. I don’t have oodles of money to spend on mediums so I get excited when I can repurpose something I already have and avoid sending it to landfill. I also have two chairs that I recycled into art that are in the Pakenham Place window display (near Target) until the end of July. My next project is to recycle old traditional paintings into contemporary works. What has been your most memorable moment? In 2007 I was on a TV trivia competition called ‘1 vs 100’. I won the show. It enabled me to take a year off work to go to university to study interior architecture and design. Where do you find inspiration? Usually it is from something tactile. When I touched a charcoal piece of glass I saw visions

Artist Kathleen Kendall at a recent open weekend as part of the Casey Winter Arts Festival. 242155 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS of x-rays which started my first glass art pieces. I kept my glorious but hideously expensive Architectural Digest magazines in storage waiting for inspiration and then something like a dart board will trigger my brain cells into gear and puts the two together. The magazines are my current medium along with four acrylic cat portraits that I am demonstrating during the Winter Arts Festival for the Casey Council at the SECAN Gate 6 Gallery each weekend in July. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? My mother was dyslexic and couldn’t read a recipe book which meant she only cooked basic meals. From the age of 10 I started cooking and my friends have said that I am an excellent cook. My husband said that for MasterChef I should make my carrot cake or black forest cheesecake but maybe that is because they are his favourites to eat. If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the first thing you would do? Oh geez, don’t get me started on this question as I will never finish and pull out my soap box. My first agenda item will be more education

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and support systems to abolish domestic violence. What is your favourite holiday destination? Japan. I went there in 2017 and absolutely loved it. I would go back there in a heartbeat. The architecture, people, food and the art is beyond words. I loved Kyoto more than Tokyo and need to see Osaka and the country areas at some point in the future. How do you like to relax? Music and art. As soon as I put on music it switches off my busy brain and then I lose all track of time. I love everything from opera to rock and K-pop and have playlists for whatever mood I am in. I retreat to my art room and create away and only stop when the light gets dim and my cat is screaming at me for food. Why is art so important? I came from a troubled family and art was my escape. With my pencils and paper I would colour in or draw and switch off to what was happening around me and find some peace. After leaving school I went into nursing and then a corporate job as there were no art related jobs available. I gave those jobs 100 per cent but I always felt something was missing from my life. Five years ago I changed professions to an educational field and work part time so that I have time for art. My dream is to win lotto so that I can set up a small gallery somewhere along the Princes Highway in Casey/Cardinia for emerging artists. I would like it to incorporate rooms for any local art group from traditional to graffiti arts to have their meetings, a social hub for artists to meet each other and a working space for those without the resources to do it at their own home. It would include a space where the public could link up with artists looking for mediums that they would like to donate to them. The world will be a better place with less stress if creative people could find easier ways to connect and could enjoy art for either fun or intending on being an artist.

THREE … things to see at the Winter Arts Festival

Star Wars Extravaganza indulge your inner Star Wars nerd with this special performance by the Casey Philharmonic Orchestra. Relive those epic musical themes live in concert and be sure to come in costume for the chance to win some prizes and get photos with a Storm Trooper. Sunday 11 July 2.30pm, book at bunjilplace.com.au or 9709 9700.

Moon Dust ever wanted to be transformed into tiny little pixels so you can explore the universe? Now’s your chance with this augmented reality installation on the Bunjil Place outdoor screen. Be live transformed into pixel particle systems in the virtual infinite universe. On now until Thursday 22 July.

Safe Spaces Series The aim of the Safe Spaces Series is to regularly create a safe environment for Black and Brown people to come together, share, learn, educate, connect and collaborate. Allies welcome. Thursday 22 July, 5.30pm – 7.30pm at The Studio, Bunjil Place. It’s free, but please book at bunjilplace.com.au/safe-spaces or 9709 9700.

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Rex name shame By Mitchell Clarke Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name. Former Springfield Ward councillor Rex Flannery, who resigned as deputy mayor just days before the State Government sensationally sacked the entire council in February 2020, says the events of the past 12 months are still “eating” him up. He has now officially requested that his name is removed from both a councillor honour board in the customer service centre and a wall plaque in Bunjil Place. “I have never had any involvement into this alleged corruption scandal and therefore I do not wish to have my name associated with past or former councillors who may have brought our City of Casey into disrepute,” he told Star News. “People look at your name and they see that you’re from Casey Council and immediately they put you in that same mould, which couldn’t be further than the truth. “It’s just horrible to have been a councillor in that term. It gives you a sickening feeling in your gut and now I have to live with that.“ Mr Flannery argues his name should never have been placed on the plaque celebrating the $126 million Bunjil development because at the time he didn’t support the project. “I guess I’ve eaten a little bit of humble pie with Bunjil Place. I’ve been able to see the value that place brings to the community but at the time I was against the development and I wasn’t once consulted (about having my name included),” he said. He also claims former ex-ward partner, Sam Aziz, stated to him that he “wished he never had my name added to the plaque”. “That was the only time I agreed with him,” Mr Flannery said. While Mr Flannery hasn’t accused any former councillor of committing wrongdoing, he said anyone found guilty from the IBAC hearing should immediately have their honours stripped. “They need to have their plaques removed

Rex name shame By Mitchell Clarke Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name.

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Rex Flannery, pictured in late 2015, wants his name stripped from council. 148005 from anywhere within the City of Casey ... whether it’s a plaque in the botanical gardens or in Bunjil Place, I want them removed so they have absolutely no recognition anymore,” he said. “They’ve disgraced themselves and they’ve disgraced the council. They’ve taken something away from me that I totally enjoyed. I loved serving the Casey community. I just want some clarity as to what way it’s going to go.” Since his resignation, Mr Flannery has been working in an operating theatre at a local hospital. He said he has every intention to run for council again in 2024.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“I want to get back into serving the community again. I want to run again and I want to get my name back on the honour board for the right reasons. At the moment it’s a dishonour board,” he said. Star News understands Mr Flannery has put forward his request to be heard by the administrators at the next council meeting, slated for Tuesday 2 February.“It’s up to them now but a year later, this is still eating at me. I need closure and this is one way that I can get it,“ he said. “I played no part in any downturn or sacking of the council and I feel it’s my duty to say that I don’t want to be a part of or in any way

Bunjil Place. associated with the 2016-20 term.” Casey’s governance manager Rhys Matulis said: “Given the IBAC investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on that matter. Council has received and will consider Mr Flannery’s request in due course.”

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Thursday, 8 July, 2021

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NEWS

Poppy loves coming to Lego Club. 242768

Pictures: DANIELLE KUTCHEL

Library club builds fun By Danielle Kutchel Watching eight-year-old Poppy connecting a series of multicoloured Lego pieces, you can see her imagination is fired up. As she delves into the box, hunting for that elusive next piece, it’s clear she has a vision for her sculpture and is determined to make it work. Poppy discovered her passion for the worldfamous building blocks at Cranbourne Library when she and her mum found the Lego Club. Run by Casey Cardinia Libraries, the Lego Club allows kids from age four to 14 to harness their inner engineer and build crazy Lego creations. For Poppy, who was born with only half a functioning heart, the Lego Club was a lifechanger. Her mother Amelia said the club gave Poppy the opportunity to meet other kids her own age and broaden her social circle. “A child like Poppy can’t necessarily participate in all the things that other children do,” she said. “The Lego Club though gives Poppy a creative outlet that also fosters her passion.” Through the club, Poppy has also learnt patience and problem-solving skills – for when, as Poppy herself explained, the Lego “disagrees” with her. Poppy said she loves her library, with its multitude of books to sink her teeth into, and the Lego Club where she can “build lots of things”. Amelia said Poppy comes to the Lego Club every week when it’s on and is hoping to get involved in the STEAM Club next term. Casey Cardinia Libraries is currently raising funds to expand its science programs. The organisation runs a variety of programs and events for all ages, and while core operations are covered by government funding, it sometimes needs help to grow its other programs. According to the library, $30 buys a Lego Classics set for one of its branches; $100 provides circuit kits so that children can learn how berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Lego fires Poppy’s imagination. 242768

Poppy deliberates over the next piece. 242768 to light up their model; and $150 will allow the library to buy a set of LEGO Technic motors so that children can create moving parts. Casey Cardinia Libraries is looking to raise $10,000 this winter. To donate, visit cclc.vic.gov.au/help-growour-lego-and-science-programs/

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STAR NEWS 11

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NEWS

Let GPs jab By Shelby Brooks A Clyde North GP clinic is calling on the Australian Government to give the green light to open a Pfizer vaccination hub out of its clinic. Doctors on Clyde managing director Dalia Atwa, along with the clinical director and practice manager, said the clinic “needs to be part of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine roll out now, not put on hold until October.” “The local community demand is extraordinary and we feel that all help should be accepted. However, our multiple requests from the start have been met with adversity and there has been many unnecessary pitfalls and obstacles that we have had to endure and continue to face,” Ms Atwa said in a press release. Ms Atwa said when the original expression of interest for the AstraZeneca vaccine was released to GP clinics, they “jumped at the chance to be able to become part of the bigger picture and become a vaccinating clinic” and were “excited at the possibility of giving back to our community and being part of an Australian wide fight against Covid-19”. “[As the] managing director, [I] allocated additional funds to the purchasing of a new vaccine fridge, extra seating for patients and other resources to ensure the clinic would be able to meet all the criteria and demands. All the staff, doctors and nurses proudly achieved all the training requirements necessary to participate,” Ms Atwa said, who went onto explain their first application was declined on a “technicality” about an accreditation status. “A matter of months down the line, to add insult to injury, when the powers that be realised they needed additional help with the vaccine roll out, we were asked to resubmit our EOI regardless of accreditation status. Suddenly we were deemed good enough to be part of the AstraZeneca roll out!” Ms Atwa said. Since then, Ms Atwa said the clinic watched “full appointment books dwindle to nothing” after the government recommended the Astra-

Zeneca vaccine for over 60-year-olds. Access to the AstraZeneca vaccine has recently been expanded to adults under 40, with informed consent. “The Australian Government then decided to start back pedalling by offering indemnity to GP clinics who vaccinate AstraZeneca to patients under 60 years old but it’s all too little, too late and the damage had already been done,” Ms Atwa said. “Pfizer is the word that is on everyone’s lips. Pfizer is the vaccine of choice. Pfizer is what is going to get all Australians vaccinated by the end of the year. “So why the,n as a keen, willing and able clinic, are we shunned again? Why are we put on a waiting list and told to wait till October when we can start now?” Ms Atwa said the clinic’s goal was to be able to offer progressive and up to date services. “However, reaching the goal of being progressive and up to date has become an impossible task when we can’t even offer our local population their Covid-19 vaccination of choice,” Ms Atwa said. “At this time, we feel it is vital that we join the campaign to keep Australia safe and vaccinated. It is not the time to be reluctant and hold us on a waiting list. We are eager to participate and provide much needed support to The Department of Health. “It is very detrimental to the local communities to have very few options as to where they can be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine.” Adjoining the clinic under the same roof and tenancy, the clinic boasts a 100sqm area that has the potential to become a separate vaccinating area, Ms Atwa said. “Add to this the four division one nurses we currently employ and 12 GPs and we have massive potential, ability and capacity to become a vaccinating hub for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.”

Wood stands by carpark From page 1 In its review, the ANAO found “the approach taken to identifying and selecting commuter car park projects for funding commitment was limited in coverage and was not demonstrably merit-based”. The report states not one of the 47 projects selected for funding under the scheme was proposed by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. Instead, the majority of projects were selected after a direct written request by the Minister to the Prime Minister. The project identification approach also involved “canvassing” local members. The audit found this process was “not appropriate…open or transparent”. “Departmental advice did not contain an assessment against the investment principles or policy objectives and it was not demonstrated that projects were selected on merit. The distribution of projects selected reflected the geographic and political profile of those given the opportunity by the government to identify candidates for funding consideration,” the

report went on to state. But Mr Wood said he was proud to have secured the funding for the carparks. “My role as a Federal local Member of Parliament is to listen to my constituents and fight for them and I fight very hard, that’s how I secured the funding for carparks,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder that when we get through Covid, we have carpark spaces for people to get to work.” He said he had secured the funding by “proving the case” that La Trobe was the fastest growing electorate in the country and Berwick Station needed extra parking spaces for commuters. “We didn’t want to let the residents down,” he said. “I never back away from my community, I fight 110 per cent. “Not one resident from Berwick complained to me about putting money in for station carparks. Everyone wants it.” The Berwick carparks will be delivered by the Victorian Government as part of its level crossing removal project at Clyde Road. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Pakenham takes the lead By Linda Nash, Inner Wheel Club Of Pakenham Alwyn Williams from the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham has been inducted as the chairman of the A62 Inner Wheel District at its 26th Changeover Celebration. A62 Inner Wheel District comprises 11 Inner Wheel Clubs. These clubs encompass a large geographical area as is evidenced by their names. The clubs are the Inner Wheel Clubs of Bairnsdale, Bayside, Berwick, Cranbourne, Latrobe, Moe, Narre Warren, Nepean, Phillip Island and Warragul. Many congratulations to Alwyn for this significant appointment. Alwyn , her husband Terry, and their three children have been long term residents of Pakenham and Alwyn has been a member of the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham for 21 years. Within the club, she has held many roles including past president. Her active contribution and thorough, enthusiastic work ethic were lauded at the recent Induction Ceremony. Also over Alwyn’s time in Inner Wheel, she has held many roles on the A62 Inner Wheel District Committee. For her now to be the district chairman is further evidence of the calibre of the woman and the respect she receives from the District Committee. The A62 Inner Wheel District 26th Changeover Celebration was held on Saturday 3 July in “The Victory Room“ of the Cardinia Club. More than 80 Inner Wheel members from the A62 District and their partners attended. The evening was sponsored with a community grant given by The Pakenham Racing Club. A huge gesture of support for Alwyn was shown by 18 members of the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham in attendance with many of them helping decorate and set up the room. One husband, George Blenkhorn, even made sure that each table sported homegrown pansies-a touching gesture for Alwyn. The previous district chairman, Maria

Marlene Burhop (Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham President) and Alwyn Williams. McEwen, from the Inner Wheel Club of Narre Warren, was thanked for her year’s leadership under difficult conditions brought on by the Covid situation. The induction of Alwyn was conducted by Loris Begg, a member of the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham and a past Inner Wheel Australia secretary. Earlier in the night, Carole BuchananSmith, a member of the Inner Wheel Club of Berwick, the Inner Wheel Constitution chairman and a past International Inner Wheel president reminded everyone that Inner Wheel is all about friendship and service.

Alwyn and Terry Williams.

The Inner Wheel members enjoy their time together, make lasting friendships and also raise money to support worthwhile projects locally, nationally and internationally. Under non-Covid circumstances, Alwyn’s three children, their families and special Inner Wheel friends from India would have attended the induction dinner. However, this could not happen so the next best thing was to have all those parties “present“ on Zoom during the evening. So Alwyn’s children ’zoomed’ in from country Victoria, country South Australia, and the Netherlands. Special Inner Wheel friends also

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joined in from India and the Netherlands. A truly international affair! Alwyn’s daughter, Kinta Wilson, a music teacher, also provided the musical entertainment for the evening; pre-recorded from a distance of course. She played the flute and entranced the listeners with her rendition of many pieces of music. The night was a fitting applause to Maria McEwen for her year’s leadership and to Alwyn for the task she has so ably taken on. Membership enquiries for the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham can be forwarded to the secretary on iiw.au.pakenham@gmail.com

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Thursday, 8 July, 2021

STAR NEWS 13

ENTERTAINMENT

An escape from reality By Cam Lucadou-Wells For even a world-renowned escape-artist, there’s no getting away from the Covid-19 pandemic. 2020 scuttled the Lysterfield South-raised Cosentino’s planned regional tour Deception. Like his stunning sleights-of-hand and illusions, the year had been a case of ‘expect the unexpected’. But again like Cosentino’s death-defying denouements, Deception will resurface in his “back yard” in Melbourne’s south east this coming week. “As a performer with the equipment, trailers and crew, it’s challenging to reschedule and postpone shows – but as they say the show must go on.” After performing in South East Asia for much of the past five years, Cosentino is excited to be in front of a home audience. In his inimitable style, there’ll be disappearing acts, levitations, escapes, dance moves, hilarity and audience participation, all spectacularly backed by his own lighting designer, sets, bespoke costumes and sound. Since rising to national acclaim on Australia’s Got Talent, his business empire based in Hallam has sprouted children’s books and TV shows watched by more than 100 million. He’s been awarded the magicians’ highest honours, the Merlin Awards for best international magician and best international escape artist. Behind the flashy magic is a lot of toil, he says. His father and mother, both professionals, told him it would have been easier to choose a more conventional path. “It’s very challenging to turn your hobby and passion into a living - and support others

while doing it. “You can’t just be good, you have to be excellent. “You can be mediocre in so many things and make a living. In entertainment, you have to be more than good. “It takes hard work, dedication and a bit of luck. All the stars have to align.” As a shy 12-year-old who couldn’t read, he was introduced to a Houdini magic book from the Narre Warren library. What was revealed to him was not just magic, but the trick of reading. He first performed ‘the French drop’ at home. His father asked him how did he did it, and he felt a “transfer of power”. Here was his father who came to Australia at 13, couldn’t read, couldn’t speak English and had built his own successful business. While at the time, Cosentino was unsure of himself, bullied and “back of the classroom”. “Here was something that my father couldn’t explain. “I now had control over things and could do things nobody could explain.” There’s no mystery to his tricks, he says. Indeed, when he made a name for himself, he lifted the veil on magic. While Houdini escaped behind a sheet, Cosentino’s trickery was in plain sight. But despite his meticulous planning and skill, there’s another thing this conjurer can’t escape – and that’s the steep rate of insurance. “That is very real.” Deception is at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren on Friday 9 July and Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston on Saturday 10 July. Details: bunjilplace.com.au and artscentre. frankston.vic.gov.au

Cosentino’s Deception tour appears at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren on Friday 9 July.

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14 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 8 July, 2021

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ENTERTAINMENT

A classic comes to life By Danielle Kutchel Casey’s young performers are ready to put on a show with a heartwarming rendition of a much-loved classic. Masquerade Youth Productions (MYP) is gearing up for its school holiday performances of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella G2K. The production will feature all the familiar characters, including the fairy godmother, Cinderella’s evil stepmother and step-sisters, and even her beloved animal friends. The cast has been rehearsing intently over the last few months. Not even another lockdown could stop them, with the cast shifting to Zoom for a few weeks when in-person rehearsals were cancelled under Covid restrictions. As the performance dates draw near, the cast moved to a series of day-long intensive rehearsals to run through the whole production. Musical director Isabella Dymalovski said the production was looking good so far. “I think we’re still working through a few nerves, but they’re so good at working collaboratively and encouraging each other, it’s really awesome to see,” she said. The performance will feature a few surprises including Covid-safe waltzing using an improvised household item: mops. Choreographer Catherine McGregor said the mops would be dressed up on the night and had been a lot of fun to play with. She said the cast were “like sponges”, absorbing all the dance routines and steps.

The cast comprises performers of different skill levels, but Ms McGregor said they had all been busily waltzing at home to get up to speed with the dances. Meanwhile, a host of new friendships have formed over the course of the rehearsals – something which was also great to see after a year of Covid-enforced separation. Director Emily Keagan said MYP had been looking for a “big and lavish” classic to bring to the stage to help the kids get their energy back after the pandemic. “It’s definitely so much nicer to be in the studio and let the kids interact and have that social time to make friends, that’s such a big part of theatre,” she said. “I’m really proud of them and their persistence because we’ve had to go online and back and they’ve all been working super hard.” With just a few days to go now, the cast is putting the final finishing touches on the performance. Ms Dymalovski said she was confident the show would be perfect by curtain-up. “I think we all need some joy and excitement back in our lives and it’s going to be a great family-friendly show to bring everybody back to the theatre,” she said. MYP’s production of Cinderella will open at the Drum Theatre, Dandenong on Saturday 10 July, with performances at 11am and 6pm. A matinee performance will be held on Sunday 11 July at 2pm. For more information or to book tickets, visit myproductions.com.au/mypcinderella

The cast at rehearsal. 242442

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cast members get into character. 242442

If the shoe fits... 242442

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your artistic expression. Ukulele for beginners, group jams and workshops - beginners and experienced players are welcome to join Balla Balla Ukes. Balla Balla Friendship Circle - why sit home alone when you can join others for a cuppa, company, conversation and friendship? Booking is essential for all programs and activities by contacting Balla Balla Community Centre on 5990 0900 or email admin@ballaballa.com.au

WHAT’S ON If you would like your upcoming community event included in our What’s On page, please email the details to dailyeditor@starnewsgroup. com.au

Diaspora, Psyche: Respected contemporary artist John Young will present a survey of works spanning 17 years (2003 – 2019) at Bunjil Place Gallery from 26 June-12 September. Diaspora, Psyche brings together, for the first time, two cycles of work from Young’s celebrated Double Ground Paintings and recent History Projects. Free in the Bunjil Place Gallery from Saturday 26 June. 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.

Term 3 Basic Computer Classes (pre-accredited): Learn/refresh basic computer skills like introduction to computers, internet applications, MS Office, creating spreadsheets and creating simple budgets and presentations. Days: Thursdays. Time: 10am to 12.30pm. Cost: $25 per term (membership fee of $6 per annum applies). Venue: Oakgrove Community Centre, 89101 Oakgrove Drive, Narre Warren South. For enquires and bookings contact the office – 9704 2781. 12500089-DL26-21

Woodworking display and expo: This event will be held at The Old Cheese Factory in Berwick and will run 5pm to 8pm on Friday 9 July, 9pm to 5pm on Saturday 10 July, 9pm to 5pm on Sunday 11 July. The club draws members from a wide area from Frankston, Pakenham and Warragul. You will be able to have tours of the workshop and view demonstrations by members at work. There will be a play area for children and tea and coffee facilities. Hundreds of toys are given away to underprivileged families. For more information please call 0408 365 970 or email bdwwcsec@outlook.com

Winter Arts Festival: The City of Casey’s Winter Arts Festival is back for 2021. A number of events are running each week, including open studios, exhibitions, performances and opportunities for visitors to create their own piece. The full program is available on the City of Casey’s website at casey.vic.gov. au/winter-arts-festival

Cranbourne Beanie Fest: Come along for a showcase of beanies, berets, hats, patchwork, quilts and lots more craft at the Cranbourne Beanie Fest! Gold coin entry, Saturday 10 July 10am-4pm at 49-51 Cameron

Cranbourne University of the Third Age (U3A): Make the most of your retirement - your third age! Tutors waiting to teach art using various mediums. A variety of crafts including knitting, sewing, card making, calligraphy and parchment craft can be taught or assistance given. iPhone and tablet tuition available. Chess and card games, line dancing, table tennis and cycling groups welcome you. Want to learn the guitar, ukulele or keyboard? French and Italian classes. We can help. Players wanted for Mahjong and Bridge. Get active for a healthy third age. Classes recommence on Monday 12 July. For more information visit u3acranbourne.org. au or call Marge 0410 304 308.

Classes at Balla Balla: Health and wellbeing classes include meditation, Tai Chi for beginners, strength and stretch, late afternoon and evening yoga classes. Computer training for beginners in small classes at a gentle pace. Children’s after school art class will teach your child colour, form, structures and patterns in fun and creative weekly classes. Adult art class will teach you methods and approaches to assist

Term 3 Employability Skills (pre-accredited): This Employability Skills course will cover everything you need to prepare you for your search for employment, like identifying your transferable skills, how to look for jobs online and use of social networking sites, writing a resume and cover letter, addressing key selection criteria and preparing for interviews and getting ready to start work. Day: Wednesdays. Time: 10am to noon. Cost: $25 per term (membership fee of $6 per annum applies). Venue: Oakgrove Community Centre – 89-101 Oakgrove Drive, Narre Warren South. For enquiries and bookings contact the office - 9704 2781.

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GRETEL KILLEEN berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 8 July, 2021

STAR NEWS 15

FOCUS ON … FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

Caring in a time of need Being a part of the funeral industry for over 20 years, Chris from Brember Family Funerals has seen all that can be offered for families as well as the added stress that the financial side of things can cause. This has been one of the main drivers for Chris and his wife Emma to be able to provide not only a beautiful farewell for loved ones but done in a way that does not create added financial burdens throughout what is already a highly emotional time. When a family chooses to use Brember Family Funerals to look after their loved ones, they are not only treated with dignity and respect but also become an extension of the Brember family. Our mission is ‘ to provide dignity, respect and professional care at all times to families and to honour the life of their loved one’ Looking after families is an honour and one that Chris and his team take very seriously. To be chosen to look after someone for their final journey and to look after their family during such an emotional time is something that we cherish and respect. Chris explained ‘ the reason why I decided to go into business by myself was because I realized that families needed to have another

option that was affordable but didn’t take away all that a families farewell should be. Regardless of how much a service costs they are always given the dignity and respect that they deserve.’ Based in Hallam, Chris and his team cover all areas of Victoria because the reality is that death can happen at any place at any time to anyone, regardless of faith or culture or age. Chris and his team work with all religions and support all traditions – another honour that is respected as we are able to be included in a special part of their families farewell. The honour to assist our families to celebrate their loved ones life is paramount to us. Brember Family Funerals is situated at 20/167 Princes Highway, Hallam call 0429 920 241 twenty-four/seven.

Chris and Emma from Brember Family Funerals.

Boutique design service based in Beaconsfield Drake Design started as a small entrepreneurial experiment in 2005 when Jarrett Drake saw an opportunity to lean on his experience and expertise as a successful designer in various Melbourne inner city architectural practices. Wanting to provide to the local community a quality level of design, documentation and service, Drake Design quickly forged a reputation for quality that builders, developers and the community alike have relied on over the last 15 years. Alongside Jarrett is his son Jackson and wife Cathy, who have become integral to the overall team of people who are the driving force behind Drake Design and what they stand for. Jackson has recently completed his tertiary studies and has become a part of the documentation engine room, while Cathy is the meticulous numbers keeper utilising her 20 plus years in business management to keep the family business on track. Jarrett believes using a 4 Cs principles in a family business goes a long way to understanding what drives Drake Design and ensures the standards are kept high. Continuity - work hard to provide a quality product and then ensure to provide it every time. Communication - effective business communication is essential for success and growth of every organisation, so ensuring the process of sharing information within and outside the business is continually enforced.

Jarrett, Jackson and Cathy Drake.

· Community - inherently family businesses

are a part of a larger community that live, work and play within and thus need to ensure they are improving and adding value to that community. Connection - as a family business you continually are investing time and forging

relationships with clients that then can become your companies’ best ambassadors. The push to shop locally has gained a lot of momentum, in recent times, as more people see the value of investing in small businesses within their community. Family businesses are the backbone of this and Jarrett, Jackson,

Cathy and the team at Drake Design aim to strengthen its tie to south east Melbourne providing a quality boutique design service that its community can continue to rely on. Drake Design is situated at Suite 2, Level 1, 2 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, Beaconsfield, 9769 8096.

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16 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 8 July, 2021

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

A jewel shines in Berwick’s crown

Centre is family focused Maria Dimoulas and Janette Karavatis are the mother and daughter team behind Kool Kidz Narre Warren. Both women love children and realised a long held dream when the doors of Kool Kidz Narre Warren opened in February 2019. “We are a family run business, looking after your family,“ said Janette. Maria has a degree in early childhood education and a post graduate qualification in teaching children with special needs. She has extensive experience as a kindergarten teacher working at numerous childcare centres over 15 years. Janette has also worked in childcare for more than a decade. Staff work with children across seven class rooms - two baby rooms, three toddler rooms and two kinder rooms. All the rooms have access to spacious outdoor areas and there are dedicated sleep areas and a separate kitchen. A feature of the centre is the earth room where children have lunch along with incursions and special learning experiences. Janette and Maria looked at various childcare models before settling on Kool Kidz. “The standards are so high in terms of the curriculum and the support we receive from the franchise,“ Janette explained. Kool Kidz Narre Warren has capacity for 130 children and offers the Kool Beginnings Curriculum as well as a Little Sports Heroes program. Janette and Maria have also introduced a music and language program. Kool Kidz Narre Warren caters for children from 6 weeks to six years. It is open week days from 6.30am to 6.30pm at 17 Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren. Phone 9705 1532.

Anthony Gelgec owns Berwick Village Jeweller with his wife Sylvia Gelgec. The couple took over Drysdale Jewellers, as the business was previously known, in February. Anthony and Sylvia, who have two sons, are loving being part of the Berwick community and getting to know the locals. Anthony has been involved in the jewellery trade for over 30 years. With his family also being in the jewellery trade, it was inevitable that he was bound to end up within the same field. “I had a passion to learn the trade but wasn’t sure if I wanted to learn watch-making or jewellery, so I did both,“ he explained. Anthony completed his apprenticeship in watch making in 1999 at RMIT in Melbourne and soon after completed his apprenticeship in Jewellery at NMIT. “I was one of the last two students from three states who graduated from the watch making school at RMIT and soon after they closed the watch making department here in Melbourne.“ After completing his studies, Anthony started his own business, Tik Tok Watch Centre, in Melbourne and is now the new owner of the well-known Berwick Village Jewellery. Are you looking for that special wedding band or engagement ring? Anthony is the man to help. Berwick Village Jewellery can also redesign family heirlooms, complete re-

Sylvia and Anthony are the husband and wife team at Berwick Village Jeweller. 229104 modelling or restoration. Anthony also designs wedding bands, engagement rings and specialises in high end Swiss watches and the

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Berwick Village Jewellers 2 Blackburne Square, Berwick VIC 3806 03 9707 2647 | www.berwickjeweller.com.au Thursday, 8 July, 2021

STAR NEWS 17

CASEY BUSINESS AWARDS Over the next few weeks, Star News is profiling the finalists in the 2021 Casey Business Awards. In the lead up to the announcement of the winners of each category in the coming weeks, we’ll feature stories of these inspiring businesses and the secrets to their Awards success.

Dental care By Danielle Kutchel A vision for a new kind of dentist drives Berwick Dental Studio to be a leader in its field. Founded by Dr Tony Liu and Dr Chu Tan, Berwick Dental Studio opened in responses to what its founders saw as an unfulfilled demand in the Berwick area for their brand of dentistry – “a dentistry which is as human as it is comprehensive”, as Dr Liu explained. They’re also committed to hiring locals – something that has seen them recognised as finalists in the 2021 Casey Business Awards in the employment category. “The vision of our business is to become a centre for upskilling and growth of both people who are experienced and those who are new to the dental industry,” Dr Liu explained. “We are dedicated to employing locally, and it feels amazing to be recognised for it. “We believe that having a passionate and well trained team is crucial in delivering outstanding service.” To start with, Dr Liu said the clinic hires only growth-minded professionals who are then quickly upskilled through a structured on-boarding program. Staff regularly take part in team training to ensure their skills are constantly updated and old ones honed. “There’s no such thing as perfection and we are always learning to improve what we offer,” he said. The Covid-19 lockdowns restricted the

practice’s work to solely dental emergencies, which account for around three per cent of patients as the clinic focuses on preventative care and smile transformations. But Dr Liu said the lockdown provided an excellent opportunity to develop more training materials and provide staff with further training. “This unique opportunity allowed us to come out of lockdowns more skilled and more efficient,” he said. “Over the past year, not only did we keep our entire team employed, we actually grew and doubled our team size.” As the director of Berwick Dental Studio, Dr Liu said he loved to see his team grow and achieve things they hadn’t even imagined previously. As a working dentist, he said nothing beats finishing a smile transformation and seeing how his work improves people’s confidence. It’s a trait shared by the whole team, who pride themselves on taking the time to listen, understand and clarify with patients to set them at ease. Dr Liu said Casey was a great place to do business, with its mix of established families and ongoing growth. “It also has a growth minded council where the planning and development strategies really help us flourish,” he said. He recommended other Casey businesses invest in building the capacity and resilience in their team.

Tony Liu and Chu Tan from Berwick Dental Studio. 236511

Picture: GARY SISSONS

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Thursday, 8 July, 2021

For Cranbourne East’s L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe, Florist and Art Space, there was never an option of closing down during the pandemic. The cafe is built on the premise of being there for people – not just those in the wider community, but its staff too. So when Covid hit, the cafe’s management team was determined to make it through. L’Arte has since been named a finalist in the resilience category of the 2021 Casey Business Awards, a recognition that manager Anthony Cheeseman said was really about the community the cafe serves. “We knew that going into lockdown meant that as a community, that bond between us and the community was even more needed,” he said. “It works both ways. We needed the community as much as they needed us.” Over the pandemic L’Arte dished out thousands of meals for those in need across Casey, partnering with charities as well as the council itself to ensure no one went hungry. This also meant the cafe was able to keep its staff employed. “They are the resilient ones,” Mr Cheeseman said of his employees, who watched as the cafe’s transactions plummeted during lockdown before picking up again once restrictions eased. L’Arte also took to delivering its beautiful flower arrangements and award-winning pies directly to people’s doorsteps during Covid, often staying for a quick, maskedup and socially-distanced chat through the front door. Sometimes the delivery person would be the only human the recipient had seen in sometime during lockdown, and Mr Cheeseman said the interaction often helped to perk people up during a difficult time. “We were that real connection, that heart-to-heart connection with the com-

Tim Mollenhauer and Anthony Cheeseman from L’Art Central Social Enterprise Caf , Florist and Art Space. 236511 munity and individuals. That’s what we try to do really well,” he explained. “Our catchcry is we don’t employ people to make coffee, food or flowers; we make coffee, food or flowers to employ people.” Through its activities the cafe is able to provide employment for at risk and disadvantaged people, giving them stability, training and real-world job experience that will stand them in good stead in the future. That mission never wavered, even during Covid, thanks to what Mr Cheeseman described as a willingness to give things a go during the pandemic. He said the staff are excited for the upcoming Business Awards gala night at which the winners of the award categories will be announced. It’s a chance for his staff to let their hair down and celebrate their achievements and resilience over the last 18 months. “They feel pretty chuffed. It’s good for them; I get a kick out of it for them,” he said. The winners of the 2021 Casey Business Awards will be announced in July. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

CASEY BUSINESS AWARDS

Positioned for the future By Danielle Kutchel Australian Precision Technologies (APT) has taken a giant step into the future, moving into a new industry and upskilling its staff to stay ahead of the curve. Over the past two years, the Berwick-based precision manufacturer has progressed with some major initiatives to better position its business. The transformation began with the creation of APT’s advanced manufacturing initiative, which reset its customer focus. Initially, a large portion of APT’s work was for the motor vehicle industry or in general engineering, a spokesperson said. With this work heading offshore, APT’s management knew they had to come up with new target customers. They settled on the defence industry – a challenging contract to win by anyone’s standards. “It was basically progressing our whole business up to that next level so we could win that work,” the spokesperson said. APT achieved an AS9100 accreditation and underwent a number of security checks to gain the defence work, placing them in the next tier of manufacturers. Now, around 75 per cent of its customers are in the defence sector – up from 12 per cent in 2008. The transformation didn’t happen overnight.

“When we started the initiative, we had to overhaul all our processes,” the spokesperson explained. All staff had to progress to a higher skill level, working to strict process controls. Managers learned new quality controls and new, quality-focused staff members were hired to oversee the defence work. According to the spokesperson, the effort poured into the initiative has paid dividends, with a high level of staff retention and all work produced to the highest standard. Plus, APT has been named as a finalist in the 2021 Casey Business Awards in the Innovation category. The shift to defence work also helped when Covid-19 smashed into the manufacturing industry. “We were lucky in that we didn’t have to close because the defence industry was essential,” the spokesperson said. “We could still keep production going, but … we still had to meet the Covid restrictions.” APT was also part of the direct response to Covid-19, creating components for respirators that kept people alive during the pandemic. APT is an integral part of the Casey business landscape. Founded by Richard Weinzierl, a “Berwick boy through and through”, APT hires many of its staff from the local area. “He’s got a lot of pride in living here and

working here,” the spokesperson explained. “We are the community; so that’s probably why this is our place to be.” APT has had success in the Casey-Cardinia Business Awards before, and staff are keenly looking forward to this year’s winners’ announcement at a gala event in July. “Being able to support sovereign capability in Australia, making Australian parts for the defence industry in Australia, is a massive achievement and something everyone here has worked so hard on,” the spokesperson said. “We’re going to continue doing that. We’re always progressing, putting in new processes, tightening things up to stand out in our field. We think we’ve done a really good job.”

Richard Weinzierl, founder and managing director of Australian Precision Technologies. 236511 Picture: GARY SISSONS

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Secret Headquarters is a family owned comic book and collectables shop located in Beaconsfield. Kirsty and her son Ethan started in 2012 by selling their collection of comics and collectables at Berwick’s Akoonah Park Market every Sunday, They grew in popularity and soon opened up their own brick and mortar store in Beaconsfield, welcoming many new customers and building their comic book family. Since then they have run many wonderful events to help support not only their community, but also to embrace many local creators in the arts industry, with events including Free Comic Book Day, Halloweenfest, Movie Premiere nights and lots more! Find Secret Headquarters at shop 3/2 Beaconsfield-Emerald Rd, Beaconsfield. Visit online at secrethqcomics.com.au or call 9769 3469.

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STAR NEWS 19

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NEWS

Know your numbers What was your least favourite subject at school: English? Physics? Music? Chances are that many of you will have said maths, which is a pity since not only is this a fascinating subject, it also lies at the heart of much of what we need to do in day-to-day living, e.g. paying bills, budgeting etc. Since many people naturally shy away from mathematics, these things are often avoided but in business, it is essential to ‘know your numbers’ if you are going to make your business a success. Still, I do hear some business owners say they don’t worry about their financials becasue they leave this to their accountant or their bookkeeper, but as a business owner, you simply cannot outsource this important function. Good bookkeepers will be able to record your financial data, reconcile your accounts and assist you with BAS and IAS payments and good accountants will ensure that your business complies with your legal obligations and minimise your tax liabilities, but neither can actually manage the financial decisions that affect the growth, development and profitabil-

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH ity of your business. The good news is that this does not in practice turn out to be a hard thing to do and whether it is done or not is very often more a function of the business owner’s confidence in their financial abilities rather than any particular skill in this space. For me, the place to start is to define a budget. It never ceases to amaze me how many businesses do not have one, but not having a budget is a bit like setting out on a new journey without a map; you may not arrive at your destination, but even if you do, chances are it will take longer and cost more than if you had planned a direct route in the first place. What’s

more, when you set a budget, you now have a way of measuring and tracking your progress against a defined financial plan and as the highly regarded management consultant, educator, and author Peter Drucker once said: “What gets measured, gets managed”. Whilst you could set a budget by hand, far better to do this inside a tool like Microsoft’s Excel which enables automatic calculations or indeed use any of the financial tools like Xero and MYOB which these days also allow for the creation of a budget. Another argument I hear for not creating a budget is the view that you cannot predict your sales, so what’s the point in trying to set a budget for these? In practice, this view does not tend to hold up since if you know your sales over the past few years, chances are you can estimate to within a rough order of magnitude what they are likely to be over the coming year. You may not know exactly which customers will spend what, but looking back at what has happened in the past, you are likely to see patterns emerge that will enable a reasonable level of forecasting for the coming period.

Expenses are a whole lot easier to predict since overheads such as fuel, heating and lighting costs etc typically don’t differ wildly from the previous year. The biggest expenditure is usually wages so if you have an idea of the number of staff you will need over the coming year and have collected data on the other expense items, it is not hard to extrapolate figures the new financial year. Knowing your forecast sales, the typical ‘Cost of Goods Sold’ for your business sales and your forecast expenses, it is then easy to calculate your forecast profit. I recommend doing all of this month-by-month for the coming year so that you can compare your actual figures with your budgeted amounts each month and hence get early visibility if you are going off-track. If you are still not confident, perhaps try enlisting the help of someone who can assist with this since being able to build and interpret your own ‘financial roadmap’ and plan your business’ financial future is vital to sustained business success. Ian Ash is the Managing Director or OrgMent Business Solutions - ombs.com.au

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

Top four tax time mistakes to avoid

“Do away with the shoebox and try myDeductions in the ATO app instead – it’s the easiest way to store your receipts. The deduction details can even be uploaded into your tax return or sent on to your tax agent,” Ms Foat said.

4. Claiming for something they never paid for “We often see people making claims at the record-keeping limit, thinking that the ATO will never question a claim if we don’t require receipts. But you still need to have spent the

money yourself and be able to show us how you’ve worked out your claim. “If you can’t explain it, we won’t accept it, and we may penalise you for failing to take care when lodging your tax return.“

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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has revealed some of the most common mistakes people make at tax time. Assistant Commissioner Karen Foat said that errors range from honest mistakes to people deliberately over-claiming to increase their refund. A small amount of over-claiming by a large number of individuals adds up to billions of dollars, meaning that essential community services are missing out. For example, incorrect work-related expense claims have been highlighted as one of the key drivers of the $8.7 billion tax gap generated by Individuals not in business. Here are the top four mistakes to avoid: 1. Lodging before all your prefill data is available or failing to report all your income “People can lodge now, and if they have all of the information they need to do their returns accurately, that’s ok,” Ms Foat said. “However, we know from previous years that the early birds who lodge in the first weeks of July are far more likely to make mistakes or submit incomplete data. These mistakes may slow down your return, or result in a debt owing to the ATO if we later need to correct the information.” “This tax time will see our sophisticated data-matching systems process an unprecedented amount of information. Our datamatching will help us match what you’ve earned, whether from a traditional 9-5 job, a casual position or sharing economy income. Failing to declare all your income will result in you ending up with a bill when we later match your data.“ 2. Claiming the wrong thing We know that work-related expenses is one area where people commonly make mistakes. To help you work out what you can claim, the ATO has developed 30 occupation guides and accompanying posters for specific occupations (ato.gov.au/occupations). Remember, to claim a deduction for workrelated expenses, follow the three golden rules: you have to have spent the money yourself and not been reimbursed the claim must be directly related to earning your income, and you must have a record to prove it. You can only claim the work-related portion of expenses. You can’t claim a deduction for any part of the expense that relates to personal use. 3. Forgetting to keep receipts The ATO refuses a large percentage of claims where taxpayers are unable to produce records or receipts when asked. Even if the value of a claim is below the record-keeping threshold, we may ask you to show how you calculated your claim. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

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The applicant for the permit is:

Marshal Melbourne Pty Ltd

The application reference number is:

PA21-0424 - (Phil Chen) City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN

Contact: Jason jadams@grv.org.au V Positions Vacant

Joe Spicuglia Lead Podiatrist

This can be done during ofﬁce hours and is free of charge.

Ph: 9592 2483 W: www.thefootfolk.com.au E: info@thefootfolk.com.au

Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/view-planningapplications

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority. An objection must: • be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au • include the application number and site address • include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected.

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Further information, a Position Description and application documentation can be downloaded from www.ceosale.catholic.edu.au Enquiries may be directed to Industrial Relations/Human Resources via email to hr@doscel.catholic.edu.au

Applications close Wednesday 14 July 2021 DOSCEL is a child safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer.

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Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) manages and operates 38 primary schools and 7 secondary schools in the Diocese of Sale. Our aim is to deliver the highest quality educational opportunities and outcomes for every student in every school in the Diocese.

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The application is for a permit to:

The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its ofﬁce for any person to inspect during ofﬁce hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

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Thursday, 8 July, 2021

STAR NEWS 23

SPORT

Panthers are on the move By Nick Creely The Devon Meadows Cricket Club is bound for the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association in 2021/22. The Panthers are now expected to depart the West Gippsland Cricket Association for this upcoming season - where it finished runners-up in the District Division - in what was a hugely successful 2020/21 season that also netted B Grade, and F Grade premierships, after the members voted on Sunday in favour of the move. It’s now up to the MPCA member clubs to vote the Panthers into the association, which is not expected to be an issue. It is also expected that the Panthers will slot into the Sub-District Division in the MPCA in their first season. Devon Meadows president Mick Floyd said the timing was right for the club for a whole host of reasons. “We have a thriving junior program too, so it’s a decision that will have long-term implications - we feel it’s best for the club in the long term,” he told the Gazette. “I can’t speak for individuals and their motivations but the vast majority of people believe going to MPCA gives the club the best chance for success going forward. “And we have a new $2 million facility being built just up the road, and the growth from Cranbourne is now really starting to hit Devon Meadows. “So we see ourselves having a better alignment with the MPCA.” Floyd said that the process has been playing out for a while behind closed doors, and from a whole club collective the decision was near unanimous.

Devon Meadows officially wants out of the WGCA. 223309 “We went through the process, and have discussed the move several times,” he said. “We had a dedicated players and members forum to discuss the issue, and then went to the vote (on Sunday), and overwhelmingly voted to go to the MPCA.” Floyd said that discussions with the MPCA have been extremely positive throughout the process, with a Sub-District place all but locked in once the vote goes through. “We’ve spoken to their president, it all seems positive - a few things need to fall into place, it’s got to go to member clubs and go through their process,” he said. “(And) the MPCA needs to work through how that looks and structured, but discussions

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

say that as much (going into Sub-District).” Floyd anticipates that the MPCA competition will provide a stern challenge and a fresh start for the club - one they’re excited about entering. But he is fully aware that the hard work is hard for them. “Our eyes are wide open - we were 20 runs away from going into the top grade (of WGCA) and now we’re starting at the bottom of the pile,” he said. “(Now) it’d take three tough seasons in the MPCA to get to the top. It’ll be a challenge, we want to move up the chain and play the best we can. “We aren’t shying away from that fact - we

have to do everything right on the field, but speaking to a number of our players, we’re excited about it. “It’s one of the strongest competitions in Victoria.” WGCA president Rob Hansen said that the association wishes Devon Meadows the best in the next stage of their process. “Devon Meadows has been a integral part of West Gippsland cricket for 52 years,” he said. “They’ve been a reasonably successful club over the years, and there’s been some good traditions that the club has developed over the years. They add to the overall culture of West Gippsland cricket.” Hansen didn’t want to comment on the specifics of Devon Meadows’ decision, but said that the association was obviously disappointed one of its well-known clubs wanted to leave. “My understanding is they see that (joining the) MPCA will provide a better or an improved direction for their club,” he said. “Ultimately its up to them in what they believe is the best interests of the club.” Hansen did reiterate that there was still a process to play out from a WGCA point of view, with an affiliation meeting in the last week of August set to be crucial in the next stage. “Our process is that if any club wants to leave, we have to have a special meeting for the purpose of discussing the matter,” he said. “For them to leave, 75 per cent of the WGCA clubs need to vote that they can leave.” With the Panthers expected to depart this season, Hansen said the WGCA had plenty of options to expand the competition moving forward. “We’ll be looking to expand our numbers and so on in the immediate area, and that’s on the cards,” he said.

Start of something great for the Gators By Tyler Lewis It was a day that tugged on the heartstrings of all involved as the Fountain Gate FIDA (Football Integration Development Association) side hosted its first game on the weekend, in a stand-alone school holiday special. It’s been a long time coming for the footy club that has overcome its fair share of adversity. The side – established in the height of the pandemic – was meant to play its first home game in a bumper day with all other teams. But Covid pushed it back to a stand-alone game in the school holidays. At first, this loomed as a negative, but it was soon something that president Andrew Johnston and the football club was grateful for, as it opened up plenty of opportunity for a big crowd. “It was our first home game, we started the process of getting the FIDA team together during Covid, mid 2020,” Johnston said. “We have got some siblings within our team that don’t get to play football for obvious reasons, so we came up with how are we going to get our kids playing football. “We did some homework on the FIDA league, did our homework and slowly we got some players together. “Unfortunately in round one we weren’t quite ready and were due to play Eltham, we both rang each other to forfeit the game. With that phone call we decided to join together and become one team, merging the teams. “We train separately and meet at the ground to play... it was our first official home game, we have obviously played at other grounds. “We wanted to make a song and dance about it, we had a banner and made a guard of honour with the kids, it turned out to be an amazing day because we won,” he said. If the day wasn’t special enough, the side won, making the work all the more rewarding for all involved. “It’s hard-yakka, and time and effort, but hands down the most rewarding experi24 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 8 July, 2021

This is what its all about! Cooper Wortley (left) and Sam Lagona (right) embrace after the game. Pictures: ROB CAREW

Fountain Gate’s inaugural FIDA side.. ence… hands down,” he said. “Just seeing their faces, their smiles, for them to be a part of something, that’s the best way to put it. “The best part of the day was (being) on our ground in our jumpers, we share jumpers and when we play on their side of the city, we wear their jumpers, we don’t wear

Sam Lagona was understandably happy with his goal on the weekend.

Cooper Wortley worked really hard for his team. our jumpers very often. “To be in our colours on our ground was amazing. “They do travel a fair bit – FIDA – so to have parents and others involved in our club to see this team play, because they generally don’t – playing on the same days – to see brothers and sisters playing in the FIDA team

was pretty special for them. “They (the siblings) play in the mainstream football so they don’t get to see the games at all,” Johnston said. While the images of the day are telling, it was an experience that had to be experienced to be believed, as smiles were worn by each and every one at the ground on Sunday. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Magpies’ key to culture By Tyler Lewis The Narre Warren Football Netball Club prides itself on having an electric culture, and it starts at the top, with president and club stalwart, Stuart Stephenson. He is this week’s Volunteer of the Week. Stephenson joined the club three decades ago this season and has been an integral cog in the premiership-winning machine that is the black and white army. “I first came as a player back in 1991, a few years ago now,” he said. “A group of us came from the Dandenong Football Club, following Peter Lindsay, who at the time was the coach of Narre Warren. “I finished playing in 2000, coached the reserves the next year, went away for a few years and came back and did some assistant coaching and running of things in the mid-2000’s, then coached the reserves again. “Then I took on the presidency the year after that,” Stephenson said. The dynamite culture is something the club takes great pride in. Since taking the reins as the president, Stephenson has taken an ownership in building a bond between the footy and netball players, which he believes eventuates in excellent social events and then on field success. “It is a place where we are always striving for success, we try to appoint the best coaches, we always pride ourselves on being fair and working harder than others, but making it a fun place to be,” he said. “We have a good social side of things, for us, having football and netball together has been the best thing that’s happened to the club. “Having functions that are friendly for female and males, I think that helps for both sides.

Stuart Stephenson is a major part of Narre Warren’s sucess. 198491

Stuart with his daughter Ashleigh after bringing home a netball premiership.

“I have got two daughters myself and a son that plays at the club. “It’s about making it a place where they and their friends want to be. I think by making it a safe place to be, that helps to sell it to other parents and people as well,” Stephenson said. Having been at the club since the early 90’s, Stephenson has seen his fair share of silverware across both clubs.

ing staff; we got to send off a champion of our club, Michael Collins, the right way. “Yeah 2019 was my favourite,” Stephenson said. The Pies seem to relish in the opportunity of being the underdog and it will head into this seasons finals campaign as one of the underdogs. Never write them off though, this culture seems to find a way when it matters most.

But the most recent football premiership stacks up better than most in the mind of the Pies president, as it was a fitting send off for one of the club’s all-time greats. “In think 2019, beating Berwick, was my favourite,” he said. “They had been a great side over a number of years and we hadn’t really troubled them for a few years. “It was really well planned by the coach-

A-League premiers move into new south-east digs By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Melbourne City’s head of legal May Low, head of infrastructure Ian Wilson and chief executive Brad Rowse with Casey CEO Glenn Patterson, Casey city design and construction manager Trevor Griffin and city planning director James Collins at the sod-turning at Casey Fields.

Artist’s impression of Melbourne City’s new administration and high performance building at Casey

“I’d love to see them bring the trophy to Harmony Square.” Recently, the first sod was turned on the club’s new elite-training pitch at Casey Fields. Made of hybrid grass, the pitch is flanked by four existing pitches – one grass and three synthetic. The existing fields will be used by Melbourne City’s academy teams, City in the Community programs as well as local schools and club programs. Second stage is a new two-story admin and high-performance building.

level of excitement.” At the sod-turning, Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said he was “already in awe of the facility we are standing in today”. “I am really looking forward to touring the finished product next year. “The City of Casey has invested significantly into this project, but we have done so because of the enormous good we know it – and the club – can provide for our residents. ‘We reside within one of the most multicultural communities in Australia, and so many in our community absolutely love the round ball game.”

Currently in detailed design phase, building works are expected to start this year. Completion is estimated at mid-2022. Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the start of works was “another exciting milestone” in the partnership between the council and the club. “The December announcement of Melbourne City’s move to South East Melbourne was met with great enthusiasm in our community. “To now see signs of life in the development of the next stage of what will be a truly world class facility will only increase that

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Freshly crowned as A-League premiers, Melbourne City FC will start embedding itself at its new home in coming months. Admin staff for the champion club will start moving into the precinct in August. Meanwhile, the club’s A-League and fourtime W-League premiership teams start preseason training in August and September respectively. The academy teams started playing and training at Casey Fields in February. Melbourne City chief executive Brad Rowse said the move to the South East and the 3-1 grand final victory on 27 June were “just the beginning of an exciting future”. ““The welcome we have received in the South East has been extraordinary, and we cannot wait to see the Etihad City Football Academy come to life. “This is more than an elite training facility, it’s a home for football in South East Melbourne.” Greater Dandenong Council is lobbying for funds for a $110 million Dandenong Sports and Events Centre to host future Melbourne City games. Located next to Dandenong railway station, the stadium would hold up to 15,000 spectators for soccer, rugby, marquee community sports, concerts, festivals, conferences and possibly eSports. Councillor Jim Memeti – who instigated the push for a national-league soccer in Dandenong - congratulated the club on its premiership success.

BEACONSFIELD HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE 102-112 Old Princes Highway, Beaconsfield PH:9707 5055

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Thursday, 8 July, 2021

STAR NEWS 25

SPORT Local Scoreboard OUTER EAST PREMIER DIVISION Scores Cranbourne 6.3 (39) v Woori Yallock 5.9 (39), Narre Warren 12.9 (81) v Beaconsfield 12.13 (85), Upwey Tecoma 4.15 (39) v Olinda Ferny Creek 4.11 (35), Wandin 9.15 (69) v Doveton 5.14 (44)

Ladder Beaconsfield 100 per cent, Cranbourne 78.57, Narre Warren 62.50, Olinda Ferny Creek 57.14, Pakenham 50, Woori Yallock 43.75, Upwey Tecoma 28.57, Wandin 14.29, Doveton 14.29

This week Doveton v Narre Warren, Woori Yallock v Wandin, Beaconsfield v Cranbourne, Upwey Tecoma v Pakenham

OUTER EAST DIVISION ONE Scores Berwick Springs 2.6 (18) v Officer 15.11 (101), Gembrook Cockatoo 8.12 (60) v Emerald 12.10 (82), Healesville 14.20 (104) v Belgrave 5.7 (37), Seville 13.7 (85) v Mt Evelyn 10.5 (65)

Ladder Monbulk 78.57 per cent, Mt Evelyn 77.78, Officer 75, Gembrook Cockatoo 68.75, Emerald 50, Seville 50, Healesville 28.57, Berwick Springs 25, Belgrave 0

This week Belgrave v Seville, Officer v Mt Evelyn, Monbulk v Healesville, Gembrook Cockatoo v Berwick Springs

EASTERN PREMIER DIVISION Scores

Berwick defender Riley Heddles has Ali Zijai in his sights in the big game against the Bulls. 242703

Picture: ROB CAREW

Wickers again are slow out of blocks By Nick Creely and David Nagel Berwick’s propensity for slow starts has once again cost it the chance to compete with one of the power teams of the Eastern Football League (EFL) Premier Division with the Wickers going down to Noble Park by 20 points at Pat Wright Oval on Saturday. The Wickers were once again slow out of the blocks against the Bulls, being kept scoreless as the home side ground out a 15-point lead at quarter time. The Wickers matched the Bulls in the second term, but were outgunned in the third, before putting some respectability on the scoreboard by kicking four goals to two in the final term. Berwick coach Clint Evans is fully aware that slow starts could prove costly as the Wickers switch to survival mode in the last eight rounds of the season. “The competition is so even and that’s three games in a row now, against Doncaster East, South Croydon and Noble, where we’ve given good football teams a head start,” Evans said. “Maybe in a past life we could overcome that, but we’re playing better sides now on a weekly basis and we can’t afford to give away starts. “I thought we had a real crack but we were always behind the eight ball.” In the AFL Outer East Premier Division,

mighty Mick Fogarty has the undefeated Beaconsfield absolutely humming. The Eagles – as they have been all season – were dynamic, sharp by foot, well-structured and unbelievably committed to the contest as they knocked off reigning premiers Narre Warren on Saturday, 12.13 (85) to 12.9 (81). And despite the Magpies roaring home and almost pinching a win after trailing by 36 points at the final change, it was yet another indicator that there’s something brewing for a club chasing their first piece of senior silverware in seven years. The Magpies were never going to lie down and cop the defeat – as a proud club they charged home with class and energy and will take confidence it’s best footy isn’t far off, but the Eagles held their nerve when it mattered. While the last quarter may have been more of a reminder that the Magpies are one hell of a side and never quite out of a contest, the Eagles played some destructive football for the first three quarters. Wandin also picked up its first win of the season, and as a result have sent Doveton to the bottom of the table, 9.15 (69) to 5.14 (44). The Doggies have been valiant this season without much reward, but found their bark to register a 25-point win over the Doves at home. The clash was tight for the first half before Nick Adam’s group slammed on five goals to

one in the third and fourth quarters to win comfortably. In Division 1, Officer continued on with its electric form, recording a fifth straight win against a plucky Berwick Springs outfit, 15.11 (101) to 2.6 (18). The Kangaroos travelled to Mick Morland Reserve for the first time, and were a class above from the outset, but the Titans – as they have shown throughout a promising first senior season – showed endeavour and moments of flashiness in the loss and were far from disgraced. For the Titans, Nick Rattle once again proved his worth and would be right up there in the club’s best and fairest. In Southern Division 2, Hampton Park banked a gritty 16 point win against Chelsea Heights at Robert Booth Reserve, 11.3 (69) to 7.11 (53). The Redbacks were trailing at the final change but clicked into gear when it mattered, with Luke O’Brien (three goals), Liam Myatt (three goals), Travis Davis and Jackson Fry among the best. In Division 3, Endeavour Hills played some of its best football of the season against South Yarra, 19.17 (131) to 3.1 (19), and the Narre South Saints banked percentage with a dominant win against Doveton Eagles, 31.26 (212) to 0.2 (2), while in Division 4, Hallam banked a 46-point win against Cerberus, 9.11 (65) to 2.7 (19).

Pies pounce on classic swing game By Tyler Lewis It was your classic ‘eight point game’ on Saturday when old rivals Narre Warren and Beaconsfield took to the courts in the AFL Outer East Premier Division. On a day brilliant for netball conditions, the two teams played out a tale of two halves, with the Eagles dominating the opening half, but the Maggies surging ahead when it counted in the second half. The black and white army eventually got over the line 53-45; now putting them in second place a win ahead of Beacy. The sharp-shooters of both sides relished the tremendous conditions, with Jemma Osborne (Narre Warren) scoring 33 goals and Elizabeth Murphy (Beaconsfield) adding 37 26 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 8 July, 2021

to her already impressive season total. The win for the Pies is a special one, but Narre Warren will need something with more to get over the rampant Olinda Ferny Creek. The Bloods notched another win on the weekend, this time over Upwey Tecoma, 5336. Krista Tomlinson was named in the best players once again – it’s a catch 22 with Tomlinson, if she plays, the Bloods are likely to dominate, and if the Bloods dominate, she is likely to win another league best and fairest. It’s hard to envision anything derailing this season, but stranger things have happened in finals. In other matches across the top flight, Doveton suffered a heavy loss to Wandin, 66-

40; Cranbourne got over the top of Woori Yalloock, 51-42 and Berwick celebrated another win over Pakenham, 46-22. It’s a task set for the footballers, but it would be brilliant to see ROC take on Olinda Ferny Creek next season, as both teams prove to be sheer powerhouses of both divisions. ROC shows no mercy on the court each and every week, this week against Berwick Springs at the top of the line facilities at Mick Morland reserve, 62-19. When the Roos fire on all cylinders, they’re simply unbeatable, when they fire at half strength, they still look a frightening task for any opposition. Dee Dee Deng and Ellie Coutts again fired on the weekend in the big win.

Balwyn 14.12 (96) v Doncaster 7.7 (49), Blackburn 7.14 (56) v North Ringwood 10.8 (68), Norwood 7.10 (52) v South Croydon 4.10 (34), Noble Park 12.10 (82) v Berwick 10.2 (62), Doncaster East 10.10 (70) v Vermont 13.8 (86)

Ladder Vermont 87.50, Noble Park 77.78, Norwood 71.43, South Croydon 66.67, Balwyn 62.50, Blackburn 37.50, Doncaster 37.50, Rowville 28.57, Doncaster East 25, Berwick 25, North Ringwood 25

This week Berwick v Norwood, Noble Park v Doncaster East, Doncaster v North Ringwood, Rowville v Blackburn, South Croydon v Balwyn

SOUTHERN DIVISION 2 Scores East Brighton 13.17 (95) v Keysborough 5.8 (38), Hampton 19.13 (127) v Heatherton 13.11 (89), Hampton Park 11.3 (69) v Chelsea Heights 7.11 (53), Springvale Districts 13.12 (90) v Skye 5.6 (36), Murrumbeena 3.7 (25) v Caulfield Bears 17.13 (115)

Ladder Springvale Districts 40 points, East Brighton 32, Caulfield Bears 28, Keysborough 28, Hampton Park 24, Skye 20, Chelsea Heights 16, Heatherton 8, Hampton 8, Murrumbeena 0

This week Chelsea Heights v Murrumbeena, Caulfield Bears v East Brighton, Heatherton v Springvale Districts, Keysborough v Hampton, Skye v Hampton Park

SOUTHERN DIVISION 3 Scores Endeavour Hills 19.17 (131) v South Yarra 3.1 (19), South Mornington 3.8 (26) v Black Rock 16.12 (108), Doveton Eagles 0.2 (2) v Narre South Saints 31.26 (212), Clayton 8.8 (56) v Ashwood 4.10 (34)

Ladder Black Rock 36 points, Clayton 32, Ashwood 28, Narre South Saints 24, Endeavour Hills 24, South Yarra 8, South Mornington 8, Doveton Eagles 0

This week Doveton Eagles v South Yarra, Ashwood v Endeavour Hills, Narre South Saints v South Mornington, Black Rock v Clayton

SOUTHERN DIVISION 4 Scores Lyndhurst 16.13 (109) v Dandenong 1.5 (11), Carrum Patterson Lakes 12.11 (83) v Frankston Dolphins 5.9 (39), Moorabbin Kangaroos 12.10 (82) v Lyndale 9.17 (71), Hallam 9.11 (65) v Cerberus 2.7 (19)

Ladder Carrum Patterson Lakes 40 points, Lyndhurst 32, Hallam 28, Cerberus 24, Frankston Dolphins 16, Moorabbin Kangaroos 12, Dandenong 4, Lyndale 4

This week Lyndale v Hallam, Dandenong v Carrum Patterson Lakes, Cerberus v Lyndhurst, Moorabbin Kangaroos v Frankston Dolphins

WEST GIPPSLAND Scores Bunyip 9.10 (64) v Kilcunda Bass 13.9 (87), Cora Lynn 10.10 (70) v Warragul Industrials 6.7 (43), Kooweerup 6.6 (42) v Inverloch-Kongwak 7.13 (55), KorumburraBena 3.6 (24) v Phillip Island 18.11 (119), Nar Nar Goon 25.21 (171) v Dalyston 3.5 (23), Tooradin Dalmore 17.17 (119) v Garfield 8.4 (52)

Ladder Phillip Island 36 points, Inverloch-Kongwak 32, Nar Nar Goon 32, Cora Lynn 32, Tooradin Dalmore 28, Garfield 24, Warragul Industrials 16, Bunyip 16, Kilcunda Bass 4, Kooweerup 4, Dalyston 4

This week Dalyston v Phillip Island, Garfield v Kilcunda Bass, Inverloch Kongwak v Bunyip, Kooweerup v Korumburra-Bena, Nar Nar Goon v Warragul Industrials, Tooradin-Dalmore v Cora Lynn

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12503078-CG28-21

BERWICK