Pakenham Gazette - 14th June 2023

Rise in rough sleeping

Fresh data shows more people are sleeping rough in Pakenham, with the suburb named among the top 10 Victorian electorates with growing rates of homelessness. The Council to Homeless Persons has released an electoral breakdown of Victorians sleeping rough or living in unstable accommodation between 2016 and 2021.

It found homelessness rates have fallen in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, but tight rental markets are driving up the numbers in Victoria’s west and parts of the South East, including Cranbourne.

STORY PAGE 7

Saviour yet to be found

After making a full recovery from suffering a stroke in 2015, Samantha L’Estrange is grateful for her life every day, but the one person she has yet been able to thank is the Good Samaritan who assisted in saving her life all those years ago. Last Saturday 10 June marked eight years since Samantha suffered a stroke while in the car with her four-year-old in Pakenham.

With little ability to help herself in a dire situation, it was a nameless passerby who thought quick enough to help her get the medical attention she needed.

Eight years on, she is still searching for the man who helped save her life.

STORY PAGE 9

Garfield freezes

BIG FREEZE COVERAGE PAGES 19, 20, 22

Royal recognition

As many as seven locals from all walks of life have received a Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the King’s Birthday Honours on Monday, 12 June.

From the performing arts to the cattle industry, the medals recognised the contributions of prolific and hard working citizens in our area.

Bunyip priest Ken Parker OAM was a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal for over 50 years of service to the Anglican Church.

Prolific musician from Drouin, Lisa Gerrard OAM, was honoured with the medal for her worldly contribution to the performing arts.

Cora Lynn raised Brian Leslie OAM was ac-

knowledged for his work in the cattle industry as an expert judge and advocate.

Berwick’s Robert Millen OAM has dedicated 50 years to Scouts Victoria and was given the medal on Monday for his dedication.

While Clyde North’s Julie Cini OAM was recognised for her fight against genetic muscular atrophy through her advocacy,

writing and mentorship.

InWarragul, Mary Howlett received a medal for service to the community and to education, while Pamela June Mawson received a medal for her service to the community through a range of organisations.

STORIES PAGES 2, 3, 5

Super Mario Kane Warenycia awaits an icy plunge at the Garfield Big Freeze. 340518

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Thirteen brave sliders hit the inflatable slope in a range of daring costumes at the Garfield Hotel on Sunday 13 June, with the community raising $35,000 for research to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).