News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 8th February 2024

PAKENHAM OFFICER

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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40¢ Inc. GST

On the lookout for legends

Tax shake-up

Seven pairs of twins

Smashing Smith hits 210 not out

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SPORT

Tales of the turtles

Team leader at Monash Health Pakenham, Natasha Van Der Zweep with one of two turtles she helped off the road last week.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Last week, Monash Health Pakenham was responsible for more than just the people in our community with a couple of turtles brought away from danger after a staff member’s chance encounter.

Team leader Natasha Van Der Zweep had not one but two separate encounters with turtles who were making their way across the roads in the local area.

She originally drove past one on the drive up the hill to the medical centre on Henty Way, and only on close inspection did she realise it was not a leaf but a turtle. She turned around and grabbed it from danger.

She dropped it off at a nearby lake; it was definitely the right spot as she recorded a video of the turtle happily entering the water.

Then she came across another turtle later, where she promptly got a picture to mark the unusual encounter.

“I was little bit shocked and I just wondering where they are coming from,” she said. “I think the first one peed on me, it stunk, later I found they pee when they get nervous.”

She was ecstatic to be able to do her bit for the community here in Pakenham, and wishes to let the community know to look out for turtles and other animals who may be making their way to other habitat sites due to the weather warming up.

Dreams shattered

By Violet Li Affected families by the collapse of the Victorian builder Montego Homes are reeling from losing their deposits and their dream houses.

The South Melbourne builder had advertised house and land packages in Pakenham and Officer, as well as the Casey South region, among other areas.

The builder went into voluntary administration in January, with Sam Kaso and Shaun Matthews of insolvency service Cor Cordis ap-

pointed as administrators to assess the best way to restructure or recapitalise the business.

Key initial findings have shown that 63 homeowners are affected by the company not having appropriate insurance in place for deposit holders.

According to the Victorian Building Authority, when a building contract is worth more than $16,000, builders are required to purchase Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) for their clients, which would cover incomplete or defective building works.

By law, a builder cannot take any payment, including a deposit from the client, until the insurance is in effect and the client has been given a copy of the insurance certificate.

Uninsured creditor Nicole Clarke, who bought a block of land in Cranbourne East, has still been processing the news with a heavy heart.

She lost $13,825, which took her over a year to save.

“It’s not huge, but it’s decent enough to be

upset about this because you can’t get it back,” she said.

“Trying to buy anything at the moment in this climate is just ridiculous. Almost impossible. So, saving money for a deposit and then losing it is pretty devastating.”

Ms Clarke signed the contract around late November in 2023 and was urged to pay for the deposits over and over in the following month.

Continued page 4

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NEWS

Nominate a local legend Community members are encouraged to submit a nomination for the Stan Henwood Awards to recognise a local legend who has dedicated their time and efforts to improving and enriching the Cardinia Shire community.

The annual Stan Henwood Award honours the late Stan Henwood OAM for his lifetime contribution to the Tynong community and the municipality, and recognises individuals who have made outstanding, long-term contributions to the local community.

Stan volunteered for and was a member of the Tynong Hall Committee, the Tynong Recreation Reserve Committee and the Make A Wish Foundation, Tynong Tennis Club, the West Gippsland Tennis Association, Tynong Fire Brigade and Tynong Progress Association.

Beyond Cardinia Shire’s borders, he received a Medal from the Prime Minister for service to sport and an Order of Australia for Service to the Community.

Nominations must be submitted online via the SmartyGrants portal, which will re-

quire the nominator to register an account before they can prepare and submit a nomination form.

Nominees must have made a significant contribution to community services in Cardinia Shire, have not previously received the award and must not have been a Cardinia Shire councillor within the last four years.

The award winner will be announced and celebrated at council’s National Volunteer Week reception in May 2024.

For more information about the Stan Henwood Award, including eligibility criteria and how to nominate, visit cardinia.vic.gov. au/StanHenwoodAward or call the Cardinia Shire Council Connected Communities team on 1300 787 624.

For more information about volunteering, visit council’s website at cardinia.vic.gov. au/volunteering or call the Customer Service team on 1300 787 624.

Nominations can be submitted online at cardinia.smartygrants.com.au/Stan2024 until Sunday 10 March.

2023’s Stan Henwood Award winner Jeff Latter.

Picture: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL

Council shake-up: Ward boundaries could be changing Between February and April this year, 10 Victorian councils, including Cardinia Shire Council, will undergo ward boundary reviews to make sure voters are represented equally at the next local council election.

The first reviews kick off next week.

The Minister for Local Government has asked the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to carry out the reviews because each of these councils has one or more wards where the number of voters per councillor is forecast to be outside the legislated +/-10 per cent tolerance at the next local council election.

After the VEC finishes its review, the minister will decide whether to accept its recommendations.

During the process, the VEC will share options in a preliminary report and encourages all Victorians, particularly those in the local council areas under review, to have their say in a public submission.

The 10 councils with ward boundaries under review have been divided into three groups: A, B and C. There will be online public information sessions for each group to explain the reviews and open the submissions period.

Cardinia will be in Group C alongside Greater Dandenong City Council and Boroondara City Council.

Public submissions for Group C will be open from 9am Wednesday 28 February and will close at 5pm Wednesday 20 March.

Two public information sessions will be held at 12pm on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 February. They will be held remotely with a link and phone number shortly prior to the

Cardinia Shire Council’s ward boundaries will be reviewed in the coming months. meeting.

You can find out more and how to join the sessions on the website at: vec.vic.gov.au/

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NEWS

Tax promise broken: MP

By Ethan Benedicto Local MP Jason Wood has slammed the Prime Minister for going back on his word of not touching the stage three tax cuts.

But the Opposition has vowed not to stand in the way of the changes, with the Liberal MP saying “the Coalition affirms its commitment to achieving lower, simpler and fairer taxes, exemplified by our support for reducing the 19 cent tax rate to 16 cents”.

The changes, announced on 25 January by the Federal Government, will see low-income earners receive a larger tax cut than originally proposed.

According to the Treasury Department, 13.6 million Australians are to benefit from the redesigned stage three tax cuts, as compared to its previous model which catered to only 10.8 million taxpayers.

Effective on 1 July this year, the tax brackets for lower to middle income earners will be changing, with individuals earning $18,000 to $45,000 to have their tax rate reduced from 19 per cent to 16 per cent.

Likewise, the next tax bracket of those earning anywhere through $45,001 to $135,000 will have their tax rate change from 32.5 per cent to 30 per cent.

Essentially, more money in residents’ pockets allows for a little bit more breathing room, with local shoppers at Fountain Gate Westfield sitting on the fence between spending more or saving more.

One shopper said that the changes will “allow me to be better with my money.”

“Getting taxed makes me feel like ‘oh I can do whatever with my money since I’m not even earning that much’.”

“But since I’m a uni student it would help a lot with organising what I need to pay for my studies and so on,” the shopper said.

Other sentiments juggled between saving

Liberal MP Jason Wood for La Trobe stated that while the Coalition backed the Prime Minister’s decision, the opposition has “an overarching commitment to keeping promises”. Picture: FILE and spending, with one lady saying that “everything is so expensive at the moment”.

“I think I’ll be spending and saving, but we’re always spending now and we’re not saving anything,” she said.

The higher brackets have also changed, with those earning $135,001 to $190,000 being taxed at 37 per cent and anyone earning over $190,000 being taxed at 45 per cent.

The Coalition has since backed the stage three tax cuts as of 6 February, with Opposition leader Peter Dutton announcing that his party would be making attempts at amending the bill but would not interfere if those amendments fail.

La Trobe MP Jason Wood echoed the same sentiment, stating that “the Coalition affirms its commitment to achieving lower, simpler and fairer taxes, exemplified by our support for reducing the 19 cent tax rate to 16 cents”.

However, MP Wood had placed great em-

phasis on Prime Minister Albanese going back on his word of not touching the Morrison stage three tax cuts before and after the last election.

“The Prime Minister’s lies and broken promises means that delivering the stage three tax reforms as they have been legislated is now impossible.

“The Coalition emphasises its dedication to combating bracket creep and fostering aspiration, and notes the importance of keeping promises even in challenging circumstances.”

For MP Wood, “the overarching assurance of the Coalition is a commitment to keeping promises as a cornerstone of responsible governance”.

Bruce electorate MP Julian Hill recently released a statement saying that Labor’s tax cuts “will provide a real cost-of-living relief to all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers without adding to inflationary pressures”.

“In Bruce, the average tax cut will be about $1335 each year, and 89 per cent of taxpayers will receive a larger tax cut under Labor’s plan than under Scott Morrison’s,” MP Hill said.

Legislated in 2018, the Treasury’s reasoning for the changes is revolved around the original stage three purposes, which did not cater to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and other international conflicts.

Prior to these events, further statistics from the Treasury detailed that the Australian economy was meant to be supported by strong global growth, with inflation and interest rates expected to be low.

However, since these predictions hadn’t gone through the original intended effects, the government proposed changes to the stage three tax cuts. “Of course tax cuts alone will not fix the cost-of-living crisis so the government is taking action to make sure Australians are not paying more than they should for the things that they need.

“A major inquiry has been launched into

allegations of price gouging and the competitiveness of retail prices in the supermarket sector, led by the powerful ACCC,” MP Hill said.

Low to middle-income households had felt more pressure from the cost-of-living crisis due to a lessened ability to accommodate for the rising prices of essential goods, such as food, healthcare and mortgage payments by going through their savings.

The redesign is aimed to ease that pressure, with the current margins aimed at higher-income earners.

“Labor is also adjusting the Medicare levy low-income thresholds so people in lower incomes pay less, or are exempt from, the Medicare levy helping more than one million Australians.

“Labor’s tax cuts build on the billions of dollars of targeted cost-of-living relief that is already being rolled out.

“This includes energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, strengthening Medicare, income support payment and the largest increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance in more than 30 years,” MP Hill said.

Bracket creep is where one’s income growth causes that person to pay more tax each year but due to the effects of inflation the overall purchasing power is reduced.

So with lower tax rates under the redesign, people are taxed less and have more money to keep up with the rising cost-of-living.

Women will also see some large benefits from this change, since there are more women within the low to middle-income brackets as compared to the higher brackets.

The redesign expected to produce a much larger increase in labour supply which is driven by an increase in the hours worked and the general participation of women that have a taxable income between $20,000 and $75,000.

In total, labour supply will increase around 930,000 hours per week, the government said.

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Budget guidance and personalised repayment plan

STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Royal Botanic Gardens Southern Brown Bandicoot outreach officer Eilish Roberts

What do you love most about your job?

I feel so lucky to be able to work at the stunning Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. It’s also a joy to engage with so many different facets of the community to help save a beloved marsupial – the Southern Brown Bandicoot.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I wanted to be an author growing up because I loved creative writing – it may still happen!

Looking back at when you first entered your current role, what advice would you have given yourself?

Don’t underestimate the power of simply having a chat! I’ve learned many insights, found opportunities, and formed some awesome partnerships from serendipitous conversations community members; you never know where it could lead!

What has been your most memorable moment in your role so far?

Hosting the Big Bandicoot Backyard at Cranbourne Gardens last year is certainly a favourite. It was a three-day event where the community came together to celebrate the species and learn how to help them thrive in the suburbs, complete with a giant bandicoot sculpture and giant sparkly poo to go with it (yes, bandicoots have sparkly poo…).

What event, past or present or future would you like to witness?

The Beatles’ last public performance on the Apple Corps rooftop.

Which subjects did you enjoy at school?

Science, English Literature and Japanese.

Which five dinner guests would you invite to dinner?

Let’s stick with the living – Harry Styles, Rebecca Solnit, Dodie, Graham Norton and Miranda Hart.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Currently it’s Japan – I’ve been twice before

Eilish Roberts. 384066

THREE … new things to try to escape the hot weather

1

Tackle an escape room The hot weather can make anyone feel a bit ruffled, so what better way to channel that energy than into a high stakes puzzle.

Put on your best detective coat (only if it’s highly ventilated) and attempt to escape the room while escaping the heat.

2

Hit up a museum Melbourne has no shortage of museums to wander through on a hot day. Whether art and history is your jam, or you’re more into film and even sports, there is an air conditioned museum for everyone.

3

Go ice skating There is no better way to combat the heat than to take to the ice.

Grab your best knee pads, some supportive friends and family who won’t judge you for sticking to the barrier, and take to the rink.

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

and am itching to return.

What encouraged you to become a Southern Brown Bandicoot outreach officer?

My background is in botany and environmental studies, as well as in science communication, presenting, and education. This role is a fabulous crossover in all these areas – engaging the community in conservation for the Southern Brown Bandicoot, working to improve habitat, and sharing the love for these remark-

able critters. I get to use my science brain as well as my creative side, which is a dream!

What were you like as a kid?

I was outgoing, loved learning, and never wanted to get in trouble!

What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to?

Why hasn’t everyone downloaded the app iNaturalist to record their plant and animal (and bandicoot) sightings?

NEWS

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

From page 1 She eventually paid the 5 per cent deposit on 9 January this year and received an email from one of the directors Lachlan Lyndon saying thank you and wishing her a happy new year.

“I am assuming everything is okay,” she said.

“Then on 17 January, I found out that they had got into a voluntary liquidation.”

Having missed the State Government’s Liquidated Builders Customer Support Payment Scheme that pays out the creditors of 16 collapsed builders during the last two years and closes on 29 January, she had to restart.

However, she was hesitant to go out and look for another builder as she lost trust in the industry.

“I don’t want this to happen to me again and have to restart all over again and re-save again,” she said.

“I was thinking about selling it [the land].

“This is my first time buying a house. I knew it was going to be difficult, but I didn’t expect it to be this difficult.”

Ms Clarke said there had to be harsher penalties for builders who skip the insurance.

“These builders need to be held accountable for what they do,” she said.

“There has to be some consequence to their action because we’re paying for it.”

Paul Elsharouny, another uninsured creditor, lost over $15,000 from a deposit for his single-story house in Clyde North.

He signed the contract in March 2023 and immediately paid the deposit. Ten months later, he was in shock when he discovered the collapse of Montego Homes through an email.

“As soon they sign a contract with a customer and take a deposit, they should look at the price of some materials and they should purchase as much material as they can to avoid the surprise raise for the material cost.

“But obviously they didn’t do that. One year

later, when the land is due to be built, they find out that all material costs have been raised by 10 or 20 per cent.”

Mr Elsharouny said the government failed to observe and audit those builders.

“After what happened with Porter Davis last year, the government should have been warned and put more strict laws in place to observe these builders, but this didn’t happen,” he said.

“We lost our life savings, and we still need to continue with our life.

“We still need to go to another builder and make a new deal according to the current price market, which is more expensive than when we did with our original company.”

Shadow Minister for Home Ownership and Housing Affordability Evan Mulholland said Porter Davis should have been a wake-up call for Labor but the serious issues with domestic building insurance non-compliance clearly had not been addressed.

“No Victorian should lose a home deposit because of Labor’s incompetence. Jacinta Allan must commit to extending the support scheme until the issues plaguing domestic building insurance are resolved,” he said.

Shadow Minister for Planning James Newbury said Labor wasn’t doing enough to protect Victorians and their families from rogues.

“Buying a home is tough. New homebuyers shouldn’t also be fearful of a building company collapsing, and losing hard-earned deposits, because the State Labor Government isn’t strong enough to stand up to dodgy behaviour,” he said.

A government spokesman told The Age that a bill had been introduced to the Parliament to create tough penalties for builders failing to meet their DBI requirement.

The State Government has been contacted for comment by Star News. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

School over houses Tears stream

By Violet Li

By Corey Everitt

The council rejected a proposal for 50 residential lots. In total, the two applications sought to create 83 lots between Starling and McMullen Roads.

Picture: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL the application.

The council has dealt with similar matters before; the council rejected an application for a residential subdivision on the land set out for what is now the new Kurmile Primary School

which opened this year. The matter went to VCAT in 2014 and the tribunal upheld the council’s decision.

Both motions to reject a permit were carried unanimously.

A joint funeral of three Clyde residents and one of their relatives travelling from overseas who drowned at an unpatroled beach on Phillip Island was held at the Bunurong Memorial Park in Dandenong South on Thursday 1 February.

Hundreds of relatives and community members from Melbourne and overseas attended the farewell with devastated hearts.

Kirti Bedi and Suhani Anand, both nursing students aged 20, as well as 23-year-old nurse Jagjeet Singh Anand, and their 43-year-old relative Reema Sondhi, lost their lives when they were swimming at the unpatroled Forrest Caves Beach that had a heightened chance of ripping.

Mr Singh, a registered nurse with a heart of gold, saved many lives throughout his career. Ms Bedi and Ms Anand, both nursing students, planned to stay home and focus on their studies. Ms Sondhi came to Australia for a holiday to visit her brother’s family and was staying with them in Clyde.

It was an excruciating scene at the funeral as family members sobbed and cried, overwhelmed by the loss of their loved ones. One family member said in a eulogy that together they could honour their legacy and cherish the moments the family had shared. “The void has been created, which cannot be fulfilled,” he said. “May the time help us. As I say, the time in the days takes away the grief that is on their part. “Life has to prevail and continue even after our loved ones leave us.”

A cremation service followed the funeral and their ashes would be taken back to their respective places in India.

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Cardinia Shire Council sent a strong message to not mess with the plan for Officer after shooting down an application for a large residential subdivision that was on land meant for a future school.

In Monday’s town planning meeting, councillors considered two applications to subdivide land resting between Starling Road and McMullen Road.

The two applications bordered one another making a total of approximately 4.7ha of land and proposed to subdivide it into 83 lots for residential use. But the proposal rested on land set out for a future public school.

This is identified in the Officer Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), which has been established for more than a decade, and lays down the broad parameters for transforming Officer with more major facilities and amenities as large residential growth continues.

Officer Ward councillor Tammy Radford moved both motions to reject the two proposals.

“I completely support the officers’ recommendation here, we are in the growth area, there are a lot of residents building and building, and we need to be able to provide the services and facilities and infrastructure that the residents moving into this area require,” she said.

Seconders for the motions were Toomuc Ward councillor Stephanie Davies and Beacon Hills Ward councillor Brett Owen.

“The plan clearly states that there is a primary school proposed at this location, anything against that is obviously against the strategy and against what people’s expectations are for the land,” Cr Owen said.

Cr Radford mentioned that the council did notify the applicant of the conflict with the PSP, but the applicant declined to withdraw

lifestyle meridian pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

Truck fuel of the future Dirty diesel may be on the way out as Cleanaway unveiled a demonstration of a heavy vehicle fuel made entirely of used cooking oil.

The fossil fuel alternative from manufacturer Neste is dubbed ‘MY renewable diesel’ or ‘HVO100’.

According to Cleanaway, the “100 per cent traceable and circular fuel” requires “no infrastructure modification and minimal capital investment”.

And it is claimed to produce 91 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional diesel.

A City of Casey Volvo FE 2020 waste collection truck and a Coles supermarket Volvo FM11 front-lift organics collection vehicle were among the customer trucks at a demonstration launch at Cleanaway’s depot at Dandenong South on 2 February.

In partnership with the Federal Government and Cleanaway customers, the demonstration would be used to identify barriers and create a pathway for scaling in the fuel’s introduction.

It involves Cleanaway collecting used cooking oil from cafes, pubs and restaurants. The oil is processed into feedstock and delivered to Neste to convert into ‘renewable diesel’ which is then deployed into Cleanaway trucks.

“The use of HVO100 in Cleanaway trucks is part of our Blueprint 2030 strategy to reduce the carbon impact of our operations and increase circularity from the material we collect,” Cleanaway chief executive Mark Schubert said.

“We’re committed to leading our industry with innovative and fit for purpose solutions that align with our customers’ goals while driving forward to support the achievement of federal emissions targets.”

Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the community should “keep an eye out for the bright blue truck operating exclusively

A Cleanaway garbage truck fueled by used cooking oil, rather than conventional diesel. on used cooking oil as it drives throughout Casey”.

“This emission reduction initiative is another step in the right direction in council’s commitment towards zero net corporate emissions by 2030 in line with our Climate Action Plan.”

Coles sustainability general manager Brooke Donnelly said the fuel would be used by a Cleanaway’s truck collecting organic wastes from supermarkets in South East Melbourne for the next six months.

“It’s an excellent example of how we’re working with our suppliers to create a more sustainable future and achieve our sustain-

ability ambitions.

“We look forward to learning about the results that we hope will drive change in the industry and fast-track our transition to a circular economy.”

Neste’s head of Asia Pacific public affairs Steven Bartholomeusz said the demonstration was staged as the Federal Government was consulting on revising the Fuels Quality Standard to recognise renewable diesel as a fuel.

“We hope that data from this demonstration project can provide insights into how renewable diesel can reduce emissions from heavy transport and industry.”

Bioenergy Australia chief executive Shahana McKenzie welcomed the “decarbonisation” opportunities of “drop-in renewable liquid fuels”.

“Renewable liquid fuels are an essential piece of Australia’s decarbonisation strategy and will be crucial as a replacement for traditional fossil fuels used within major hard to abate sectors including heavy haulage, marine, construction, rail, manufacturing, mining and agriculture.”

Cleanaway is also working with Viva Energy to power its first two hydrogen EV rubbish trucks, expected to be rolled-out in Geelong this year.

OPINION

LENSCAPE

SOCIALLY SPEAKING Most Ambulance Victoria patients in Cardinia Shire are being seen within the recommended 15 minutes, according to new data. Our readers had this to say.

Annmaree Porter Unfortunately it’s not ambulance attendance time that is the problem. It’s the time each vehicle is ‘ramped’ at a hospital. They can not discharge a patient in their care until hospital staff take over or admission takes place. Which can be hours, leaving vehicle and crew off the road. The whole system at hospitals needs to be reviewed.

Stanley Young Always have had a great response from the local ambos, just recently and I realise it was holiday time I waited like 50 minutes or more for one to arrive being no more than 2k from the station I asked had they been busy (2am), no we are stationed at Dandenong South, but thanks to the men my wife is now on the road to recovery.

Laraine Max Papley Excellent wonderful treatment Christine Kemp Less than 10 minutes twice for me.

Walker Lee Adriane I got told to find my way to emergency. Been a type 1 diabetic and having an infection

due to HS. I ended up finding my own way and had emergency surgery the next day.

Ann Barnes Each time I’ve needed an ambulance they had been there within 15 minutes being a heart attack victim.

Maxi Mitchell Be interesting to see what the time is so far this year. What used to take 10 minutes to get out of Pakenham has turned into 30 minutes.

Carole Ann Within minutes last year, twice.

Kelly Buntine Ten mins and a MICA at our door.

Adrian Henstridge We waited four hours then got told to get in a taxi at 2.30am for our 18 month old who had been seen by the virtual ED and they called the ambulance for us because they saw it as urgent, very disappointed.

Marilyn Rastall I’ve never had a problem when I’ve needed one. Within 20 minutes and I live in the hills.

Mel Ellis Two-to-four hours with a dislocated hip.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up

Thumbs up

To the bus driver who gave cycling commuters a lift after their Pakenham-line train was cancelled.

To the boys that made the pool out of pallets and a tarp.

Thumbs up A Jacky Dragon lizard blends into a tree at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens’ Stringybark Picnic Picture: GARY SISSONS area. 375315

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

Thumbs down To leaving broken glass on footpaths.

To cricket-pitch curators - doing their bit to help a spate of big scores in South East cricket. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

21 - 24 MARCH

T S A F ING

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E S M O S ET IX.C

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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STAR NEWS 22/1/2024 2:50 pm7

NEWS

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards (right) is unveiling the Indigenous artwork panels with Bunurong artist Adam Magennis (left).

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The five Indigenous artwork panels in the green space on CranbourneFrankston Road.

Artworks transform road Five Indigenous artwork panels were unveiled in the green space on Cranbourne-Frankston Road on 22 January, as part of the Hall Road Upgrade.

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards joined the unveiling with Bunurong artist Adam Magennis.

She said it was wonderful to see this new rest area on Cranbourne-Frankston Road transformed with Mr Magennis’ amazing artwork.

“These newly installed art panels are a fantastic way to honour and celebrate the Bunurong people’s history in the southeast,” she said.

Each of the five designs, designed to naturally weather and rust on the surface, are based on sketches of native flora by Mr Magennis be-

fore they were brought to life in partnership with local businesses Nuttshell Graphics and Western Port Laser Cutting.

Over the next 12 months, Mr Magennis will return to the green space to paint the panels’ shadows onto the adjacent path, highlighting the different seasons in accordance with the Bunurong calendar, further adding to the artwork’s impact.

These paintings will indicate where the sun sits during the seasons of the traditional owners of the land.

The upgrade will also feature more of Mr Magennis’ artwork at a newly installed rest area between Edinburgh Drive and Taylors Road along the new shared walking and cycling path.

These pieces, sitting on top of the hill on

Hall Road, will be installed after major works of the roadworks are completed in March.

Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV)’s support of Indigenous employment and businesses is a major part of our Program Delivery Approach (PDA), which ensures all MRPV construction partners meet social procurement requirements to support Indigenous businesses, social enterprises, and jobseekers from across Victoria.

The Hall Road Upgrade is on the home stretch of construction, having completed three of four planned major intersection upgrades across Cranbourne West and Carrum Downs so far.

Signalised intersections have been installed at McCormicks Road, Western Port Highway, and the newly aligned Evans and Cranbourne-

Frankston roads to add capacity, improve traffic flow, and create safer journeys for motorists and pedestrians travelling through Carrum Downs and Cranbourne.

The project’s next major milestone will be the opening of two new traffic lanes along Hall Road between McCormicks Road and Western Port Highway, creating two lanes of traffic each way on this section. The project will also reopen Taylors Road with a new signalised intersection after an extensive rebuild to accommodate additional drainage.

The Hall Road Upgrade works in unison with other completed and ongoing Victoria Big Build projects, such as the Lathams Road, Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Western Port Highway, and Thompsons Road Upgrades to improve infrastructure for the rapidly expanding south-east region.

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rcavillages.com.au 8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

36–40 Racecourse Road, Pakenham pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

We’re building big road projects near you and there will be disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads in Melbourne’s south east. While we work this summer, road disruptions may affect your travel.

What we’ve done

Works in progress

Opened the new inbound exit ramp from Princes Freeway to McGregor Road in Pakenham

– Over February, we’re placing the final layer of asphalt on Hall Road between McCormicks Road and Western Port Highway.

Upgraded the Hall, Evans and CranbourneFrankston intersection in Cranbourne West

– In Cranbourne, works are continuing to build new lanes and upgrade key intersections along Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.

Upgraded four intersections on Western Port Highway – at Thompsons, Hall, Ballarto and Cranbourne -Frankston roads Built new lanes, new traffic signals and a new bridge over Peninsula Link to improve traffic flow and travel times on Lathams Road

– We’re also working to open the Rochester Parade intersection by late February and start upgrading the Camms Road intersection.

– In Berwick, early works are underway to relocate utility services on Clyde Road.

– There are ongoing works in Beaconsfield as part of the Station Street Level Crossing Removal Project.

While we work, disruptions could affect your travel Kenilworth Avenue, Beaconsfield

Hall Road, Skye

Until early Feb

Westbound detour between Station Street and Soldiers Road

Until Mar

Access to and from Brunt Road closed. Detour via Wattle Crescent

Until 9 Feb Closed between Western Port Highway and Atlas Drive 18 Feb to 1 Mar

Closed between McCormicks Road and Western Port Highway

Cameron Street, Cranbourne

Until late Feb

Closed south of BerwickCranbourne Road

McGregor Road, Pakenham

Until 4 Mar Closed between Webster Way/ Henry Road and southern Princes Freeway roundabout

Princes Freeway, Pakenham

Until 4 Mar Closed outbound exit ramp at McGregor Road

South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne

Until mid 2024

Closed lanes between Cameron Street and Lineham Drive

Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham

5 to 7 Feb

Closed to Pakenham-bound traffic between Ballarto and Greenhills Road

Camms Road, Cranbourne East

Mid Feb to Closed at Narre Warrenmid-2024 Cranbourne Road

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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12666138-SN06-24

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

STAR NEWS 9

FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

Benefits of being social Spending time with loved ones can have significant health benefits as we age, according to a new meta-analysis study.

The researchers, from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney, studied the link between social connections in older people and the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia and mortality. They pooled together the results of 13 international studies, which followed people aged 65 years and above over long periods of time.

The research was published today in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We know from previous research that social connections are important for our health and being isolated puts us at higher risk of dementia and death,” said first author Dr Suraj Samtani, who is a clinical psychologist and researcher at CHeBA. “Our goal was to find which social connections protect us from dementia and death.”

Studying ageing populations The researchers obtained results from studies in low, middle and high-income countries across the world. These included Australia, North America, and several nations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. The study population is more diverse than previous meta-analyses, which have mainly focused on North America and Europe.

Then the researchers analysed information about the social connections of the study participants. They were interested in the social connection type (e.g., being in a relationship or married, engaging with a community group), function (e.g., social support, having a confidante), and quality (e.g., level of relationship satisfaction).

Social interaction reduces dementia risk and increases longevity: study.

Finally, the researchers looked at whether the participants developed MCI or dementia, or passed away, during the studies. They controlled for other variables which could influence these outcomes including age, sex, education level, lifestyle factors and other chronic diseases.

“We looked at social variables across these studies, such as living with others, interacting with friends and family, engaging in community activities, and social support,” Dr Samtani said.

“We wanted to know which of these are associated with risk of getting dementia over time or dying.”

Protective effects of social connections Amongst the study participants, good social

connections were associated with a lower risk of MCI, dementia and death.

“We found that frequent interactions – monthly or weekly – with family and friends and having someone to talk to reduced the risk of getting dementia. We also found that living with others and doing community activities reduced the risk of dying,” Dr Samtani said.

Why would social interaction be linked to MCI, dementia and death? Many other studies show that poor social connections are associated with poorer lifestyle and poorer health.

For example, close relationships can have a stress buffering effect, as we confide in and receive support from these individuals. Controlling stress is important for brain and overall health.

Another example is that our family, friends and community members may influence us to take on healthy behaviours. This phenomenon, exemplified by your friends dragging you to parkrun at 7am on a Saturday, is known as ‘social contagion’.

One limitation of the findings is the ‘chicken or the egg’ problem. Participants who had already MCI or dementia at the beginning of the studies were excluded from the analysis.

However, it is possible that they had some undetected cognitive and physical health issues.

These could impact their social interactions, rather than the other way around.

Tips to stay healthy The researchers recommend that we prioritise social connection to reduce risk of cognitive decline and live longer.

“Try to meet with friends and family at least once a month, take part in community activities like volunteering or a rotary club, and open your heart to someone when you feel stressed. Living with others, for example in an intergenerational household, is also helpful,” Dr Samtani said.

“Connecting with others helps us to keep our bodies and minds healthy.”

The researchers at CHeBA are now looking at interventions to improve the social connections of older adults, to protect their brain and overall health. Dr Samtani has recently been awarded a Dementia Australia Research Foundation post-doctoral fellowship to trial a social cognition intervention for older adults with memory concerns.

“We hope that helping people to stay engaged in conversations and maintain healthy friendships and relationships will help them to stay healthy and happy,” Dr Samtani said.

Dancing? Give it a whirl The health benefits of dancing for seniors range from improving your physical health to creating strong social connections that increase your sense of wellbeing.

A 2018 study by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) showed a positive relationship between dancing and the physical and emotional health of older Australians.

Participants in the study experienced improved flexibility, boosted energy levels and better posture. Further studies have found that dancing can slow or even reverse the signs of ageing in the brain.

Among these benefits, older Australians are likely to experience an improvement in balance, coordination and spatial awareness, which in turn could reduce their likelihood of falls.

Dancing also provides an increase in heart rate, encouraging the movement of oxygen throughout the body. This has shown positive effects on heart and lung condition, and has the potential to lessen the risk of conditions such as cardiovas-

cular disease. Regular dance also assists in weight management, toning muscle, improving strength and reducing joint pain.

The benefits of dancing aren’t just physical. Regular dancing has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain responsible for spatial navigation and memory formation.

Not only did study participants enjoy a range of physical and mental progress, they also experienced a shift in overall mood, self-esteem and confidence. This is attributed to a combination of the effects of physical exercise and the social interactions and connections formed during the dance classes.

Before you pull on your dancing shoes, it’s important to consult your doctor or medical professional. They can provide you with proper advice tailored to your health needs.

Take care not to over work yourself on the dance floor. Remember, it’s all about getting active and having fun. Now get out there and bust a move!

Dancing for older Australians: give it a whirl.

12668012-AP06-24

10 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

Life without restrictions At Lifestyle Communities we believe in life without restrictions. One with the freedom to do the things you love, and the confidence to be whoever you want to be. Where every new day is a fresh opportunity. It’s a philosophy that rings true, in our best-in-class homes and clubhouses. Whether you’re working, semiretired or retired, come and join a community where Life is Unlimited.

Join in on pickleball, croquet, yoga, arts and crafts, woodworking, bowls and swimming.

There are also happy hours, guest speakers, musical entertainment and much more.

Plus, you’ll have loads of new friends to enjoy all of this with and a beautiful home to live in. The community is thoughtfully planned and designed making it easy to get around and enjoy.

Lifestyle Communities promotes a lifestyle that emphasizes freedom. The choice to do your thing, your way. Live independently whilst also enjoying a vibrant social life and a variety of recreational activities.

Buying a home at Lifestyle Communities means embracing a life where your horizons are boundless. With a host of activities and an abundance of new friendships waiting for you, your days will be filled with excitement and companionship. Here, you are not just living, you are thriving, and it’s a testament to the limitless possibilities of a life unencumbered by restrictions. Come and experience the freedom to be you, every day, in your new home at Lifestyle Communities. www.lifestylecommunities.com.au

12664640-FC06-24

Buying a home at Lifestyle Communities means embracing a life where your horizons are boundless.

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Identical twins Sienna and Shanita. 380876

Seven sets of twins, back row, Kaiysah, Mikayla, Melanie, Mariahna, Jared, Desmond and Sienna; front row, Makyiah, Taya, Candice, Keira, Amberlee, Kaino and Shanita.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Identical twins Kaino and Desmond. 380876

Twins galore at college school’s history.“ HPSC’s administration has taken action to ensure that each twin is recognised as an individual, separating them into different mentor groups but keeping siblings in the same house group.

This will hopefully allow each twin to de-

velop individually, whilst also making sure that their parents can support them both by rocking their respective house colours on athletics days.

The seven sets of twins are sure to leave an indelible mark on the school’s legacy, creating memories and friendships that will endure long after they graduate.

2024 Parklea Pakenham Show Wheels on the Farm

Riding for the Disabled Australia

Saturday 16 March, PB Ronald Reserve.

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.

For more information or to enquire about a trade stand, email pakenhamshow1@bigpond.com.

To gain an understanding of the Riding for the Disabled Australia (RDA Pakenham) and meet the horses, riders and volunteers, attend the RDA open day.

The open day will take place from 10am to 2pm on 17 February 2024 on the corner of Bald Hill Rd and 5 Mile Rd. For any inquiries call or text Liz on 0407442231

dance fee which includes morning tea.

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

The Year 7 cohort of Hampton Park Secondary College (HPSC) is one for the books as seven pairs of twins are enrolled.

Two sets of twins are identical with the other five pairs being fraternal twins.

The unexpected phenomenon has sparked a sense of wonder and togetherness among

both students and educators, promising a memorable class of 2029.

College transitions leader, Brad Andrews expressed his amazement at the unlikely statistic, stating “In my years as an educator, I have never witnessed such a concentration of twins in a single year level. It’s truly a special occurrence that adds a distinctive touch to our

WHAT’S ON

·

·

Bunyip Show A community show once a year which families can attend. Please encourage your friends and family to attend from 9am to 3pm and get behind this local community event.

On Sunday 24 March at the Bunyip Recreation Reserve.

RDA Pakenham. Anne and Paul with their Daughter Sarah. The Horses are ‘Picasso’ (left and ‘Felix (right). 305819

·

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 e-mail probuspakenhameast@gmail.com.

·

Lang Lang Show ‘n’ Shine and Swap Meet The 11th annual Lang Lang Show ‘n’ Shine and Swap Meet will be held on Sunday 11 February at the Lang Lang Showgrounds. This event is run by the Kooweerup-Lang Lang Rotary Club with all proceeds being directed to Rotary-supported causes.

Gates will open at 7am for the general public and show vehicles, with swap meet stall holders entering from 6am. General admission is $10 with children under 16 free.

For further details, visit langlangshownshine. com

·

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club Are you newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom, or expand your 12 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

·

Begin your family research Narre Warren & District Family History Group Inc is hosting an to help you with easy ways to find your local family history that isn’t just with online services.

To be held on Wednesday 21 February at the Cranbourne Library Centre the event is tagged ’it’s not all online’. Group president Jane will be sharing the many avenues in the Lorraine Taylor Research Room to begin your family or local history research or knock down a brick wall without having to use Ancestry or Find my Past.

·

Berwick Bridge Club 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.

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

·

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 atten-

Are you looking for some exercise for your brain that is both fun and challenging?

Berwick Bridge Club is looking for new members.

There is a free beginner’s course starting on March 4th from 7pm-9pm. No partner required.

Lessons are held at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, 21A Bemersyde Drive, Berwick.

The course will run for 6+ weeks on a Monday night.

To reserve your spot phone Maree on 97022348.

·

Warragul & District Garden Club Attend Warragul & District Garden Club’s symposium, organised for Monday 4 March 2024.

This event is aimed at improving the awareness of how gardens and a return to nature can play a major role in the treatment of mental health issues. This includes the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered trauma, depression, and other stress related problems.

Dr Sue Stuart- Smith, an internationally recognised psychiatrist and psychotherapist who, in 2020 published the book “The Well Gardened Mind”, will be the lead speaker for the event.

Dr Stuart -Smith will be joined by two Australians with practical knowledge of horticulture therapy, Steven Wells from the Austin Hospital and Tanya Bearup, a member of the national committee of Therapeutic Horticulture Australia.

For more information, contact Joy Vikas, president of the club on 0407455299

·

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Monash Health has welcomed 125 junior doctors for medical internships.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Deakin University graduate and new Monash Health intern Hinal Patel.

Interns make their mark Monash Health has welcomed 125 junior doctors for medical internships, with the January intake the largest-ever cohort of medical interns.

Interns were placed at Monash Medical Centre, Dandenong, and Casey hospitals across an array of units, including general medicine, mental health, paediatric emergency medicine, urology, and palliative care.

They will be put through their paces in emergency departments, and surgical and medical wards, in the next stage of their training to become registered medical practitioners.

Over five terms, they will rotate through a variety of units, spending 10 to 13 weeks in each.

Deakin University graduate and new

Monash Health intern Hinal Patel was inspired to take up a career in medicine by her uncle, who worked in healthcare in poorer communities in India.

“I saw the impact he made on patients – they were very comfortable with him,” she said.

Hinal was set to start her internship in general surgery at Monash Medical Centre and was looking forward to all the rotations that will follow.

“I’m most looking forward to the entirety of the year – the process of growing my knowledge over that time. They say it grows exponentially,” she said.

Another 2024 intern, Wing Kei Peony Chan was set tp start her internship in the mental health unit at Monash Children’s Hospital.

After completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy and then a Doctor of Medicine at Monash University, Monash Health was first on her list for an internship.

“I chose Monash Health because they have a paediatric emergency rotation, which [is] super appealing to me,” she said.

Peony set her sights on a career in medicine after her grandpa’s death.

“I was very touched by how he was treated, and understanding the desperation of being a family member, I wanted to be there for others who might go through the same thing.”

Monash Health’s commitment to reserving positions for international students was also an attractive feature to Peony, who came from Hong Kong to Australia to study.

“My plan for the moment is to continue my

career in Australia and see where that takes me,” she said.

Acting chief executive of Monash Health Martin Keogh said the experience would provide opportunities to integrate into different medical settings and provide a solid foundation at the start of their careers.

“Working at Monash Health is a calling for many of our people – an opportunity to provide safe, high-quality care and make a real difference,” he said.

Medical education officer and intern lead Karen Yates said it would be a challenging, but rewarding year for the interns.

“They are fully supported by Monash Doctors Workforce and Monash Doctors Education to ensure they reach their full potential,” she said.

Hafekasi: A short review of a powerful performance

By Ethan Benedicto With a run time of roughly 16 minutes, Hafekasi was able to deliver a powerful performance with messages of identity, personal growth and deep-rooted discrimination.

Directed by Annelise Hickey, the film features Mona, a young half-Tongan girl and her white Australian mother, and has won multiple awards since its screening, such as the Tribeca 2023 Best Narrative Short Special Jury Mention and the MIFF 2023 Award for Emerging Australian Filmmaker.

Other awards include the BIFF 2023 Award for Best Global Short Film and the SCAD Savannah Film Festival 2023 Award for Best Global Short Film: Beyond Identity.

When it comes to shining light on issues such as that of identity around race and discrimination, Ms Hickey agreed that films can serve as effective mediums.

“I definitely think that through film and stories or television, they’re a good way to express how different people live in the same country.

Annelise Hickey (middle), speaking to the audience during the Q&A session before the screening.

Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO “Films are a good way to explore, and for us to fall in love with characters and see things from a different point of view.

“People don’t like being called out and it’s hard to do through art, but it’s still a way,” Ms Hickey said.

Delving deep into the crises of finding oneself as a child, the film uses multiple methods to convey the message, through the vibrant colour palette reminiscent of 90s Australia, the use of sound and noises, and the shaky cam whose movement mir-

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rored Mona’s feelings.

The narrative is smooth and the story of Mona, played by Izabelle Tokava, effectively encapsulates how a young girl grapples with who she really is, through familial interactions, through strangers and her own actions.

Nothing is forced, not through the hands of Ms Hickey as director or through the character of the mum, who is played by Laura Gordon.

Throughout the film Mona is left to her own devices, the mother allows space for her child to experience growth herself and never intrudes or directs Mona’s feelings.

Validation, comfort and peace are what embodied the actions of the mother, and is what allowed for Mona, though through a rebellious act, to discover and take the first step into the world of Tongan culture.

The film unfolds softly on the audience, making itself clear of its direction and most of all, is a stellar representation of showing instead of telling.

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STAR NEWS 13

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION

Here’s to the Smooth start at St James school year We are so excited to be back for the 2024 school year!

We welcomed all our students from foundation through to grade 6 on Wednesday 31 January and it was an incredibly smooth start. This only happens when you have teachers who are well prepared and students who are excited to get back to their school where they know they will be treated with respect, be engaged in their learning and know they are safe.

As a staff, we spoke about the importance of ensuring the learning we provide is pivotal in reflecting the modern world we live in and considers the many needs of our students.

Students in classrooms these days have complex backgrounds and the teachers at St Patrick’s begin, from day one, establishing a relationship with each student in their class.

They discuss what our values of respect, safety, co-operation and resilience look like in various situations. They learn about routines and ways to support each other and to show enthusiasm and a desire to learn and achieve high standards. We have dedicated teachers and Learning Support Officers who work with our new arrivals and refugee students; as well as the many other cultural identities we have at St Patrick’s. These teachers ensure the students have full access to the Victorian Curriculum and not be restricted in any way to the activities we have to offer. We also offer counselling and speech services to our families that come at no cost to our families.

St Patrick’s Pakenham have dedicated teaching staff for all their new arrivals, including Billy.

Jeremiah with his artwork enjoyed his first week.

The year began smoothly with 15 new foundation students at St James. Students were welcomed by staff and presented with a picture story book to celebrate their joining the school community.

Proud older siblings showed their little brother or sister to their classroom where they were again made to feel very welcome by staff.

There was the odd tear as foundation students said goodbye to mums and dads with a huge, almost never-ending hug.

New and existing families were invited to lunch by the active parents and friends group; this sense of welcome and community building is a St James trademark.

St James is a small yet thriving and compassionate Catholic community where learning is fun, engaging and purposeful.

In the stunning rural setting, students enjoy the large and spacious playgrounds which feature various zones such as courts, oval, indoor sports space, and a vast variety of play and sporting equipment.

Students enjoy a range of learning, including weekly sessions of Physical Education, Digi-Tech, Visual Arts, Japanese and STEM. The educators at St James, strive to walk with parents in their child’s educational journey.

They recognise and value that parents are their child’s first and foremost teachers who know their children best.

“Parents chose our school not just because it is small and we know and nurture every child, but also because we place our focus firmly on educating the whole child; spiritually, academically and emotionally which allows for wellbeing to be an-

St James is a small yet thriving and compassionate Catholic community where learning is fun, engaging and purposeful. other strong focus,” Bec Kollaris, principal shared.

School tours are available with limited vacancies for 2024 available. 2025 enrolments are also open.

Phone 5942 5404 or email office@stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au to arrange a personalised tour.

OFFICER PRIMARY SCHOOL G.R.O.W.T.H

St James Catholic School

GRATITUDE

A small school that cares for its families through inclusivity, meaningful learning experiences and respect.

We appreciate the people and resources around us and act kindly

Committed to your child’s academic, spiritual & emotional development

ENROL NOW

RESPECT

Contact us today!

We behave appropriately all the time

03 5943 2315 | officerps.vic.edu.au

OUTSTANDING

officer.ps@education.vic.gov.au

We strive for excellence in all that we do

WELLBEING We are always considerate of each other’s and our own health and happiness.

Where every student is known, nurtured & respected.

TEAMWORK We work together to achieve success and positive outcomes

ENROL NOW | 5942 5404

HONESTY 12668720-MS06-24

We are truthful in our conduct and actions all the time

60 Nar Nar Goon Rd, Nar Nar Goon www.stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au/ 12634390-SN46-23

ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN Ph: 5943 9000 or email office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au to book a school tour

12659961-KO06-24

We pride ourselves on being a Catholic, welcoming school where everyone is valued and respected. Our committed and professional staff provide a safe, caring environment where we aim to engender a love of learning in every student.

136 Princes Highway, Pakenham | www.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au | (03) 5943 9000 14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION

Small steps, big hearts

A ‘dynamic’ education Victoria’s first fully academically selective coeducational Government High School, and one of only four academically selective high schools in the state, Nossal High School has been purpose designed to suit an adult, academically focused and highly aspirational cohort of students.

The buildings are high tech. and ICT rich, mirroring features and approaches usually found in universities.

Nossal High School is committed to providing an innovative, inclusive and dynamic educational environment.

We aim to challenge our students to be creative and critical thinkers with good communication skills and the resilience necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.

We aim to build their skills, self-confidence, leadership abilities and community spirit through a rigorous but rich and varied, curricular and co-curricular program.

We want our graduates to be aspirational, ethical and responsible citizens who conduct themselves with humility and compassion.

For further information regarding Nossal High School we invite you to visit nossalhs. vic.edu.au or book a place in one of our Principal run tours or at our upcoming Information Night.

When you choose a Victorian Selective Entry High School, you are ensuring your child has the opportunity for an exceptional education at one of only four schools exclusively designed for academically talented students.

As proud government schools, each school has a unique approach and a shared purpose in nurturing excellence in young adults from Years 9-12.

Last Wednesday, the big day finally arrived for 88 new foundation (Prep) students who began their school journey at St Clare’s Primary School in Officer. The students and their families started the year with many feelings and expectations, some anxiety and hesitancy but also with big dreams for what lies ahead.

The first ever school day began with a walk along the red carpet where they were welcomed by principal, Ms Helen Staindl. Each student received a special medal of St Clare, which came all the way from Assisi in Italy as a reminder of our school’s Patron Saint.

Once inside, students and families were greeted by four very enthusiastic and excited

Nossal High School - a dynamic educational environment.

For further information about Nossal and the other Victorian Selective Entry High Schools visit www.vic.gov.au/selective-entry-high-schools Applications for 2025 enrolment are open.

If you wish to be notified when applications open, register your email address at selectiveentry.acer.org/vic/apply .

Nossal High School Tours Principal tours run from 9.30am on specific dates throughout the year.

Bookings for these tours are available at https://www.trybooking.com/ CFYUJ. Visit our website at www.nossalhs.vic. edu.au/ enrolment-information/ for more information.

teachers. The foundation teachers and all staff are looking forward to a great year. They will work with the students as they become familiar with school life and routines, supporting them all to do their best in a kind and welcoming environment.

St Clare’s is a Catholic Primary School with over six hundred students ranging from Foundation to Year Six. Our core beliefs are built around the teachings of Jesus with our school’s vision of faith, wisdom and courage at the heart of all we do.

As we begin this new school year, we welcome all new students and staff who join our vibrant school community of learners.

All smiles for mums, dads and new prep students last week at St Clare’s Primary School.

NOSSAL HIGH SCHOOL - BERWICK

St Clare’s Catholic Primary School

A co-educational, academically selective government school for highly able students in Years 9-12

Unique Opportunities.

Exceptional Futures.

As one of only four Victorian Selective Entry High Schools, we offer a broad range of curricular and co-curricular experiences and programs, strongly influenced by the students themselves who have an active and authentic voice in the running of the school. We offer significant sporting, creative, performing, musical, community, cultural, social, and leadership opportunities to our students alongside a comprehensive academic study program.

Visitors are welcome to attend school tours with the Principal, and information evenings are available throughout the year.

We invite you to visit us.

http://nossalhs.vic.edu.au/

12667441-AV06-24

Applications for 2025 enrolment OPEN NOW

Our Faith leads to Wisdom and Courage

OPEN DAY Saturday 16th March 10am to 12pm School Tours Available Call 5940 6777

ENROL NOW FOR 2025 12661213-MS06-24

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Prep students Ari Batty, Felicia Ma, Ethan Suarez and Elishya Suriya Arachchcige.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Ari Batty (left) and Felicia Ma (right) wearing their backpacks.

Elishya Suriya Arachchcige (left) and Ethan Suarez (right) smiling for the camera.

Preps take their first steps Preps at Haileybury’s Berwick campus began their first day with smiles, goodbyes, some nerves but plenty of excitement as they poured into the school.

Welcoming 45 new preps, the new students spent the day familiarising their classrooms, exploring essential facilities such as the playgrounds and outdoor spaces and of course making some new friends while doing so. Five-year-old Elishya Suriya Arachchigne

was especially excited about wearing her new uniform.

“I’m really excited about my new uniform, and also to see my friends and play with them,” she said.

For Michele Mcgill, head of junior school in Berwick, the first day of prep is always the most exciting.

“Not only for the students but for their families and for the teachers, it’s an impor-

tant and emotional milestone,” she said.

During their first day, the preps enjoyed some icebreaker activities, accompanied by a guided tour of the junior school and a reminder of where their classrooms and play areas were.

Felicia Ma, also five years old, said “talking to the teacher is the most exciting thing to look forward to on my first day”.

For Ethan Suarez, the only important thing

he had on his mind was to enjoy the big playground, which served as his first-day highlight.

Likewise, Ari Batty said he was “looking forward to my first science lesson and seeing my big brother in the playground”.

The school day for the preps ended at 3.30pm. They were are all excited to begin their schooling journey.

Meet the Principal Helen Staindl

Cameron Herbert

Helen Staindl, our Principal, was born and raised in Gippsland and has been a Principal in Stratford, Melbourne, Geelong and the founding Principal of St Clare’s Catholic Primary School in Officer.

She has studied both internationally and locally and has Masters Degrees in Theology and Education as well as further degrees in Religious Education and Administration.

Helen was a member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Board for many years and has broad experience in the Catholic and Private sectors and with the International Baccalaureate Program.

Helen has a deep understanding and awareness of student learning and wellbeing. As the Principal of St Clare’s, she has been responsible for establishing a vibrant learning culture at St Clare’s and ensuring that the needs of the students are at the forefront of the growth of the school. That is why education is her passion. St Clare’s is a Catholic School called to serve the local community, to teach the Catholic faith, to promote educational excellence and to nurture the growth and well-being of all students, families and staff.

At St Clare’s our aim is to have each child reach their potential; to be a well-rounded individual - within a supportive and caring learning environment. Our school has an enrolment of about 600 students with a class size average of about 23 students. Our extensive landscaping and play areas completed in the recent years provides a range of areas for students to explore, learn and play.

I have been the Principal of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School since 2018. The school has enjoyed significant growth over the past five years, offering an outstanding educational offering from Kindergarten through to Year 12, and we are excited to be opening a new campus in Drouin, offering Pre-Kinder through to Year 2 (at a minimum) from January 2025.

At St Paul’s we want every child to feel safe, happy and respected as they learn and grow.

We are committed to the pursuit of personal excellence with a focus on academic growth and the development of the whole person, through many specialised offerings including STEM, the St Paul’s Academy of Music and our High Performance Program for student athletes.

Enquires can be made via calling 5940 6777 or emailing enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au

Please join us for one of our upcoming events by visiting our website: stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

12661216-AI06-24

12655095-MS06-24

We invite you to come and tour our school on our upcoming Open day Saturday 16th March 10am to 12pm 2025

St Paul’s embraces the importance of recognising each child as an individual. We want each student’s needs to be catered for with a personalised approach by caring staff who know their students well and are highly trained in best educational practice. Students and staff at St Paul’s consistently comment on the distinct sense of belonging that they feel in our school, together with a generosity of spirit.

ST CLARE’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

95 Majestic Drive OFFICER 3809 Phone 5940 6777 | enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au

150 Bowen Street, Warragul, Vic, 3820 Phone 03 5623 5833 | www.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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NEWS

System response ‘failed’

By Violet Li A State Coroner has revealed a cascade of failures by the State’s family violence response centre and child protection service during an investigation of the death of a Casey resident who experienced numerous forms of family violence before she took her own life.

Sara Kaber (pseudonym), aged 22 at the time of the death, was found in the backyard of her residence on the afternoon of 3 February 2018.

She died due to complications from her injuries on 5 February.

Born in Afghanistan, Ms Kaber married her husband in 2013 and entered Australia under a spousal visa in 2015.

She had a five-month-old child and was living with her husband’s extended family of seven at the time of her passing.

Her husband was present at the home despite an active interim Family Violence Intervention Order that excluded him from the family residence.

The coroner report exposed the long-term physical and mental family violence inflicted on Ms Kaber by her husband and his family.

She suffered from suicidal ideation and tried to harm herself several times.

One of the reported violent acts was on 26 November 2017 when her husband slapped her in the face in a carpark in Cranbourne.

Ms Kaber left home with her child earlier after having a conflict with her husband’s family and being assaulted by a family member.

The police arrested the husband, charged him with assault, and issued a Family Violence Safety Notice to protect Ms Kaber and her child from the perpetrator.

Safe Steps and Child Protection were notified to provide services to Ms Kaber. Their response was found by State Coroner John Cain to raise several “concerns”.

Safe Steps, Victoria’s only 24/7 domestic and

family violence crisis response centre, supports victims and survivors with a range of services including accommodation.

Unable to secure emergency accommodation, it arranged Ms Kaber and her child into a motel where she had “limited access to supports or practical services to care for a baby”.

Ms Kaber left the motel after nine days, stating that she felt lonely and homesick and that she felt safe in the house with her husband alone and without her in-laws.

The next and last time Ms Kaber contacted Safe Steps was on 25 and 26 January 2018, a week before her suicide, when she requested its housing assistance and was turned down.

The crisis hotline referred her to a homelessness helpline and appeared not to conduct any risk assessment.

Coroner Cain pointed out the agency’s failures to offer Ms Kaber appropriate support while she was in emergency accommodation,

to link her with mental health supports, to conduct risk assessments, and to provide her with appropriate services when she called them in January.

Safe Steps’ internal review echoed the series of failures and noted that the case management provided to Ms Kaber was “reactive instead of proactive”.

A delay by the agency in notifying Child Protection about her return to the family residence was discovered.

Child Protection, the other major service involved, was also found to fail to link Ms Kaber with appropriate support such as InTouch, a specialist family violence provider for migrant and refugee women.

It did not refer her to culturally appropriate support despite the Child Protection Manual suggesting that multicultural services “can provide secondary consultations and case management to address cultural complexities and

assist practitioners to work with families in a way which is culturally responsive”.

Child Protection also failed to respond properly to the disclosures of family violence perpetrated by the extended family, the coroner found.

After a home visit on 24 January 2018, Ms Kaber indicated to the agency that her mother-inlaw was upset with her about Child Protection’s continuing involvement with the family and she did not feel safe meeting with the service at home.

Aware of the situation, the agency did not undertake any safety planning and did not take any further action to address the family violence against Ms Kaber, the coroner found.

Under the agency’s practice guidelines, practitioners are required to undertake a risk assessment to “determine the likelihood of ongoing or future violence towards the nonoffending parent and their children” and work with other support services to develop a safety plan to reduce risk.

However, Coroner Cain found that Child Protection did not take these steps and “lacked the insight and information required to adequately understand the risk posed to Ms Kaber and her child’s safety and provide meaningful intervention to support their safety needs”.

Information sharing across services is also concerning as the evidence showed the agency did not proactively liaise with any of the services involved with Ms Kaber, except Safe Steps, or work collaboratively with those services to support her and her child, the coroner found.

The coroner report stated that Child Protection had reported improvements in practice and understanding of working with families involved in domestic violence since this fatal incident.

Casey ranked the highest for family incidents in Victoria in the year ending September 2023, with a total of 5426 reported cases.

Happy faces a highlight for new kindergarten A new kindergarten funded by Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre (MPLCC) opened in Cranbourne North in January, where the staff says a safe and stimulating environment is provided to foster the holistic development of every child.

Located inside the MPLCC, the kindergarten has sessions for three and four-yearold children available up to five days a week from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

The centre also has daycare options from 9.30am to 2.30pm for up to five days a week.

All the educational programs are guided by recognised early childhood frameworks.

A spokesperson for the centre said each child would be valued, respected, and given the opportunity to make choices and deci-

sions to develop their independence.

“Our vision is to cultivate a love for learning that lasts a lifetime,” she said.

“We believe in nurturing the unique potential of each child and laying the foundation for their future success in a supportive and engaging setting.

“We believe in building a strong partnership with parents to ensure the success of each child. Regular communication and involvement in kindergarten activities along with timely feedback are encouraged.”

The kindergarten is currently accepting enrolments for the upcoming academic year.

For more information, contact the centre on 5996 9056.

Lianna, Jayson, and Eden at the new kindergarten in the Merinda Park Learning and Community Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Centre. 386856

Michelle (centre manager) and Lucy (Kinder teacher) with kinder kids Anum, Lianna, Jayson and Eden. 386856 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Jayson. 386856 Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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STAR NEWS 17

NEWS

Foundation students Diya, Harris, and Francesco with Foundation STEM and Auslan teacher Mrs Driessen. 386476 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Diya (Foundation). 386476

Students embrace school Foundation (Prep) students at Casey Grammar were excited to start the new term with their classmates and teachers.

Head of junior school at Casey Grammar Melissa Roberton said their students had settled into their first year of schooling with ease.

“The smiles on their faces are a joy to see each morning. Their laughter can be heard in their classrooms and out on the playground as they make wonderful connections with classmates who will no doubt become close friends throughout their 13-year educational journey at Casey Grammar School,” she said.

Star News photographer STEWART CHAMBERS captured the best of the action in the first week of the new term.

Link (Foundation). 386476

Viraaj, Evelyn and Sophia (Foundation). 386476

New Clyde North ambulance branch opens its doors A new ambulance station opened on 69 Matterhorn Drive in Clyde North after nearly two years of planning and constructing.

The new 24-hour facility features a fourbay garage for ambulances, four rest and recline areas for paramedics to recuperate, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, car parking, and updated security to enhance paramedic safety.

The location of the site was carefully selected for its proximity to main roads and major sites in the area including nature parks, manufacturing precincts, and community facilities – ensuring the best coverage of ambulance services for the community.

“Our paramedics are the very best of us – we know local communities rely on their expertise when faced with a health emergency, making the new Clyde North Ambulance Station all the more important,” Minister for Am-

bulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas said.

The new station is one of over 35 new or upgraded ambulance stations delivered since 2015, with construction on another 16 currently underway.

A total of more than $2 billion has been invested in ambulance services by the State Government, doubling the on-road workforce with 2200 more paramedics delivering lifesaving care to Victorians.

The State Government is also delivering Australia’s first Paramedic Practitioners with a master’s course at Monash University from 2024, with the first 25 paramedic practitioners trained and on the road by 2026.

A new Centre for Excellence in Paramedicine at Victoria University is also being established to train the next generation of paramedics, providing advanced teaching methods – with a capacity to train around 1500 students each year.

New ambulance station in Clyde North. 386861

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Bail knocked back again

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A registered child-sex offender from Dandenong who was arrested weeks after being released from immigration detention has lost a second quest for bail.

Emran Dad, 33, is facing 13 counts of failing to comply with his reporting obligations as a registered sex offender.

He had allegedly failed to report online chats with girls last year as well as his mobile phone service, email address and identities on five social media platforms.

He was also charged with public trespass in refusing to leave a Services Australia office in Dandenong on 24 November.

During his bid for release on 29 January, Dad consented to closer monitoring under a five-year prohibition order that banned him from social media and from contacting females under 18.

But in refusing bail, Dandenong magistrate Fran Medina said she had concerns whether Dad would comply with the order.

Hence he presented an unacceptable risk to the safety and welfare of “young vulnerable children”.

Detective Senior Constable Daniel Jacobi of Greater Dandenong CIU had earlier told the court that three girls aged 14, 15 and 16 were following Dad’s TikTok account.

In a group livestream with the 16-year-old on 3 November, Dad allegedly told her “you look so beautiful in those glasses”.

She replied she was 16, and other users also commented about her young age, Jacobi told the court.

“No, she’s not,” Dad allegedly said. “She looks so beautiful in those glasses.”

Later he was said to have followed the girl’s TikTok account and made a livestream request to her.

Jacobi said that in the recorded conversa-

tion, she commented that “you look so funny ... sitting on your bunk beds.”

Dad allegedly replied that he was locked up.

“This is like a prison. This is like a detention centre.”

“Because you’re broke,” the girl replied.

“What are you on about?” Dad reportedly said. “You actually come in here making fun of me while I’m sitting on a bunk bed.

“Guess what ... there’s a spot empty for you in here. If you want to move in, there’s no rent.

You can move in and sleep on the top.”

Jacobi said the girl provided a recording to police and was “quite concerned she’d been speaking to him”.

The detective had yet to directly contact the 15-year-old girl from WA and the 14-year-old from NSW but “we do believe those ages are correct”.

Dad had told police that “he wasn’t aware of what social media was”, despite being “quite prevalent” on TikTok and Instagram, Jacobi said.

“Police believe that the accused is a significant risk to the sexual safety of the community, particularly young vulnerable children.”

Jacobi cited Dad’s prior convictions in 2012 of two counts of sexually penetrating a child under 16, an indecent assault of a child under 16 and inducing a child into sex work.

He’d told a police interview at the time he had “no one else to have sex with” and thought the acts were legal based on the law in Afghanistan, Jacobi said.

In 2018, Dad was again convicted of sexual penetration of a child under 16, as well as four counts of failing to meet his reporting obligations and drug possession.

As a result, he was taken into immigration detention, pending deportation to Afghanistan.

There was also a prior for recklessly causing injury and breaches of bail and a family violence intervention order, the court heard.

He is also currently on a good-behaviour bond for causing harm to a Commonwealth

official in 2022.

The Afghan-born accused was released from detention on 11 November as a result of a High Court of Australia ruling that indefinite detention was unlawful.

He was arrested during a police raid of his home 24 days later.

Defence lawyer Kate Sheridan said if bailed, Dad was eligible to CISP and NDIS support for his significant intellectual disability.

She told the court that Dad wasn’t an unacceptable risk because of the prohibition order, his stable address with his mother and strong supervision from his family, including denying Dad access to a smart phone.

The family had claimed they were previously unaware about Dad being restricted from social media.

However Medina was concerned about his mother’s lack of “fluency with technology” and that she may not be able to effectively monitor him.

The magistrate noted the seriousness of the alleged new offending, his past criminal convictions and failures to comply with court orders and reporting obligations.

He had “poor insight” into his intellectual disability, which raised concerns about his ability to comply with the prohibition order, Medina said.

Dad had earlier unsuccessfully applied for bail at Dandenong Magistrates Court on 14 December.

In November, 148 detainees, including convicted criminals, were released after the High Court’s landmark ruling that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful.

Five of the criminal detainees have since been arrested across the country.

Dad was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 13 February.

Engineering intern shines as career takes shape

By Emma Xerri With the International Day of Women and Girls in Science fast approaching, engineering graduate and Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) civil engineering intern Fariha Chowdhury has taken the time to reflect on her experiences so far as a female engineer in the construction industry.

Having spent the last six months working on the Burwood Highway-McMahons Road Intersection Upgrade and the Thompsons Road/Berwick Cranbourne Road Intersection Upgrade, Ms Chowdhury has gained invaluable insight into the importance of internship programs such as this for accelerating and celebrating the work of women in engineering.

“The privilege of being surrounded by experts whom I could consult for guidance immensely aided my learning,”

The upcoming International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February celebrates women like Fariha.

Ms Chowdhury said.

“These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my perspective as a future civil engineer and have equipped me with practical knowledge crucial for launching my ca-

reer.”

And it was the mentorship received from female peers in particular, especially MRPV project manager Erin Ross, that made for such an inspiring internship experience.

“Erin’s role as my manager has been incredibly inspiring,” Ms Chowdhury said.

“I’ve seen firsthand her expertise, extensive knowledge in road projects, and exceptional leadership qualities.

“Her unwavering support for my learning and opportunities, coupled with entrusting me with various responsibilities, has been invaluable.

“Observing Erin’s success underscores the fact that as a woman in engineering, we can make equally significant contributions to the community.

“Having her as a role model has bolstered my confidence, reaffirmed my belief in push-

ing forward and striving for excellence.”

With this internship now sitting comfortably amongst what is sure to become an impressive resume, Ms Chowdhury is looking forward to her next steps.

“Overall, my aspiration is to actively participate in infrastructure projects, continually expanding my knowledge and experience in this field.

“Looking ahead, my goal is to become an entrepreneur by establishing my own firm, specifically focusing on fostering the involvement of women in engineering.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredibly talented and intelligent women engineers, highlighting the need for more representation of women in our industry.

“I aim to create opportunities and support to encourage more women to pursue and thrive in engineering roles.”

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Position description value TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH Sometimes the simplest of things can have immense value and perhaps because these things are so easy to do, they can get either overlooked or postponed as something to work on when there is a spare moment, which of course there never is.

One such business item that comes to mind is the humble Position Description or PD. Simply put, a good Position Description should define the bounds of responsibility of a specific business role. One of the reasons that these often don’t exist is that a manager may well assert that ‘everyone knows their role’ but in practice it is not unusual for a boss and a team member to be out of synch here, especially when it comes down to ownership of specific areas within the position. If they are written at all, many Position Descriptions just define the tasks to be undertaken but the problem with this is that over time tasks may change and different systems, tools and/or processes may need to be employed. If this is the case, then the PD will require ongoing maintenance and update. However, although tasks and tools may change, the responsibilities within a role generally do not, so if the PD is written with regard to these, it needs to only be written once or at least require only minimal update.

At first sight, it would seem that the only purpose of a Position Description is to define the role for the person actually operating within it and while this is obviously a key objective, there are many other benefits that derive from having such a document. Apart from anything else, having a documented and agreed per-

Having a documented and agreed perspective on the role between manager and employee can head off many potential issues, Ian Ash says.

Picture: GABRIELLE HENDERSON ON UNSPLASH spective on the role between manager and employee can head off many potential issues especially regarding ownership as noted above, but there are many other benefits that can be derived as well.

A well-defined Position Description provides clarity for anyone moving into the role.

It necessarily forms a great basis for a job advertisement if the role is vacant and is going to be advertised internally and/or externally

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(although it is very important to note that any job advertisement should not read exactly like a PD since the role itself should also include a level of selling!). This should be essential to anyone involved in recruitment for the position and if well written, also reflects well on the professionalism and organisation of the hiring business itself. Of course, it’s always possible that the role could be filled from within, and since the PD should provide a complete picture of the expectations of the position, internal applicants can easily determine their suitability for it.

Although potentially contentious, I hold a firm belief that Key Performance Indicators or KPIs (i.e. those key measures used to assess performance of an incumbent in the role) should be kept quite separate and documented elsewhere. As noted above, if well-written, a PD should clearly define the boundaries of the role and require little or no change over its lifetime. However, KPIs will be different every time – targets will inevitably change as will the associated timeframes and so these should be captured in their own document. This separation keeps things clearer, simpler and easier to manage for everyone.

Finally, the good old ‘less is more’ adage applies here and so generally a position should not need to be more than a couple of pages in length. The first page should describe the role at a high level and then define the specific responsibilities. It is useful to structure these so that similar aspects are grouped together and bullet lists will do much to simplify understanding. The second page can then be used to describe the specific skills, qualifications and personal attributes required for the role in order that a good personality fit can be achieved.

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

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SPORT

Superstar Smith supreme

By David Nagel Pakenham (8/367) champion Chris Smith took his magnificent career to extraordinary new heights on Saturday with a career-first doublecentury against Merinda Park.

The elegant right-hander’s 210 not out was punctuated with 32 glorious fours, hit from 227 balls, and superseded his previous best effort of 177 in 2013/14.

Smith has made more runs than any other player in the WGCA/CCCA Premier Division since a competition management system was introduced in 2008/09; having now made 7706 runs at the elite average of 43.05.

The 33-year-old has also made the most hundreds (17) and half-centuries (42); and is now the proud owner of the highest score at the top-level in the last 15 years.

His first double-century immediately follows an equally-impressive 140 not out against Devon Meadows on Australia Day last week; taking his eight-day total to 350 without dismissal.

The self-effacing Smith said it was great to finally cash in, having made seven scores of between 28 and 58 this season ahead of his fantastic fortnight of fun.

“I don’t know if it’s the best that I’ve ever batted, but I certainly felt like I was in control of both innings,” Smith said.

“This season has been a frustrating one personally; a season of starts, and it’s easy to say after two big scores, but I really emphasised to myself to go deep into both innings.

“Things went my way; I had some luck, but it feels good to finally convert starts into good scores.”

The man nicknamed ‘Smudge’ has the unique and innate ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground, with anywhere from thirdman to fine-leg all danger-zones.

That ability magnifies itself even further when the champion batter walks to the crease with clear intent.

“It tends to come naturally, and when you have those days when everything is just clicking, your mind is just a lot clearer and you make better decisions,” he explained.

“On Saturday for example, they pushed the field out, and I was getting tired later in the innings, and I just thought, me trying to clear the fence or hit hard to the boundary, wasn’t the go.

“I just had a clear mindset, started picking the gaps, and it felt easier to pick the gaps and run twos.

“Even though I was quite knackered; that was the best option to build the innings at the time.”

Smith lost his opening partner Jack Anning (2) early, then put together a rock-solid 121run stand with his skipper Dale Tormey (55).

The Lions were 2/159 at tea, with Smith cruising, unbeaten on 92.

With Stuart Johnson (16) for company, he brought up triple figures off the fourth ball of the 49th over, and chalked up his 150 with long-time teammate Sean Gramc (41) at the crease.

Youngster Marcus Martini (9) then had the best seat in the house as Smith raised his bat

Pakenham star Chris Smith launches a classic off-drive during his epic innings of 210 not out against Merinda Park on Saturday. 386721 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS for 200.

“It was very hot, very dry out there, not much of a breeze, and it’s a mental battle sometimes,” he said.

“The boys were good, running out plenty of water, just talking to me a lot, and the boys coming in helped me through the hard times.

“The Johnson boys, they’re quite knowledgeable to the game; they run well between the wickets, they’re very good communicators, and then Sean (Gramc) came in and started hitting boundaries from ball one.

“That took the pressure off me to score quickly, and gave me time to rotate the strike, hand it over to him, and save some energy for later in the day.”

The Lions opener said the full extent of his achievement was yet to fully sink in.

“Not really; you don’t wake up thinking today’s the day I’m going to make a double ton, and it hasn’t sunk in yet for sure,” he said.

“I was talking to Stu Johnson on the way home and said it ‘sort of feels weird right now’.

“I felt like it wasn’t my cleanest hitting of the ball all day, but I’ve made 200.

“I’ve had innings where I’ve hit everything out of the middle and only made 50, but Saturday wasn’t that day, and I made 200…it’s

quite bazaar.

“It’ll sink in over the next few days and I’ll look back fondly on the achievement.”

A new-dad late last year, with wife Millie giving birth to baby-boy Ollie, the champion batter has a clearer perspective as to what he deems as important.

“It’s like cricket is not coming first anymore,” he explained.

“I always put in 100-percent, but I’m so busy outside of cricket, starting this new chapter in my life with my beautiful wife (Millie) and little kid, that your perspective changes.

“My approach to cricket hasn’t changed, I wouldn’t think, but maybe it has slightly without me noticing too much.

“Maybe it has; maybe it’s made me enjoy cricket for what it is and released the pressure off myself.”

Smith said the relaxed approach had already been engendered by the great leaders at the club, including his close friend and President Phil Anning.

“It’s a great relationship, and I have the greatest respect for him,” he said.

“His motto is; family, work, then cricket, and I love that, because I’m very busy with work and a young family and the leaders of the

club understand that.

“It’s not just Phil; Dale’s (Tormey) the captain, Robbie’s (Elston) the coach; they understand my situation and they’re very flexible… and I’m very appreciative of that.

“That understanding means a lot to me and is part of the reason why I enjoy my cricket so much at Pakenham.”

Smith’s massive innings was of many played in the CCCA Premier Division on Saturday, with five legitimate stars of the competition making career-best scores on the day.

Smith was joined by Cardinia’s Alex Nooy (202*) and Travis Wheller (132) and Tooradin pair Cal O’Hare (164) and Josh Lownds (116).

CCCA PREMIER DIVISION R12: TWO-DAY (DAY ONE) Merinda Park v Pakenham 8/367 (Chris Smith 210 not out, Bevin Corneille 4/82).

Kooweerup v Devon Meadows 9/228 (Trent Delaney 67, Jakeb McVicar 55, Luke McMaster 4/40, Joel Anderson 3/33).

Carlisle Park v Cardinia 3/446 (Alex Nooy 202 not out, Travis Wheller 132).

Clyde v Tooradin 5/399 (Cal O’Hare 164, Josh Lownds 116, Nick Shannon 3/117).

· · · ·

Bunyip youngster gets Aus Open experience

By Jonty Ralphsmith Bunyip junior tennis player Josh Piovesan was a ballkid at last month’s Australian Open for the second consecutive year.

Josh got the opportunity to ballkid the tight fourth-round encounter between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Taylor Fritz, two top-12 seeds, as well as sharing the court with a host of Australians.

Having had a tennis racquet in his hand since he was aged two, and regularly attending Melbourne Park growing up, Josh made his debut last year.

“I went (to Melbourne Park) when I was 11 to watch tennis and I was watching the ball 22 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

kids on court and wondered how to apply,” he recalled.

“I searched it up and figured out that you could register when you were 12 and once I was 12 I registered.”

Josh was initially in the ‘train-on’ squad for 2023, where he would ballkid tournaments including the December Showdown, wheelchair and blind and impaired vision events, but not the Australian Open itself.

But he was a late elevation to the AO squad and believes last year’s experience, which also includes regular sessions in the lead-up to work on rolls, servicing and court movement, placed him well to take a step forward with his skills in 2024.

“It’s a lot of running around in the heat and it’s a really good experience to see famous players and getting to practice and learning how different things work,” he said.

Ballkids spend 45 minutes to an hour oncourt at a time, before rotating off for a similar length of time to ensure they are adequately rested.

On one of the days, Josh was on-court for six rotations which made for a 12-hour shift.

Josh will be eligible to be a ballkid for another two years and has loved the experience so far.

“I want to work on my rolls, get lower to ground and swing my arms more to get momentum,” he said.

Josh Piovesan in his AO kit. 387236 Picture: SUPPLIED pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Storm celebrates in style

By Jonty Ralphsmith It started 16 months ago as a concept.

Now, Cardinia Storm Hockey Club has just celebrated its first birthday and is a club with more than 100 members.

Those within the club describe the first year as chaotic, but necessary mayhem to establish the foundations long-term.

The club, which launched its 2024 season alongside the first anniversary on Friday evening at the Cardinia Club, started with 12 women who had a clear vision.

“We wanted something new, we had a passion for hockey and we wanted to have a really inclusive space for all members of the community,” said former president and current player Lauren Walsh.

“Coming out of the pandemic, there were not a lot of people playing sport and there was disconnect from the community.

“It’s not necessarily about the competition, because a lot of people get fixated on the level and getting high.

“We just want people to enjoy the sport, get the community feel going and allow people to socialise and feel safe.”

Almost everyone in the Storm’s inaugural women’s team also had an off-field role to fill, despite many, including the president, being about university age.

Dismissing warnings about the challenges associated with starting a club, the ambitious women took it on, building something special quickly.

Junior enquiries came quickly and in greater capacity than expected.

By Term 4 there were two under-8 teams, an under-10 and an under-12 side.

This season, the club will field its first under-14 team – a big step up, being the first age

It wouldn’t be a first birthday celebration without a cake smash! 387501

Pictures: ADAM GOURLEY

Current president Tina Horwood addresses the club.

“We’ve even had kids start high school this year and know someone because of hockey, so it has been really special to see that community development.”

The 2024 season will also see the Storm field a men’s unit for the first time, with coach Pete Kelly’s approach mirroring the club’s core values.

“We’ve been building for the last few months and it’s looking really positive,” said

Kelly, who also emceed the evening.

“We want it to be a family-friendly environment.

“We’re starting at a social level where anyone can slot in.

“We have enough experience in the team to help grow the unit.

“The location we’re at is in such a big growth corridor; we want to get as many people involved in hockey as possible.”

It wouldn’t be a first birthday celebration without a cake smash! 387501 group to play on a full-sized field.

The fruits of their hard work for the juniors is starting to be felt across the community.

“We want everyone to feel welcomed,” Walsh said.

“A lot of the kids have said it’s their safe space.

“They might have troubles in school, but they come to hockey and have their own friendship groups.

Breakdown in junior netball Talented youngsters land VFL contracts at Casey

By Marcus Uhe

The junior netball landscape in the South East for season 2024 has been thrown a curve ball just weeks ahead of the first centre pass being thrown after a breakdown between the South East Premier Netball League (SEPNL) and Outer East Football Netball (OEFN).

After a joint statement announcing that the leagues would be joining forces in 2024 to provide a junior netball competition made up of both SEPNL and OEFN clubs on 16 January, OEFN announced on Monday 5 February that it had decided to not partner with SEPNL for 2024, sighting issues with SEPNL’s governance structure and a lack of affiliation with Netball Victoria.

“Following numerous meetings with internal and external stakeholders Outer East Football Netball are not satisfied that the governance structure in place and as proposed by the SEPNL group is workable, nor do we feel comfortable with the current state of the intended incorporation, particularly SEPNL Office Bearers also holding official roles within participating clubs,” the OEFN’s statement said.

“Added to the fact that there is nine weeks to the start of the season and the SEPNL group is no further advanced with their affiliation with Netball Victoria, we have come to the decision to not partner with the SEPNL group for the 2024 season in the junior netball space.”

Lani Mannays, president of the SEPNL, is also President of Berwick Netball Club, while vice president of SEPNL, Dean Ziesler, is the current president of Beaconsfield Netball Club.

SEPNL is aligned with Netball Victoria but is not affiliated.

OEFN said it would remain open to working with Netball Victoria and SEPNL to establish a competition from 2025 onwards, and stressed that the upcoming junior season would not be compromised by the decision to not partner with SEPNL. “(OEFN) will continue to pursue a junior netball competition for clubs in the South East as we stated following our Competition Structure Review in August 2023.

“This decision does not have any impact on Outer East FN’s A, B, C, D and 17U Blue netball competitions in any way, as they follow the Senior Football fixtures released at the beginning of December 2023.” pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Outer East Football Netball and the South East Premier Netball League will not run a combined junior netball competition in 2024.

Picture: SUPPLIED Mannays said she fears that clubs will lose faith in the SEPNL based on the OEFN’s statement, stating that the League’s governance is above board and has followed legal requirements.

Through the implementation of an underlying committee with representation from all six SEPNL clubs, Mannays is confident that any fears of conflicts of interest involving League and Club officials has been alleviated.

“The only thing that they are questioning is who runs it, but we have been completely transparent about it from the beginning,” Mannays said.

“We can’t step away from Berwick and Beaconsfield at the moment, because we were voted as presidents at the AGM before this started.

“I think if we were trying to hide, that would be a different story, but we haven’t from day one, and if we weren’t mitigating it by giving all of these clubs a voice, that would also be another issue.”

Mannays said SEPNL will still aim to run a junior netball competition this season to ensure that junior netballers have a place to play in the South East without the travel associated with OEFN clubs.

“We just want the kids to play; ultimately we will do whatever we have to do to make it happen,” she said.

“We’ve got our teams picked, our selections, Berwick and Beaconsfield are really strong clubs, we’ve got all of our teams filled.

“We’ve got the community backing us so we’ve got to do what we can for them as well.”

Casey Demons have confirmed several arrivals and re-signings as preparations for the 2024 season ramp up.

Locals Mitch Sybkowski (Beaconsfield), Andrew Green (Cranbourne) and Kobe Shipp (Beaconsfield) have all put pen to paper.

Sybkowski crosses from Frankston VFL, where he played 14 games in 2023 and got some time in the midfield.

Green’s arrival is the latest chapter in a remarkable rise from the Northern Territory, while fellow defender Shipp arrives after a strong season in the Talent Pathway where he was a regular for Dandenong and represented Vic Country.

Lysterfield junior Kai Windsor, the brother of Melbourne draftee Caleb, has also put pen to paper following an injuryriddled season for Box Hill, as has Dingley local Caleb Lewis.

The marquee recruit so far is Leo Connolly, who has seven games of AFL experience with St Kilda, with his speed an asset for the Dees.

Youngsters Brayden La Planche (Eastern Ranges), Oscar Van Dam (Tasmania Devils) and Eddie King (Richmond Junior Football Club) are other recruits the Dees have secured.

Van Dam hails from the same local club, North Launceston, which coach Taylor Whitford steered to back-to-back premierships in 2018-19.

The loss of stalwart midfielder Jimmy Munro to Cora Lynn, and addition of several emerging talents, has Casey set to enter the new season with a much younger list.

The club, however, is confident in the leadership of skipper Mitch White and believes Roan Steele can take a step forward with his footy to help fill that void.

Ned Moodie, Ziggy Toledo-Glasman, Max Gregory, Tyler Edwards, Ryan Valentine and Charlie Peters have all re-signed for the

Beaconsfield’s Kobe Shipp is among the Casey signings. 356635 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT season, with several more spots still up for grabs.

Meanwhile, Cora Lynn premiership coach David Main has been promoted to midfield coach, while Pakenham’s Tom O’Loughlin joins the coaching panel.

Casey’s practice match schedule and VFL fixture will be finalised soon, with round one set to be played on the weekend of March 23-24.

Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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Thursday, 8 February, 2024

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