Pakenham Gazette - 28th June 2023

Barry

Dan saves old pub

Local real estate agent Dan O’Loughlin was one of many locals lamenting the potential demise of the old Pakenham Hotel. So he set about finding a group of new owners that would keep the beloved pub operating - and last week he was thrilled to announce a deal had been struck with a group of locals to do just that. “It’s a great result for Pakenham,” he said.

STORIES PAGES 2-3

Real Estate

Dan

Greg Lynn trial in 2024

A trial date has been confirmed for accused double killer Greg Lynn, but there’s concerns about his ability to fund the case.

Victoria’s Supreme Court was originally set to hear Lynn’s trial for the murder of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay in October this year, but those dates will now be used for extensive pre-trial argument ahead of a new trial set to start on 13 February next year.

Judicial Registrar Tim Freeman raised concerns about Lynn’s ability to fund his defence after defence barrister Dermot Dann KC confirmed no funding was in place.

It’s understood there have been delays with Lynn’s application for services through Victorian Legal Aid and Mr Freeman indicated he could ask or order VLA to prioritise the case if required.

STORY PAGE 7

Hills Hub ‘sitting idle’

Hills residents are calling on Cardinia Shire Council to reconsider their management of Emerald’s Hills Hub as community complaints point to the lack of access and facilities used.

The $8.1m building has been open for three years and has drawn criticism from residents regarding supposed short opening hours, lack of public-facing staff and neglect of facilities. This has prompted the Hills Photographic Society to start a community petition which was tabled before the council.

STORY PAGE 7

$100K food goal

By Eleanor Wilson

The Cardinia Foundation has announced the launch of a new funding program to address the rising issue of food insecurity in the shire. The philanthropic foundation, which has

been assisting community organisations throughout Cardinia and Casey for two decades, is in the process of establishing an ongoing food fund that aims to provide grants to local emergency food relief organisations.

The Food Support Fund will exist in addi-

tion to the foundation’s annual community grants program, which supports charity projects in a range of fields including education, health and wellbeing, social cohesion, the environment and the arts.

Cardinia Foundation chief executive Kara

WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE

Orthodontic Treatment for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances. We offer flexible, interest free payment plans to make orthodontics accessible to everyone.

Norton-Jones said the organisation has set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to put towards the food fund.

STORY PAGE 5

Plant

co-principal

O’Loughlin has brokered a deal to keep the iconic Pakenham Hotel operating.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS