News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 25th January 2024

PAKENHAM OFFICER

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Thursday, 25 January, 2024

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Roll up your sleeves

Bangladeshi community unites

Live painting at Bunjil Place

Lion legends out in force

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SPORT

Fluffy tales and bear hugs There was teddy bear lovers aplenty at the Pakenham Library on Tuesday 23 January.

It was all part of the Teddy Bears Picnic Storytime event, which brought smiles to the faces of local children.

With their favourite teddy bears in hand, the kids soaked in the stories and songs.

Libraries across the region have been hosting a whole suite of events and activities for the youngens during the school holidays.

It’s in addition to their regular bumper schedule.

And it’s all been well received by local families with kids often itching to get out of their house.

Story page 2

Megan with children Sullivan, 20 months and Jasper, 4. 382791 Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

Schools targeted Police have charged a 40-year-old Pakenham man over a spate of alleged burglaries at schools in the Cardinia area over the past month.

Police were patrolling the Officer area on Friday 19 January, when they arrested a man during an alleged burglary at a primary school

on Bridge Road at about 4am.

Further inquiries have allegedly linked the man to a number of other burglaries, including at a primary school on Tivendale Road in Officer on the same day.

Police executed a search warrant at a home on Ash Crescent in Pakenham, on Monday 22

January, where they seized tools believed to have been stolen during burglaries at an additional three schools in Berwick and Officer on Thursday 18 January and Friday 19 January.

Police also seized items including a standup paddle board allegedly linking the man to a burglary at a camping store in Pakenham on 3 January, as well as a camper trailer valued at

$30,000, believed to have been stolen from Innovation Way in Pakenham on Friday 12 January.

Police charged the 40-year-old Pakenham man with four counts of burglary and one count of theft and he was remanded in custody to appear in Dandenong Magistrates Court on Tuesday 23 January.

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Snuggle up with stories Pakenham Library was the place to be for all teddy bear lovers on Tuesday 23 January as part of the Teddy Bears Picnic Storytime event.

Visitors brought along their favourite teddy to enjoy the stories, songs and a craft activity.

Star News photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC went along to capture all of the fun.

Willow, 18 months, with her nan. 382791

Olivia, 18 months. 382791

Aoife, 3, Audrey, 4, and Elissa, 2. 382791

Pictures: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

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NEWS

Donors answering the call

By Matthew Sims Pakenham residents are encouraged to book in to donate blood at Lifeblood’s pop-up donor centre.

The centre is open until Friday 26 January and is set to return for another visit starting Monday 15 April.

Officer South resident Catherine Puoch was among the donors who visited on Monday 22 January.

Hailing from the UK, she was only eligible to donate blood recently, after Lifeblood changed its rules to allow those who lived in the UK due to ‘mad cow’ disease.

The human variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) or ‘mad cow’ ban impacted people who lived in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Falkland Islands for six months or more between 1980 and 1996.

Lifeblood removed the ban on donating blood in July 2022 following an in-depth risk assessment, performed by Lifeblood and UNSW Sydney’s Kirby Institute.

It found there would be no risk of acquiring human variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) from blood donations and that Australia’s blood supply would remain one of the safest in the world.

Ms Puoch said she had donated three times since the ban was lifted.

“I was excited,” she said.

“It was just something that I wanted to do to help out.”

With a rare blood type of A-, Ms Puoch said she was glad to know her blood was being used to help people.

“You find out where it goes after,” she said.

Australia’s first study into blood donation eligibility, conducted by the Kirby Institute and Lifeblood and published in Transfusion, showed about 10.5 million people are eligible to donate blood in Australia.

Lifeblood Executive donor experience director Cath Stone said the organisation was excited to see more people decide to donate blood.

Nurse Carolyn assists Catherine during her donation. 384355

Officer South resident Catherine Puoch enjoyed having somewhere to donate close to home.

384355 Pictures: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

Blood tubes are used to collect blood samples.

“The study also shows a high level of misperceptions around blood donation eligibility, including the UK change, and we believe awareness may be the single biggest barrier to lifting donation rates,” she said.

“I urge the community not to rule themselves out.

“Spread the word and encourage friends,

While people will be relaxing over the long weekend, the need for blood never stops, particularly for cancer patients, trauma victims and new babies.

colleagues and loved ones to check their eligibility and donate now if they can.

“After all, 1 in 3 Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, so we should all think about paying it forward.”

Every week Australia needs 33,000 blood and plasma donations to keep up with demand.

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For more information about how to donate blood, phone 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.

Council invites community to join Midsumma Cardinia Shire Council is welcoming community members to march behind the Cardinia Shire banner at this year’s Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda on Sunday 4 February 2024.

Participants can register their intention to attend using the online form at bit.ly/PrideMarchReg2024 The march, now in its 29th year, will commence from Ian Johnson Oval (the marshalling area) and take a one-kilometre route along Fitzroy Street in St Kilda.

The Cardinia Shire marching group will be assembling at the marshalling area on the oval from 11.30am.

Following the march, the celebrations will continue at Catani Gardens, with participants able to enjoy afternoon festivities.

For more information about the Midsumma Pride March, visit midsumma.org.au or contact council’s customer service team on 1300 787 624.

For more information, visit cardinia.vic. gov.au/lgbtiq

Cardinia Shire Council is inviting the community to attend this year’s Midsumma Pride Festival.

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Celebrating rich diversity Pride and joy was felt in a vibrant gathering celebrating the rich diversity of the Bangladeshi community of the South East.

The annual picnic, organised by the Casey Cardinia Bangladeshi Community, was held on Sunday 14 January at the Officer Public Hall showcasing Bangladeshi strength and unity.

The day was a hit, with fun games, traditional food, music and dance.

“The commendable effort to come together on short notice truly exemplifies the genuine spirit of our community,“ organisers said.

“Honour was heightened by the distinguished presence of Jason Wood MP, a stalwart advocate for multiculturalism and a strong supporter of integrating diverse values into Australian politics.”

Shoheli Sunjida, Nishat Sanjeeda, and Sha-

mima Nasreen who live in Officer and Pakenham have been instrumental in this fun-filled event to bring the local Bangladeshi community members together.

“The adults also loved all the fun and felt nostalgic,“ said Shoheli.

“Lots of games that we played in our childhood were organised for children and adults to tell the next generation how much fun we had when there was no phone or mobile devices.“ The organisers also wished that their shared experiences at the event strengthen the bonds of friendship, understanding, and collaboration within the broader Australian community.

Casey Cardinia Bangladeshi Community is looking forward to hosting many more events where more Bangladeshi families can meet other.

The day was to celebrate and bring together the local Bangladeshi community. Pictures: SUPPLIED

The event was held at Officer Public Hall.

Tug of war was one of many games.

La Trobe MP Jason Wood attended the event.

Endeavour Hills man pleads guilty to cybercrime Jiao’s home was raided by police on 5 April.

He was arrested and his laptop and phone seized.

On 19 January, he was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order.

Genesis Market was shut down after an international investigation led by the FBI and assisted by Australian Federal Police and state police units including in Victoria.

The website had access to more than 1.5 million compromised computers, according to the AFP. AFP Cyber Command acting assistant commissioner Chris Goldsmid said cybercriminals were constantly looking for ways to exploit the community for financial gain.

“The public should take steps to protect themselves against this sort of crime including regularly changing passwords, ensuring they are unique to different accounts and enabling two-factor authentication.”

Dutch Police developed a portal to check if your personal details were compromised on Genesis Market.

Visit politie.nl/checkyourhack If you believe you’ve been a victim of cybercrime, report it to police at cyber.gov.au Jiou Wangzhen, 32, was arrested at his Endeavour Hills home in April 2023. He later pleaded guilty to the cybercrime of buying compromised personal data.

Picture: AFP

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An Endeavour Hills man has been sentenced over buying stolen information from an online criminal marketplace.

Wangzhen Jiao, 32, pleaded guilty at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to possessing data with the intent to committing a computer offence.

He had allegedly used an invite-only website Genesis Market which sold log-in credentials, browsing history, autofill form data and other sensitive data.

The man allegedly purchased ‘bots’ containing about 650 compromised credentials.

Such “digital fingerprints” can be used to mimic a victim’s access credentials to access their online accounts.

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Doctor campaign pays off

By Violet Li Pearcedale Medical Centre has reopened on Friday and Saturday mornings since 19 January after the community’s joint effort to raise awareness of the GP shortage crisis in town.

Two new GPs have joined the centre with Dr Pillay practising on Friday and Saturday mornings and Dr Gauchan expecting patients on Saturday mornings.

In 2023, Star News reported that the medical centre had to cut operating hours due to long-time difficulties in hiring new GPs. Owner Dr Farza Rastegar said policy restrictions and zoning rules shut qualified overseas doctors out of the door.

Zoned as a ‘metropolitan’ clinic in the Casey-south catchment, the centre is only allowed to hire overseas-trained GPs or accredited foreign graduates who have been working in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) for at least 10 years before providing services covered by Medicare rebates. DPAs are locations with a shortage of GPs, mainly in regional, rural, and remote areas.

Neighbouring areas, including Frankston and Mornington, have been granted DPA, despite having multiple medical clinics.

Somerville, located within the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, shares the same postcode as Pearcedale and has been classified as DPA. Running the only GP service in town with four GPs caring for more than 3000 patients, Dr Rastegar felt the increasing pressure and requested an exemption change to the DPA classification of the catchment around June last year, which was not approved.

The government stated that the CaseySouth catchment had higher than average levels of GP services.

The community was furious about the rejection after it led to the clinic cutting its hours.

They talked to different media outlets, including The Guardian and ABC, hoping for a change.

Dr Rastegar said one of the new GPs Dr Pillay saw the news on ABC and contacted her.

“He works in Warragul and lives in Clyde.

Pearcedale Medical Centre. 368433 He was really keen to help out,” she said.

“But I don’t think he will be able to work here permanently. It’s hard for him to work for six and seven days a week.

“I don’t want to raise my hopes high.”

Dr Rastegar did not hear anything affirmative from the government and she believed nothing would change in the next round of DPA review after a phone call with an official working for the Department of Health.

“It was a very condescending conversation.

He constantly told me to stop and listen like I am a five-year-old,” she said.

“He was trying to explain to me why they can’t change DPA and exempt the area because it’s a competition between doctors.

“He was saying there was a competition within general practices, and the practices that have more doctors are going to be more successful and have more patients.”

Dr Rastegar said she was shocked to learn

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS general practices were a hunger game in this official’s mind.

“My small business can’t afford $30,000 recruitment fees. I questioned him if he was telling me because our clinic is smaller, we are destined to fail,” she said.

“He said he did not mean that, but he thought our clinic got too many patients for the number of doctors. Why can’t the patients go somewhere else?

“I said because my patients are local and some of them are elderly. They can’t drive. And he was like, so you want the government to change the guidelines for 10 elderly patients?”

The conversation did not go anywhere, Dr Rastegar said.

“It was a really heated and upsetting conversation. My heart was pounding for four hours after the call,” she said.

“I am going to fight this because I don’t think this is right. The location on the map should not override the health and well-being

of 3000 patients.

“But I don’t think they would change [DPA] at all. If I shut down tomorrow, I don’t think they care.”

In a statement to Star News, federal Health Minister Mark Butler said they knew Melbourne’s outer south-east was continuing to grow and it was becoming more difficult to get into a GP. “There is no higher priority in health for the Albanese Government than rebuilding general practice,” he said.

“That’s why we are undertaking a wideranging review to urgently investigate how to more equitably distribute doctors and other health workers around the country, through the Working Better for Medicare Review.

“The government funds a range of programs and incentives to encourage GPs to relocate in addition to DPA.” The Working Better for Medicare Review is expected to be completed in 2024.

GoFundMe launched following drowning tragedy

By Violet Li A fundraising campaign has been launched to support the funeral expenses of a Cranbourne East man who drowned on Friday 12 January.

Sahil Panwar, a 25-year-old man originally from Haryana in North India, was swept out to sea in the vicinity of the Bourne Creek Trestle Bridge at Kilcunda Surf Beach at about 8.30pm when he was trying to retrieve his sunglasses in the water.

He was found unresponsive on the beach about an hour later.

Coming to Australia in 2016 as a student,

Sahil Panwar at the Yarra River.

Picture: SUPPLIED Mr Panwar was a hard-working cabinet maker before the tragedy.

He was also a beloved husband, son,

brother, and friend, known for his infectious laughter, warm spirit, and zest for life, according to his cousin Sunil Kumar who launched the GoFundMe fundraising page.

“His absence has left a void that can never be filled, but together, we can alleviate the financial strain that has descended upon his family,” he wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Mr Kumar said Mr Panwar’s wife was shattered learning about the sudden death of her husband.

He set up the fundraising campaign to assist the family in covering funeral costs, memorial services, and other unforeseen expenses.

“Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact and show his family that they are not alone during this difficult time,” he said.

“The pain of losing a loved one is immeasurable, but our collective compassion and support can make a tangible difference.”

The campaign has a target of $55,000 and the family has received around $53,000 after seven days of fundraising.

Mr Panwar’s body has been transported back to India. Mr Kumar said his family would go back to India soon for the funeral.

To help, go to gofundme.com/f/help-sahils-family-in-the-wake-of-tragic-loss

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Happy 101st birthday!

By Ethan Benedicto Being a centenarian is no easy milestone, but moving forward from that is another feat entirely.

Rosalina Manantan turned 101 on 15 January 2024, making her a step closer to being a super-centenarian who is typically aged 110 and over.

This also makes Mrs Manantan one of Victoria’s rough estimates of 1432 people who have hit triple digits, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics December 2018 quarterly population report.

Milagros Manantan Reyes, the eldest daughter at 74 years old said during her mother’s party that she’s “just so thankful to the Lord”.

“Because without any medications, without any maintenance, just vitamins and drinking some red wine, there haven’t been any big health concerns,” Mrs Reyes said.

After sisters and relatives laughed at her banter, Mrs Reyes reiterated that she was confident in her mother’s health.

Nanay Rosa, which translates to mother Rosa, is what the 101-year-old has been fondly referred to, and has only ever had one “not so serious problem”.

“The first time she was here it took us six months to clear a calcification in her lungs, but that was not really serious or anything.

“She’d rest here and then have all these pathology tests and then it was all normal, she didn’t have anything,” Mrs Reyes said.

Mrs Reyes came to Australia in 1987 and decided to bring her mother to her home in Hampton Park a few years later in 1993.

When her husband died in 1990, Mrs Manantan received most of her support from her children, all of who were overseas at that point.

“I was providing for her all the time, so I had to bring her here so I could just look after her.

“Everyone wants their parents to come here, for a better life and that was my purpose,” she said.

Instead of continuously sending her mother money, Mrs Reyes felt that bringing her to Melbourne was a more viable option, where she could provide help in many more ways.

Mrs Manantan was more than a welcome presence in her new home, with Mrs Reyes recalling that she had been a boon to the household chores.

“She was able to help me in so many ways, wash our clothes, ironing, cooking, and at that time she was still 70 so she could do that.

“When I’d come home from work there’d be food and all the washing’s done, she was good help to me as well,” Mrs Reyes said.

From 1998, Mrs Manantan also saw continued support from the Australian Filipino Com-

Milagros Manantan Reyes (left) with members from Young Generation watching a video from cousins overseas.

Rosalina Manantan being greeted by Young Generation members during her 101st party.

Pictures: SUPPLIED munity Services, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes Filipino migrants’ wellbeing.

The AFCS also advocates for better economic, cultural and political rights in Australia, all of which Mrs Manantan had access to.

In the same year, she also became part of the Young Generation Senior Citizens cub, or YG for short, which saw the communal gathering of elderly Filipinos who engaged in activities and held gatherings.

For Mrs Reyes, who is also getting older, one of the more difficult things to manage was her mother’s dementia.

“I don’t know how many years it’s been now that she’s got dementia, but that’s it really,” she said.

In response, she sponsored her younger sister Elma to help care for their mother in 2019, as arthritis had caught up to her.

“After I retired I felt old, arthritis here and arthritis there, so my sister’s the one looking after her now,” Mrs Reyes said.

Mrs Manantan has resided in Elma’s and her husband John’s residence since 2019, which so happens to be the same venue of celebration for her 100-year birthday in 2023.

Mrs Reyes’s explanation for her mother’s longevity is familial and genetic, quoting two other family members in the United States who have also hit the centennial milestone.

She had a first cousin in LA who died when she was nearly 102.

OPINION

LENSCAPE

Milagros Manantan Reyes on the left and her mother Rosalina Manantan on the right.

Another first cousin who Mrs Manantan had grown up with is living in Seattle, Washington, and is 100 years old.

Mrs Manantan had always been a strong believer and a frequent churchgoer, but as her age caught up to her, she had been saying her prayers at home.

Mrs Reyes attributes part of her mother’s healthiness to her strong faith, a quality that has essentially become part of Mrs Manantan herself.

As of now, Mrs Manantan resides in her daughter Elma’s and husband John’s home in Cranbourne North and spends most of her day resting and reading the bible.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumb down To Casey Council not mowing the lawn.

Thumb up To Tooradin Tractor Pull & Truck Show.

Thumb up To the old clothes dyeing day at Wilson Botanic Park Berwick!

Thumb down To people who dump batteries in the rubbish bin and cause fire in the recycling trucks.

Thumb down To the upcoming KFC in Berwick.

Ashan Madhushanka Walgamage batting for Beaconsfield Cricket Club has eyes for the ball delivered by Berwick bowler Mitchell Shirt last Picture: ROB CAREW Saturday. 384311

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Thursday, 25 January, 2024

Thumbs down To all the overgrown grass in the parks and alongside walking paths. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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Thursday, 25 January, 2024

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STAR NEWS 7

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Study support available

By Matthew Sims Berwick’s Emma Kirschner has taken one step closer to achieving her dreams to work in a police lab, thanks to The Smith Family’s Learning For Life education support program.

The former Shepparton High School student joined the program in Year 7 due to her high attendance record and has now transitioned into The Smith Family’s tertiary scholarship program.

The Learning for Life education support program provides financial assistance from a sponsor to help families meet the cost of school essentials like uniforms, books and excursions, support from a Learning for Life Program Coordinator to connect the child and their family to local learning opportunities and other supports and access to The Smith Family’s out-of-school mentoring and educational programs to help children get the most out of their school years.

Now 21, Emma has begun her preparations to tackle a Bachelor of Science at Swinburne University, towards working within forensic science with goals to carry out lab work in a police environment, while also pursuing her art as a side passion.

“It was incredibly helpful,” she said.

“It just allowed me to explore my creative side.

“My family was struggling a bit at the time.”

The program has also been possible thanks to the support of Officeworks’ Back to School appeal.

“It’s been my second home at this point,” Emma said.

The Smith Family chief executive Doug Taylor said they were aiming to increase their sponsorship base from 62,000 to 100,000 by 2027, so even more of the one in six young Australians living below the poverty line today can

receive support.

“Learning for Life, which is enabled by generous Australians, is a game changer; it means that every child we help can access what they need to make the most of their education.

“Our research shows that 85 per cent of students on our support program who were in Year 12 in 2020 were in education, employment, or training two and a half years after leaving school, so we know our program has a long-term positive impact.”

More than 2200 families responded to an annual survey carried out by The Smith Family, with 88.3 per cent of respondents indicating they were worried to some degree about being able to afford all school supplies their children would need in 2024.

Mr Taylor said educational supplies were the first things to fall by the wayside during the increase in the cost of living.

“The families we support make impossible decisions every day about how to prioritise the limited resources they have,” he said.

“Housing, food, and power are top of the list, but the cost of these essentials have all risen rapidly, meaning educational essentials like uniforms, books, a laptop and the internet are increasingly hard to afford.”

“Laptops and the internet are as essential as pens and paper in the 21st-century classroom.

“Every Australian would agree that all children should have the same opportunities as their peers at school, so they can achieve their potential.”

For more information or to support the program, visit thesmithfamily.com.au/programs/learning-for-life Berwick’s Emma Kirschner has been supported in her studies since Year 7 thanks to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. 384209 Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

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STAR NEWS 9

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Transport exec behind bars

By Esther Linder, AAP and Cam Lucadou-Wells A former transport executive has been jailed for up to three years for his reckless workplace behaviour in the lead-up to a crash that killed four police officers.

Cris Large was found guilty of failing to follow health and safety standards while working as national operations manager at Connect Logistics before the Victorian officers were killed in a Melbourne truck smash.

Connect driver Mohinder Singh was fatigued and high on drugs when his semi-trailer ploughed into the four officers, who had stopped a speeding Porsche driven by Richard Pusey on the Eastern Freeway in April 2020.

Large had pleaded not guilty to the charge the most serious under NSW work health and safety laws - in the third case brought by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator against Connect executives.

The prosecution sought the maximum punishment of five years in prison for the systemic failures that led to the deaths of Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King and Constable Josh Prestney.

Magistrate Daniel Reiss on Tuesday ordered Large to serve a non-parole period of 12 months, meaning he will be eligible for release in January 2025.

Prosecutor Jennifer Single SC told Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court that Large should face the highest possible penalty for his offending given the extent of his wrongful behaviour.

That included completing false timesheets, failing to ensure drivers were managing their fatigue appropriately and systemic failures to ensure safety measures were followed.

“It was so simple to be corrected ... the of-

A Connect Logistics executive has been jailed over the freeway crash that killed four police.

Picture: SCOTT BARBOUR/AAP PHOTOS fender simply had to do his job,” Ms Single said.

The heavy-vehicle regulator alleged the truck company, which is no longer operating, risked public safety and contravened its duties by failing to ensure drivers were assessed and monitored for fatigue, drugs and alcohol.

The prosecution argued Large’s encouragement of manager Simiona Tuteru to “get the job done at all costs” was a contributing factor in Singh getting behind the wheel of the truck that later crashed into the four officers.

“By failing to comply with his duties, (Large) engaged in conduct on a number of occasions that repeatedly exposed drivers and later the four police officers to a risk of death and serious

injury,” Ms Single said.

Concerns were raised in the lead-up to the crash about the number of hours worked by some of the drivers, including cases of staff working up to 20 hours a day.

The prosecution also successfully sought a prohibition order to stop Large working in the transport sector for 12 months after his release.

Large’s lawyers argued his lack of criminal record and the relatively short period covering his offences - which occurred between December 2019 and April 2020 - were mitigating factors.

But Mr Reiss rejected his claims of remorse, noting the tragic events did not appear to have

had much of an impact on the former Connect executive.

He described Large’s actions as “very deceitful and deliberate” with the officers’ deaths the consequence.

Members of the four officers’ families earlier told of their grief in losing their beloved wives, sons and brothers after the hearing moved to a larger courtroom to accommodate those who had travelled from Victoria for the sentence.

Large sat with his head down as Andrew Prestney, the father of 28-year-old Josh Prestney, told the court of the “soul-destroying moment” of finding out his son had been killed.

Large was handcuffed and led from the courtroom after the verdict was read out.

His lawyers indicated he would appeal the sentence.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s director of prosecutions Belinda Hughes said the case showed there was a “shared responsibility for drivers to be fit to drive”.

The duty rests on the company and senior management just as much as the driver,” Ms Hughes said.

“Fatigue isn’t a minor issue; a fatigued driver risks their own lives and the lives of the road users around them.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the four officers. This tragedy serves as a sombre reminder of why we must all work together to uphold the highest standards of road safety.”

NHVR statutory compliance executive director Raymond Hassall said the NHVR challenged companies to “critically review” their fatigue management practices.

“These systems are crucial for ensuring the safety of drivers and the public.”

Successful business entry and exit tips and considerations It’s true what they say that you only get one chance to make a first impression and so it is vitally important that any new starter with an organisation gets a positive impression right from the start and feels that they have made the correct choice. In practice, this actually begins at the interview stage when the hiring manager describes what it’s like to work in the business (warts ‘n all) since you don’t want anyone getting nasty surprises on day one.

One key consideration when thinking about how to successfully integrate a new employee is to develop what’s known as an ‘Induction Plan’. This is usually a short document or checklist that defines all the things that need to be done up front and over the first few weeks to make a new start’s entry into the new organisation as seamless as possible.

Some key elements may include: Introduction to all or key members of staff (dependent upon on the role and size of company) Provision of key documentation such as

· ·

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH company policies and procedures, employment contract (if not already signed) Organisation chart and relevant Position Description(s) Tools of the trade (such as computer, mobile phone, keys, physical equipment etc) Technical documentation required for the role Training plan for role-specific and company training It is of course important that new starters are not overwhelmed so the Induction Plan needs to be realistic in terms of timeframes and it should be ensured that key staff list-

· · · ·

ed in the plan are available. Finally, there is nothing worse than a new start turning up on day one only to feel that they were not expected or adequately planned for so the hiring manager should ensure that the location for the new start has been properly resourced and configured any necessary equipment is readily available.

Equally, when a member of staff leaves an organisation, there is a right and a wrong way to go about handling this as well. Irrespective of the reason for the employee leaving, it is always desirable that people leave on good terms and that no bridges are burnt, you never know they may want to come back! These days the workforce is far more transient than in previous years (the national average tenure in a job in Australia is generally thought to be around 3 years and 4 months), so staff turnover is a quite natural and sometimes even desirable state of affairs.

Prior to anyone leaving, it is important that a ‘Transition Plan’ be developed to ensure that nothing significant is lost when the

employee finally departs. A Transition Plan may include things like the list below and should also contain the names of individuals involved along with dates and times to occur: Names and contact details of key staff picking up the former incumbent’s work Documentation of key knowledge and contacts that the individual has Location of stored information Dates and times of training and transition activities Finally, it is always good practice to arrange what is known as an ‘Exit Interview’ just prior to the staff member leaving. This is usually conducted by HR or another senior member of staff and not the departing employee’s boss since the intent is to get as much information as possible about what was good working in the company and what was not so great. A meeting with the boss on this may inhibit some potentially valuable feedback here.

Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au

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FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Feet and Legs FIT for 2024

Kerri Sawdon is a dental prosthetist who makes and repairs dentures as well as mouthguards.

Her Pakenham-based business offers a friendly and relaxed environment, and provides services direct to the public.

Kerri’s business encourages patient feedback to ensure that every customer receives the desired outcome.

Kerri has been working in Pakenham as a prosthetist for 11 years , although Kerri offers more than 30 years of experience in the industry.

Her friendly and relaxed clinic aims to ensure every customer feels comfortable throughout their visit.

The clinic is at 2 McGregor Road, Pakenham, next to the chapel on the corner of Main Street and McGregor Road.

Call for appointments or inquiries on 5940 8055.

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If you have foot or leg pain, problems or injuries contact Dr Paul Dowie at Foot & Leg Pain Clinics in Berwick.

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Fine art of dentures with Kerri

2nd opinion.

The latest medical research and natural regenerative treatments are helping to make many surgeries, cortisone injections, antiinflammatories and even joint replacements avoidable.

Be aware that in some cases cortisone injections can delay healing and contribute to further tissue damage and procedures like arthroscopes are now considered outdated and ill-advised in most cases, as they often have poor or undesirable outcomes.

5. Always get pain checked by an experienced Musculoskeletal podiatrist, not just a GP or regular podiatrist.

Musculoskeletal podiatrists have the specific knowledge and training to look past symptoms and identify the cause and contributing factors of your condition, to treat it effectively.

The site of the pain is not necessarily where the problem is and what seems like simple soreness can be a symptom of more serious underlying issues.

If you have any foot and leg pain, injuries or arthritic concerns you can get advice from Dr. Dowie at Foot & Leg Pain Clinics in Berwick. Call 1300 328 300.

12444149-LB12-20

Dental prosthetist Kerri Sawdon. 166353

We rely on our feet and legs for most of our daily activities, so it’s understandable that so many of us suffer from pain and problems in our feet, ankles and knees etc.

But what can you do if you have foot or leg pain, problems or injuries? Dr Paul Dowie, one of Australia’s most experienced Musculoskeletal Podiatrists & foot and leg pain experts, advises the following: 1. Evaluate footwear. Choose activity appropriate shoes for sport & recreational activities.

Whenever possible choose shoes with straps or laces that hold to the feet, especially for prolonged activity, as thongs and slipson shoes can be very stressful to the feet and legs. If you need to wear high heels, try lower heels or wedges to help reduce tissue stress.

2. Don’t rely on technological advances in footwear to treat pain & discomfort.

The purpose of good footwear is to provide comfort whilst helping to support foot & leg function, not to treat pain or problems.

Seek advice from an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist to treat foot and leg problems.

3. Be wary of off-the-shelf foot products like mass produced orthotics, innersoles and arch supports to assist pain.

Only devices individually prescribed by an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist should be used to ensure effective outcomes.

4. If prescribed surgery or medications, get a

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm | Suite 5, Level 1/18-24 Clyde Rd, Berwick Phone: (03) 9330 0702 | info@seortho.com.au | www.seortho.com.au

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WHAT’S ON Australia Day celebrations Connecting Cockatoo Communities is hosting free Australia Day community morning tea and awards from 8.30am to 10am at the Alma Treloar Reserve in Cockatoo.

In Kooweerup, the Kooweerup Township Committee will be hosting the Australia Day community breakfast and awards event from 8.15am to 10am at the Kooweerup Community Centre.

The Lang Lang Australia Day committee is hosting its ceremony from 9.30am at the Lang Lang Hall.

Berwick Show

·

Probus Club of Pakenham East The Probus Club of Pakenham East is encouraging new members to join.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, commencing at 10am.

A short meeting is followed by morning tea and the opportunity to get to know members prior to the introduction of the guest speaker.

Various activities are held throughout the month.

For more information, phone Pam on 0427 067 823 or Kevin on 0455 877 737 or email probuspakenhameast@gmail.com.

·

2024 Parklea Pakenham Show Wheels on the Farm Free entry to the show featuring rural excellence, marvellous art and craft displays, iconic events and competitions, multi-cultural demonstrations along with new and returning attractions for people of all ages.

Saturday 16 March, PB Ronald Reserve. For more information or to enquire about a trade stand, email pakenhamshow1@bigpond. com.

·

Housing Support and Advice Are you experiencing homelessness? At risk of having no safe place to live? Living in low-cost accommodation with no support?

Visit the Pakenham Library and have a chat with a support worker to discuss available options and resources.

Every Wednesday between 2pm to 4pm.

Bookings are not required. If you require more information, please phone Pakenham Library on 5940 6200.

·

Larni from Animals Fur All in Tooradin with a baby calf at last year’s Berwick Show. 320809

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club Are you newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom, or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/ chat activities with low key in line dancing if you want to tap your feet and great afternoon teas, day/short and long trips away via (coach/ flights), Weekly Morning Coffee Club, Monthly Saturday Country Pub Lunches, Monthly Evening Dineouts, Weekly Table Tennis Club, Walking Groups, Seasonal Daytime Musical Theatre Outings, and more! We welcome all you gentlemen out there with time on your hands! Ladies, come along, this is your time to meet like minded people and make those new friends.

Come along and get to know the club by visiting on a Thursday at 2pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join us on a Wednesday at 10am for a Coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate.

·

Picture: ROB CAREW

For more information, contact Enquiry Officer Gloria 0468 363 616.

Berwick Springs VIEW Club Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.

The club currently supports seven students of varying ages with their education expenses and are about to take on an eighth student.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.30am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.

Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.

The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.

For more information, contact Shirley on 0419 878 481 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@gmail.com

·

The Berwick and District Agricultural and Horticultural Society is celebrating 175 years of the Berwick Show, with everything from A to Z on show, including art, alpacas, cattle, carnival rides, cooking, craft, dogs, face painting, fireworks, food, goats, horses, horticulture, motorbikes, photography, pony rides, showbags and stage entertainment, as well as the woodchopping competition returning.

Saturday 24 February and Sunday 25 February at Akoonah Park.

For more information, visit berwickshow.org. au

·

Join Probus The Probus Club of Casey Combined would be pleased to welcome new members. Short meeting, morning tea, guest speaker and good fellowship. Enquiries: 0406 468 285 (Magda).

The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9.45am at the Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick.

·

Berwick Activities Club As the club heads into its 31st year it wishes to welcome new members to join in the many activities on offer such as New Vogue Dancing, which will see you moving in no time.

Come along on Social Wednesdays where you can join in Carpet Bowls, cards, Scrabble and Table Tennis. Take the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy yourself. Membership is only $10 with a $5 weekly attendance fee which includes morning tea.

For more information phone David on 0433 566 456 or Bruce 0447 554 475.

·

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RETURNING TO PAKENHAM AFTER SIX YEARS

900 PRINCES HIGHWAY, PAKENHAM

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Watch an artist paint live Melbourne-based contemporary artist Ash Keating will paint live on stage to a 12-piece ensemble by internationally acclaimed composer and producer Ryan Ritchie at Bunjil Place on Saturday 10 February.

The performance LIVE PRESSURE is part of his new exhibition PRESSURE at Bunjil Place.

Mr Keating and Mr Richie have collaborated on numerous projects since 2003; this will be their most ambitious undertaking to date, according to the two of them.

LIVE PRESSURE is said to widen the sensory experience through lighting and the dynamic music improvisations of Mr Ritchie’s 12-piece ensemble.

Mr Keating works within an expanded contemporary field through painting, performance, sculpture, video, and intervention.

His large outdoor murals, created with paint-filled fire extinguishers, can be found across Melbourne.

Over the past decade, he has cultivated a studio-based practice, working on canvases that allow for greater experimentation within the controlled conditions of an indoor space.

Presented as one work in nine parts, PRESSURE is a sequence of paintings scaled to encompass and invite the viewer into a field of shifting colour and exuberant gesture.

Drawing on the tradition of action painting that welcomes spontaneity and improvisation, Mr Keating has refined a distinct methodology of intuitive actions and mark-making using varying propulsion and gravity-based techniques.

Looking back to the raw energy of his sitespecific outdoor paintings of the early 2000s, he has approached PRESSURE as a testing ground – a new body of work created as a celebration of experimentation, that draws upon 20 years of practice and the memories deeply held in body and mind.

Ryan Richie is a Melbourne-based composer performer and producer. He is the founding

Ash Keating is using paint-filled fire extinguishers to make large-scale outdoor paintings.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Ash Keating with his exhibition PRESSURE at Bunjil Place. member of orchestral jazz electro ensemble The Raah Project and the artist behind live hip hop/jazz ensemble True Live.

His original work draws influence from the traditions of contemporary jazz, minimalism, hip-hop, and dance.

Ash Keating’s exhibition PRESSURE has been ongoing until 17 March 2024 at Bunjil Place.

Silvers Circus is coming to Pakenham from 9 Feb - 3 Mar, 2024 and Star News has 4 family tickets (5 tickets) to experience this spectacular show!

The show has the cherished and timeless Globe of Death and Wonder Dogs, but this year the audacious Wheel of Steel has returned.

PAKENHAM silverscircus.com.au 12663100-AI03-24

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ENTER NOW Scan the QR CODE OR VISIT: starcommunity.com.au/competitions Thursday, 25 January, 2024

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STAR NEWS 13

Cardinia Shire’s 2024

Award nominees Citizen of the Year Chris White Elizabeth Roberts Garry Oates Graham Cockerell Jarrod Beaumont Patrick Noonan

Senior Citizen of the Year Colin Teese Dr. Mary Cole Dr. Pat Macwhirter Graham Simpson Gwendoline (Anne) Dunn Jagtar Singh Sodhi John Beavis John Glazzard

Young Citizen of the Year Ella Chawkley Lousia Zanin

Community Event of the Year AWBEC – 40th Commemoration of Ash Wednesday Cannibal Creek Landcare Community Planting Day Gembrook Market Pakenham Welcomes 2023 Upper Beaconsfield Village Festival

Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you for your contributions to our community.

The nominees will be officially recognised and winners announced at an Awards Ceremony on Thursday 25 January 2024.

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Gardens put on a show These summer school holidays, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is hosting a range of free and paid events to entertain and encourage children to play, connect, and learn in nature.

The Wind in the Willows For family entertainment and live interactive theatre, The Wind in the Willows is running at Melbourne Botanic Gardens until 28 January, celebrating over 35 years at the gardens and presented by The Australian Shakespeare Company. The Head Chief Rabbit will transform the audience into rabbits with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose. The ‘young rabbits’, will be encouraged to get involved in the action, scream out loud, and sing along.

Nature Play For children who enjoy getting creative, crafty, and messy, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is hosting Nature Play: free family-friendly, nature-based activities until 25 January. Under the shade of the eucalypts in the Kids’ Backyard, Learning Facilitators will teach children about the different plants and animals that call the Australian environment and our Gardens home through a range of nature-inspired play activities.

Kid’s Explorer Bus At both Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and

Nature Play.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne during these school holidays, children can ride free on the Kid’s Explorer Bus. This is a 30-minute tour

Pictures: SUPPLIED designed especially for families where children and their loved ones will experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the Gardens, and learn

The Wind in the Willows. why plants are so important for our planet.

For further information, visit rbg.vic.gov.au and click ‘What’s On’

FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA

Passionate ambassador A long-term connection to the Gympie Music Muster and a passion for the festival has landed Berwick-based country artist, Andrew Swift, the honour of 2024 Muster Ambassador.

Golden Guitar winner Andrew Swift, whose achievements in the Australian country music scene have earned him widespread recognition, is excited about taking on the role.

Having participated in the Muster’s talent search in 2015, Andrew fondly recalled the fun progressions in his journey, from the emerging artist showcase to sharing a set time with Gretta Ziller two years later and then having his own spot two years ago.

“This year, to be named the ambassador is truly an honour,” he said.

“Whenever I come up, I make sure I camp because I love the whole vibe of it; camping means immersing yourself in it all.” he said.

“It caters to families as well as people who want to have a drink and have a good time; the Muster ticks all the boxes and I feel that’s what the festival does incredibly well.”

In his role as ambassador, Andrew will be

Muster Ambassador Andrew Swift. actively involved on the ground throughout the Muster.

“I’m always telling people to go to Gympie and put it on their bucket lists.“ he said.

“To be an ambassador for something I’m already passionate about, is an exciting moment.“ Gympie Music Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh is excited to have the award-winning artist on board.

“His genuine love for the event and his passion for sharing it with others make him a perfect fit for this role.” he said.

Nicole Fowler and Kylie Gibbs enjoy Rockn’ Suzies.

Rockn’ Suzies dance classes have turned 20.

And I still love teaching people how to dance.

I believe that Rock and Roll is one of the easiest of the dance styles to master as it allows for lots of individuality.

The classes are designed to be fun and easy to follow for those aged 10 upwards. Dancing is great for fitness, co-ordination, balance and memory, and many people form great friendships through the classes.

I teach at Pakenham and Cranbourne.

The Pakenham class is held in the hall where the library is at the corner of John and pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Henry streets. The Cranbourne class is held at the senior citizens hall corner of Codrington street and the South Gippsland Highway Both of the nights have beginner and advanced rock ‘n’ roll classes open to all with no partner required. Between classes some of the popular line dances are taught as well.

Rockn’ Suzies also runs a monthly charity dance at the Pakenham hall which has been running for 19 years now. A different band plays each month which everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to attend.

For information call Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670

Rock n Roll Classes Beginners & Advanced Classes held at Cranbourne & Pakenham CRANBOURNE TUESDAY NIGHTS Starting 6th February at 7pm PAKENHAM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Starting 7th February at 7pm

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Still rocking after 20 years

$10 per night - No Partner required

Contact Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670 12655909-MP02-24

Thursday, 25 January, 2024

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STAR NEWS 15

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Ali’s national recognition

By Sahar Foladi Born in Afghanistan, Ali Akber Rezaie has already worked his way up to earn a National Championships medal after just three years in Australia.

The Hampton Park man migrated in 2019 to join his parents and worked odd jobs wherever available.

He decided to take up studies in autobody repair at TAFE and excelled.

“Coming to Australia, everything was new – new culture, new language, and new people.

It was a complex transition for me.

“It can be hard to settle, to find a job or to understand the systems and TAFE helped with that,” he said.

“As soon as I started an apprenticeship, I knew this was for me, this is what I was looking for.”

He began working at an automotive repair company that sponsored him to study his Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology at TAFE. He went on to win a bronze award in autobody repair at World Skills Australia’s 2023 National Championships and credits his positive experience at Tafe.

“Many of the practical skills we learn in class are immediately applied to the job, but the benefit of TAFE is how we also learn the theory that explains how to do it best.

“When I entered the WorldSkills Australia competition, my trainer was one of my teachers.

“He has been a mentor and has guided me through my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him,” he said.

“I am grateful for TAFE in opening my life to meeting such passionate people who have helped me to build my career and life in Australia.”

The opportunity has further inspired Mr

Ali Akber Rezaie won the Bronze award in autobody repair at WorldSkills Australia’s National Championship.

Rezaie with an ultimate goal to advance and hone his skills in automotive body repair.

He recommends other new arrivals to strive for qualifications and skills that will help them land a job to avoid repeated rejections.

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STAR NEWS 17

SPORT

Juniors to benefit

By Marcus Uhe Junior netball in the South East is set to be the biggest beneficiary of the partnership between the developing South East Premier Netball League (SEPNL) and Outer East Football Netball (OEFN).

In a joint statement from representatives of both organisations on Tuesday 16 January, including OEFN Chief Executive Brett Connell and Netball Coordinator Matt Blanchard, and Lani Mannays and Dean Ziesler from the SEPNL, it was announced that a junior competition would be formed featuring teams from both competitions.

This would allow for “stronger competition and pathways into the relative senior club grades,” the statement read.

“South East Premier Netball League (SEPNL) and Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) are pleased to announce that following a number of productive meetings, they will be joining forces in 2024 and partnering to support and develop community netball further in the South East region of Melbourne,” the statement said.

“This junior competition will be provided competition management and administrative support by OEFN, in partnership with SEPNL. “While a number of details still need to be worked through, both parties agree that working together, in good faith and for the good of the game, it will bring longer term benefits to community netball in the region.”

Junior netball fixtures for 2024 are yet to be released.

Clubs that fielded junior sides in 2023 included Narre Warren, Pakenham, ROC, Beaconsfield, Berwick and Hampton Park in the U13s and U15s, while the U17 Blue competition included clubs from the Yarra Valley such as Wandin, Mt Evelyn, Olinda Ferny Creek and Seville.

Beaconsfield, Hampton Park, Berwick, Cranbourne and Berwick Springs have all

Joshua Charlton will be favoured to make a deep run in the tournament. 384680 Picture: SUPPLIED South East Premier Netball League club Beaconsfield will have its junior sides compete in a combined competition with Outer East Football Netball clubs. 357890 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS committed to playing in the SEPNL in 2024, with Beaconsfield and Berwick departing OEFN’s senior netball competition.

Further affirmation of the new league’s emergence came on Tuesday when it announced it had secured affiliation with Netball Victoria.

The decision was made after “careful consideration of the benefits and opportunities” affiliation will bring to stakeholders, such as players, supporters and clubs, the SEPNL Board said in a statement.

Key benefits of affiliation for the league in-

clude accessing more support and resources from Netball Victoria, increased exposure through participation in state-wide competitions, and fostering collaboration amongst other netball competitions.

“We believe that this affiliation will be beneficial for all parties involved; our league members, clubs, players and supporters; Netball Victoria; other state-wide associations; local media outlets; schools; businesses; community organisations; etc,” the SEPNL Board’s statement said.

Netball Victoria declined to comment.

Special day for Life Members at Lions Den

By David Nagel There was a great atmosphere at the Pakenham Cricket Club on Saturday as the Lions hosted their Life Members, Sponsors and Social Members Day at Toomuc Reserve.

Pakenham President Phil Anning welcomed everyone to the event; giving special thanks to the Life Members for giving so much to the club, along with praising the club’s 51 sponsors and 75 social members for their ongoing support.

Pakenham had a great victory over the previously undefeated Kooweerup to top off a great day for the club.

“I always look forward to this day every

year,” Anning told the Gazette.

“Games between Pakenham and Kooweerup are always hard-fought, but the players and supporters of both clubs respect each other immensely and take the day in the right spirit.

“It was great to see so many familiar faces at the club, mingling, telling stories and engaging in some friendly banter.

“Thanks to our members, sponsors, Emma Vulin (MP for Pakenham) and supporters of Kooweerup for making the day so special.”

Pakenham’s next event will be even bigger, with more than 200 ladies booked in for the ‘Sold Out’ Pink Ladies Day on Saturday 2 March.

Life Members of the Pakenham Cricket Club were out in force on Saturday; from left, Andrew Parker, Trevor Williamson, Grant Williams, Peter Farrell, Phil Anning (President), Peter Carr, Clinton Pictures: DAVID NAGEL Smith, Mark Paynter and Eddie Lewis. 384693 18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 25 January, 2024

From left, Pakenham Life Member Eddie Lewis with club sponsor Andrew Montague from Store Local and Pakenham President Phil Anning at the Life Members and Sponsors Day on Saturday. 384693

From left; MP for Pakenham Emma Vulin with Pakenham Life Members Eddie Lewis and Phil Anning with club sponsors Emily Cooper and Melissa Peters from SportsPower Pakenham.

Ace Classic set to start at Bunyip

By Jonty Ralphsmith Preparations are ramping up for the Bunyip Tennis Club, set to host the inaugural Ace Classic from this Friday.

The tournament, first reported on by Star News last week, has since updated details surrounding the event.

There are set to be 18 players descending on Bunyip, with one round of qualifying to make for a main draw of 16.

It means the winner will have to win four main draw matches, with 17 bestof-three-set matches to take place across Friday 26 January and Saturday 27 January.

Play will start at 9am on both days, with the semi finals taking place on Saturday morning, followed by the final.

The winner will receive $1500 in prize money, with the runner up to pocket $500 and semi-finalists to net $200 each.

Restringing and a masseuse will be available on site across the tournament, with children’s activities, food, and an open bar, among the attractions for spectators.

Alongside marquee players Corey Gaal and Joshua Charlton, who both have an ATP ranking, Bunyip’s Dean Scadden, Oscar Tweedale and Chris Millidonis have all secured a spot in the tournament.

There are several other locals involved looking to play against high quality opponents: Troy Haysham-Weidner (Officer), Matthew Phillips (Narre Warren North), Noah Keltie (Beaconsfield) and Dion Dulovic (Officer).

The draw will be confirmed on Wednesday.

“As we countdown to the weekend, the excitement around the club is building and preparations are ramping up for the tournament,” club secretary Vanessa Kent said.

“The organising committee and volunteers are committed to creating an event that promises a really enjoyable experience for both the players and spectators.

“We can’t wait to host what we hope becomes an annual tournament in Bunyip.”

384693

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SPORT

Lions down ladder leaders

By David Nagel Pakenham has rubber-stamped its recent form and breathed new life into the 2023/24 premiership race after a compelling seven-wicket victory over the previously undefeated Kooweerup at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday.

The Lions were ‘on’ from the outset, with James Close (7-1-23-1) removing Demons’ skipper Luke McMaster (0) with the second legal delivery of the match; with an attempted lofted drive falling into the safe hands of Marcus Martini (5-0-27-1) at mid-off.

Despite the lively start, the big question hanging over the Lions would be how they covered the loss of premium strike weapon Tom Tyrrell.

The opener hasn’t been in devastating form this season, but left a hole having taken wickets in six games throughout the campaign.

Chris Bright (23 off 39) and Suchintha Lakshan (32 off 56) compiled a patient 44-run stand for the second wicket - the highest of the innings - before Martini trapped Bright in front with the last ball of the 12th over…the Demons 2/46.

The Demons lacked their usual discipline and failed to turn over the strike, with the style of their batting portraying a ‘boundary-ornothing’ mentality.

To emphasise that thought; wickets three to nine would all be caught by Lions’ fielders.

But the full extent of the problem would not be exposed until Lakshan and Gamini Kumara (25 off 35) became the third and fourth wickets to fall.

The Demons were 4/102, with almost 16 overs to bat…so a good score still looked on the cards.

Kooweerup would lose its last seven wickets for 38 runs; not quite as bad as the 9/30 they inflicted on the Lions in round five…but not good, all the same!

Kumara’s dismissal would provide the first of three catches for Jack Anning and the initial breakthrough for Nick Sadler (8-2-22-4).

Sadler is an important cog in the Lions’ bowling line-up, providing height and bounce at a solid pace.

But he had only taken two wickets for the season prior to Saturday’s four-wicket haul, with his match-winning display proving how important he is to Dale Tormey’s bowling group.

The other chief destroyer on the weekend was Chris Smith (4.4-0-12-3), who took six wickets in the opening three rounds of the season; but hadn’t taken a wicket since!

The void left by Tyrrell…well Sadler and Smith filled it comfortably.

Pakenham keeper Rob Elston keeps a close eye on Kooweerup’s Suchintha Lakshan as he pushes forward to a Jason Williams delivery on Saturday. 384308 Picture: ROB CAREW The pair shared the last seven wickets to fall as the Demons lost all 10 wickets for the first time this season.

The Lions needed 141 to win.

In front of a big home crowd, the Lions began brilliantly with Smith (56 off 87) and Anning (33 off 80) combining for a 96-run opening partnership.

Smith was unusually circumspect early – hitting 3 off 21 – before a glorious pull shot off Adam McMaster, then a straight drive for four from Luke McMaster in the very next over, got his innings underway.

The Lions were 0/70 off 20, with Anning 22 from 63 and Smith 40 from 62.

The ability of Anning and Smith to keep the McMasters wicket-less played a huge role in the outcome.

Matt Bright (8-2-19-0) bowled beautifully, but was seen off, with the Demons forced to find breakthroughs from different avenues.

Steve Dillon (8-3-16-2) continued his rise to prominence this season, while Rob Maskiell (4-1-17-1) would be the only other trundler to inflict some pain.

The Lions got their wobbles, with Smith, Anning and Rob Elston (0) all falling in quick succession, before Tormey (39 not out, off 36) and Stuart Johnson (6 not out, off 19) steadied the ship as those in the crowd got nervous.

Country Week captain Tormey looked in incredible touch, crunching four boundaries and two mammoth maximums to get his team across the line.

The Lions have now won three in a row, and head to Devon Meadows on Friday for an ‘Australia Day’ blockbuster.

In other games this week, a magnificent innings from Liam Bertrand (60 not out, off 34 balls) propelled Merinda Park (9/192) to a lastover victory over Carlisle Park (9/190), while four wickets to Max Adams (8-0-54-4) and three poles in seven balls from Ankush Rana

(6.3-0-41-3) led Clyde (9/216) to a famous win over Devon Meadows (215).

Rana’s last delivery trapped Jamie Cape (0) in front, triggering wild celebrations after the Cougars had secured their second big win in eight days.

The Panthers lost their last six wickets for 20 runs, after Chris Cleef (62 off 45) and Jakeb McVicar (68 off 67) had them on track for victory.

And the talented Brad Butler (8-1-19-3) and champion all-rounder Russell Lehman (8-1-28-3) were back to their brilliant best for Tooradin (6/146) in a four-wicket win over Cardinia (9/143).

Butler and Lehman were touched up by Kooweerup last week, but took little time to make an impact.

Lehman first knocked over the castle of Alex Nooy (8), before Butler struck dual blows to end the best of the Bulls’ resistance.

Morteza Ali (33) and Travis Welsh (31) put on 67 for the second wicket before Butler had Ali caught behind by Ben Parrott.

He then knocked over the stumps of Bradey Welsh (1) before Josh Lownds (8-2-14-1) ended a profitable period for the Gulls with the wicket of Travis Welsh.

The Seagulls had taken 3/8 and had regained control of the contest, with a total of 143 well below par for the Bulls.

Josh Browne (5-0-19-1) and Ali (8-0-25-1) struck early blows, and at 2-9 the Gulls were under all sorts of pressure.

But that’s an environment that senior players thrive on, with Cal O’Hare (44) and Mick Sweeney (37) the perfect auditioners for the role.

The former captain and current skipper set about their business, combining for a 66-run stand that took the game away from the visitors.

Class all-rounder Travis Wheller (8-2-25-2) threatened to be the fly in the ointment, but an unbroken stand of 30 between Dylan Sutton (38 not out) and Butler (17 not out) got the flag hopefuls home with seven overs left in the bank.

CCCA Scoreboard CCCA R10: Devon Meadows 215 def by Clyde 9/216, Tooradin 6/146 def Cardinia 9/143, Pakenham 3/142 def Kooweerup 140, Merinda Park 9/192 def Carlisle Park 9/190.

Ladder: Tooradin 102, Kooweerup 102, Pakenham 78, Cardinia 54, Devon Meadows 54, Merinda Park 42, Clyde 30, Carlisle Park 18.

R11 Fixture: Devon Meadows (5) v Pakenham (3) (Friday 11am), Tooradin (1) v Merinda Park (6), Cardinia (4) v Clyde (7), Carlisle Park (8) v Kooweerup (2).

Grand final appearance puts youngsters in the spotlight

By Jonty Ralphsmith The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) was well represented at the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union (VMCU) carnival throughout January, with a suite of talent on display.

The CCCA was done proud by the under12s in the J Browne Plate, the team reaching the grand final but ultimately falling 92 runs short on Sunday.

Skipper Manmeet Singh Gabbi and middle-order bat Jackson Francis both made 34 off 39, but CCCA never threatened knocking off WRJCA’s massive 3/232 off 40 overs.

Gabbi’s knock came after he top-scored in the semi final against SECA to steer his team towards a tense one-wicket win, with Kaiden Sibelle-Strang (34 not out off 60) also critical after Blake Tongue’s three first-innings wickets helped give the CCCA a chance.

After losing its first game of the carnival against RDCA, the CCCA stormed into the final on a six-game winning streak which included that tight semi final win.

Tyson Larner was a prominent player throughout the tournament, finishing the earlier fixtures on a high with 53 off 42 to help his team to victory over BHRDCA. Larner also started strongly with the bat, his 40 off 43 a big factor behind his team’s pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

The CCCA Under-12 Grand Final squad, back row, left to right; Robert Fuller (Assistant-Coach), Brody Francis, Kaiden Sibelle-Strang, Shayne Larner (Coach), Kade Russel, Jackson Francis, Neven De Rose and Nathan Francis (Assistant-Coach). Front row; Brody Larner, Cody Sharam, Lachlan Bell, Tyson Larner, Manmeet Gabbi, Charlie Perry, Blake Tongue, Heath Lacey. 384983 Picture: SUPPLIED first win of the tournament in round two, while he also showed his talent with the ball, taking 5/12 (6) to help bowl MPCA out for 82.

The fast scoring Gabbi also showed glimpses of his best, with a half century at better than a run a ball kick-starting his campaign.

Tongue (3/13 off four in round 3) and Francis (46* off 60) also contributed through

the round robin phase of the tournament.

In the Under-14 Nolan Cup, CCCA managed to win just one of its six round-robin matches but there were still promising displays.

The round two win over FTGDCA was set up by Tye Whitnell tearing apart the middle order with 4/17 (4.4) before Ranveer Sharma and Diluth Aluthwatta played an important

64-run opening stand.

Opening bowler Khushpreet Singh (3/21 off eight) did his part despite the loss in round one; Dihela Thilakarathna took three important wickets as part of a strong bowling display in round three, while Sharma scored a steady half-century in round four.

During a solid campaign with the bat, Aluthwatta also took three wickets; and Murphy Hancox led the attack in round five.

The Under-16 Crusaders won their first four matches of the round robin, enough to qualify for the semis, where they were undone by FTGDCA. CCCA had several standouts with the ball, led by Ethan Wood, who took a scalp each match, finishing with 14 wickets across the seven games, while Will Setford (11 wickets), Dylan Aluthwatta and Jasjit (both six wickets) were also strong.

Darcy Freeman’s two half centuries, including one in the semi final, stood out with the bat, while Gurnoor Momi and Dev Narayan Brojesh both played classy knocks.

The under-18 team was winless across five rounds with Kye Prior the clear standout with the ball, taking seven wickets, while Liam Simpson played two important lower-order cameos.

Thursday, 25 January, 2024

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STAR NEWS 19

Every Friday at Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre, join our Free Fun Friday activities February 2nd - Art Fun with Sue February 9th - Fabulous Face Painting Fun February 16th - Plaster Figurine Painting February 23rd - Meet some Aussie Animals with Animals of Oz March 1st - Balloon Twisting March 8th - Pots & Plants with Party World March 15th - More Aussie Animals with Animals of Oz March 22nd - Art Fun with Sue April 5th - Storytime & Art with Sue April 12th - Balloon Twisting Fun April 19th - Pebble Pets - make your own pet with Party World

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Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre | 140 Windermere Boulevard | Pakenham 12665509-AV05-24

20 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 25 January, 2024

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