News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 29th February 2024

week to the excitement of Officer’s young students and teachers.

The event saw the Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, South Eastern Metro MP Lee Tarlamis and Pakenham MP Emma Vulin attend the official opening of the town’s brand-new school.

The day started with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, with speeches from principal Sharon Mitchell and Mr Carroll.

The ribbon was cut with school captains and a plaque unveiled to commemorate the occasion.

With the capacity to cater for up to 650 students, Kurmile welcomed the first group of pupils, excited to be starting at their new school.

“It’s terrific to see our local children provided with a contemporary safe and inclusive learning environment,” Ms Vulin said.

“Under the leadership of school principal Sharon Mitchell together with her team, Kurmile will be a school community where all

children can learn, thrive, and achieve their best.”

Ms Mitchell, in a 2023 interview published by the Victorian School Building Authority, said great education was when everyone comes together.

“So when we’ve got our students and their families, our staff and the wider community all collaborating, listening to each other and sharing knowledge – that’s when great things happen in our school. And that’s when our students really thrive,” she said.

The principal said her vision for the school was to create a dynamic learning environment, “where our students are supported to build the skills, knowledge and attitude that they need to become leaders in their community”.

Kurmile Primary School is the work of just under two years of construction with the school to help facilitate the much-needed education for the children of fast-growing Officer.

More photos page 4

Ben Carroll MP cuts the ribbon. 387939

Emma Vulin MP with Preps Chelsea and Isaac. 387939

Event to inspire inclusion

Cardinia Shire community members are invited to attend a free family-friendly event celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 on Thursday 7 March.

The event is hosted by Cardinia Shire Council in partnership with Living and Learning Centre, Foundation House and Myli and will be held at Pakenham Hall, Cnr John and Henry St Pakenham, from 9.30am to 12pm.

It will include:

· Welcome to Country.

· Special guest speaker.

· Morning tea.

· Henna art.

· Performances.

· Women Weavers workshop.

· Door prizes.

· Storytime with Myli Library.

Guests will be joined by social entrepreneur, lawyer, and executive within the Victoria Public Service, Zione Walker-Nthenda.

International Women’s Day is a global celebration, on 8 March each year, of the women’s rights movement and the social, economic, cultural and political achievements, both large and small, made to achieve gender equality.

The local event on 7 March will centre around this year’s International Women’s Day theme; ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

Cardinia Shire mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said this theme called for action to inspire interest and awareness about the value of

women’s inclusion.

“This year for International Women’s Day, we look to inspire awareness, understanding and action; to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included in the work we do at Council and in our community.

“The Cardinia Shire International Women’s Day event gives our community a chance to come together, connect with and celebrate the outstanding contributions of local women across our shire, and to inspire inclusion beyond the event,” Cr Kowarzik said.

He invited everyone in the community to come along and share in the family-friendly cultural activities, music, food, and enjoy a special presentation from guest speaker, Zione

Walker-Nthenda.

The work done to progress women’s rights is fundamentally about ensuring equal human rights for everyone and embracing all gender, age, ability, culture, ethnicity, sexuality, and religion, the council said.

“Everyone has a part to play and together we can do this by sharing stories of adversity and achievement, progressing change in policy and planning to ensure equitable access to services and support to overcome barriers to inclusion, and bringing local women of all backgrounds together to connect.”

Registrations to attend are required for catering purposes and can be made by email to mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 787 624.

Bunyip community backing animal welfare organisation

By Roman Kulkewycz

Bunyip Pharmacy has been raising funds through in store raffles to support care for injured, neglected and abandoned dogs through Rescued With Love (RWL), an organisation founded in 2005 which is solely funded by public donations and which is dedicated to rescuing and providing medical care to dogs in need.

In 2010, RWL was the first animal welfare organisation to be awarded the Victoria Day Award for Community and Public Service by a Victorian organisation. Since its inception RWL has rescued thousands of dogs in need.

The Bunyip Pharmacy, true to its mission does not sell products which are tested on animals. They will be having a special morning tea where the lucky raffle winner will be announced.

Belinda Brasier, front of store and digital marketer at the pharmacy, has a burning passion to facilitate such care by personally making monthly donations to RWL. She said

the pharmacy has donated goods in excess of $600 towards the raffle.

“RWL takes the seniors that no one wants, the sick that are surrendered to pounds with a rescue being their only way out,” said Belinda.

“They have all their vet work done and then find them a compatible home. Sometimes a vet clinic will contact RWL about a client whose pet is sick or needs surgery, but the owners can’t afford it, but love their pets, if they are able they help out with the surgery expenses and medication,” said Belinda.

Belinda recently found two Shih Tzu dogs for sale on Facebook. She and her mum visited the seller and bought one which needed urgent medical attention. The owners, an elderly couple, were in hospital.

Following veterinary treatment and grooming care, this dog was allocated to a loving forever home and is now living a happy luxurious life.

The Bunyip Pharmacy’s morning tea was due to be held on Thursday 29 February.

front of store and digital marketer Belinda Brasier and pharmacist Clare Pilkington with the raffle prize which will be drawn on Thursday 29 February.

Picture: ROMAN KULKEWYCZ

Embracing equity in local sporting clubs was a key focus of last year’s ‘Change Our Game’ International Women’s Day Brunch. Last year’s event was well-attended.

Sold, demolished

By Corey Everitt

Prime land in Officer’s future town centre has sold for millions with its new owners catching attention after demolishing the display home that had resided there for almost two decades.

Many who commute through Princes Highway would have noticed the streetscape of Officer had changed slightly with the house at 1 Station Street.

The Victorian Homestead style home, used as a display home, was demolished last week as the new owner sets into developing the 3.8 acres of land.

The property was sold in a private agreement that saw the land bought for roughly $8 million.

The former structure on the property was never a residence but was constructed as a display/office by home builder Harkaway Homes.

They operated from the space for over a decade before selling it and moving to their current office in Pakenham.

The company built two display homes on the property, another adjacent to the building which stayed. This display home was not destroyed but transported to Longwarry where it was sold as a residence.

Harkaway Homes sales consultant John Roulent said it was a bit of shock to see the home go.

“It was our home away from home, I only drove past it the other day when it was completely gone, quite surreal,” he said.

“From a nostalgic point of view it was a bit upsetting for all of us, but you can’t hold back progress.”

When Harkaway Homes originally sold the property, the then-owner applied for a permit to build a hotel on the property.

The application was rejected by council-

lors after a community campaign opposed the proposal due to it including up to 80 gambling machines on the premises.

With a new owner purchasing the property, it is unknown yet by the Gazette what is planned for the property.

Within the Urban Design Framework (UDF) for the Officer town centre, approved by Cardinia Shire Council last week, the area is zoned for commercial use as the ‘gateway’ for Officer with primary roles being for highway retail, showrooms and bulk goods.

IN BRIEF

Witness appeal

Police are investigating reports of a vehicle being driven erratically and aggressively towards another vehicle heading outbound on the Princes Freeway from Princes Highway exit until the O’Shea Road exit.

A black-coloured Honda wagon was allegedly tailgating a silver-coloured Mercedes sedan and possibly attempting to run this vehicle off the road from around 5.30pm on Thursday 25 January 2024.

Police are seeking any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage of this incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cranbourne Police Station on 5991 0600, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Phone crackdown

Undercover traffic police have helped nab more than 60 drivers on their phones in a twoday operation in the South East.

As part of Operation Spotto, 187 offences were detected in Springvale, Cranbourne and Dandenong over 15-16 February.

Sixty-eight drivers were using mobile phones, 19 not wearing seatbelts, 19 disobeying traffic lights/signs and 15 speeding.

There were also five unregistered vehicles, three disqualified drivers and three drug drivers caught.

Police also issued 18 vehicle defect notices.

During the op, officers with walkie-talkies posed as pedestrians as they spied on drivers touching their phones.

“People are stuck in the cars at traffic lights, and they can’t help but go for their phone,” State Highway Patrol Sergeant Harry Lazarou told Nine News during an operation on Springvale Road.

“We always get the ‘I’ve got to call the boss, I’m running late’, but a lot of the time they’re just their scrolling on social media.”

New road rules were introduced in 2023 that now include looking at, touching or having a mobile device resting on a driver’s body.

The penalty for using or touching phones while driving is $577 and four demerit points.

1 Station Street today. 390774

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The display home built by Harkaway Homes. Picture: SUPPLIED

New school opens doors

Happy Preps Chelsea and Isaac. 387939

Ben Carroll MP cuts the ribbon. 387939

Smoking ceremony. 387939

Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. 387939

MPs Emma Vulin, Lee Tarlamis and Ben Carroll unveil the plaque with students Hamasa and Viyan. 387939

Principal Sharon Mitchell speaks at the official opening of Kurmile Primary School. 387939

Smoking ceremony at Kurmile Primary School. 387939

THE IGET IT , I THINK BIT

Lose yourself at one of Victoria’s renowned galleries or artist workshops. You’ll find plenty to your taste – or not. And that’s the fun of it.

Get curious at cultural institutions like Bendigo Art Gallery.

VISITVICTORIA.COM

Casey set for flooding rise

By Violet Li

Hampton Park resident and Australian severe weather forecaster Dennis Luke warns Casey residents of a definite increase in rain and floods in the second half of the year as La Nina has a strong chance of returning.

An update from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said earlier in January there were increasing odds of La Nina in the seasons after a shift to ENSO-neutral around April to June. Using global weather models from NOAA and the International Research Institute to monitor severe meteorology, Mr Luke noted that most of south-eastern Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, would have a really cold winter with more rain and floods resulting from a moderate to strong La Nina.

“We could be looking at temperatures anywhere from minus 5 to plus 5 anywhere in Victoria,” he said.

“I haven’t seen a cold winter like this for a long time because, over the last 20 years, winter’s been reasonably cool to mild.

“We’re going to get just as much, if not more, rain than what we had in 2022, to me, that’s a given.”

Mr Luke pointed out that many areas in Casey were susceptible to severe rain and flood.

“If you have undulating areas, for example, a road that goes down and then backs up again like Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road under the railway line, as soon as we have 20 millimetres of rain, it floods in the left and middle lanes because the drainage system is not built for heavy rain,” he said.

“They need to replace those drains and

OPINION

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

On Facebook, we said: We’re exploring the poor cell reception in Clyde North. How are you coping with patchy mobile coverage?

Nia McMartin

Talk to Cassandra Fernando MP she’s done a survey and is advocating for better service!

Karen Wilsy

Telstra became worse in Cranny West since they switched off 3G. Now lucky to get one bar.

Kazz M Jarman

Too late. My son moved from there lol. It was always bad for five years.

Gabriele Frenkel

Not just Clyde, internet coverage in Coastal Villages (Blind Bight, Cannons Creek, Tooradin andWarneet) are shocking too.

Kelly Brown

It’s always been bad. Complete dead area. Clyde and Cardinia have no signal with Telstra and limited with Optus. It’s always been like it.

Louise Bonney

Terrible mobile coverage in Clyde and Cardinia, it’s so frustrating.

Mel Hunter

It’s shocking. I have had better service in Thailand than in Clyde Nth. Black spots, calls drop out, it’s a disgrace.

Rhonda Hobbs Clare

While you’re at it you could also check out Narre Warren North. It’s not a good area, lucky to have any reception some days.

Alan Johnston

I am in Narre South in Heritage Drive on top of hill and reception is poor.

Roz Coles

It’s rubbish. My kids cannot contact me on their phones when leaving school and I can’t reach them - there is a huge dead area around the schools and Selandra Shopping Centre. What’s the point of paying for mobiles when our kids cannot reach us if there is an emergency.

make the pipes bigger because you’ve not only got the rain coming down the hill [but] from both ends. That would be one of the worst places flooded in Casey.”

As storms could be selective, it was quite indiscriminate as to places that were going to be flooded in Casey, Mr Luke believed.

“It just depends on where the rain falls and

how much the rain falls.

“This is one of the reasons why I’m doing the weather because I want people to be better informed.”

City of Casey manager active communities Angie Peresso said it was great to hear the resident was thinking well ahead of potential future emergencies.

“We strongly encourage them to think about their own plans and preparedness for any emergency, including flood. Lots of supporting information is available on our website,” she said, directing people to casey.vic. gov.au/emergency

To know more about Mr Luke’s severe weather forecast, visit shorturl.at/yBHX5

Wilson

Hampton Park resident and Australian severe weather forecaster Dennis Luke. 208538

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads and removing level crossings in Melbourne’s south east. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel. While we work, transport disruptions may affect your travel.

What we’ve done

Opened the new

McGregor

Opened the newly upgraded intersection of Taylors

roads in Skye, along with new lanes on

Upgraded four intersections on

Upgraded 8 new intersections as part of the Narre WarrenCranbourne Road Upgrade, including Lyall Street and Rochester Parade in the last month

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Cranbourne & Pakenham lines 9 to

Q&A

Tell us about yourself and what you do in your organisation.

Pinoy Casey Community, Inc. (PCCi) was formed by “community-service-focused Filipinos (Pinoy)” who all reside in the City of Casey. However, our slogan “we all belong”, simply means that PCCi also caters to all people from different heritage (not just Filipinos), and also those who live outside the City of Casey, although our projects are mainly focused to serve those who live in the City of Casey. What do you love the most about your role in your new organisation?

Meeting people from all walks of life, being a positive influence and being of service to them, and learning from them, are for me, the ultimate high. That’s what I love most about being involved in community organisations such as PCCi, to be given the chance to give back to the community.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

Depending on their respective habitats; 1) Land-based, I’d be a monkey because monkeys, I believe, can entertain people more and do more things like humans do. 2) Water, I’d be a dolphin to signify my being a happy and expressive kind of person. 3.) Air, I’d be an eagle, who flies high and be at its best when the wings are spread.

What was your most memorable moment during your current job?

The most memorable moment so far happened last December during our first Pinoy Olympics held in Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick. To see all family members getting together, having fun, and playing traditional Filipino street games as a team…that’s precious. For me, a happy family equates to an amazing community.

What were you like as a kid?

This is the shortest question and therefore deserves the longest answer. I was a dreamer

NEWS

with Pinoy Casey Community Inc president Alfie Tilan

as a kid, I dreamt of becoming a lawyer as my first choice (and engineer, as a second choice), a great basketball player, and an amazing singer. Praise to God because I have fulfilled everything…well almost and not really! I fulfilled my (second choice) dream to become an engineer because I am a practising chartered professional engineer. My eldest child (I have two children) is also fulfilling my dream because she’s now working as an engineer, and my youngest graduated with a law degree a few months ago. Then, I feel like I am a great basketball player (in my own right, ha ha). In the eyes of others, I might be a “bad” basketball player, but hey, I am confident enough to say that I can play! Finally, I am gifted with unlimited confidence in me, so I can say that I am an amazing singer (again, in my own right) too. Check it out (and subscribe), here’s my YouTube channel with me singing more than 500 songs already: @alfietilan895 (no hate, please).

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

There’s one that always comes to mind, the life of Jesus Christ when he’s still living amongst us. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

Tough list but here they go: Michael Jordan, Gary Valenciano, Lee Iacoca, Mother Theresa, Albert Einstein, Taylor Swift (and if she’s not available, she can be replaced by Madonna). What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Funny, confident, and kind.

What would you do on your perfect day off?

My perfect day-off (24 hours) are like this: 1) Morning: Watch my favourite sports (basketball) whilst sitting on the couch with my feet up and having a snack. 2) Midday to late afternoon, fishing in Phillip Island and a late afternoon walk in a park with my wife Julie. 3) Complete family dinner, and have karaoke later. 4.) An uninterrupted eight-hour sleep. Where is your happy place?

Normally, I would say being with “nature” (trees, beaches, etc.), but there’s really no specific happy place for me. “Happy place” is in the heart, as long as I’m with my healthy family sharing treasured moments together…that’s my happy place.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

I don’t cook, so I’ll be disqualified right away. Julie is the perfect cook for me, and what good is a cook if there’s no one to eat… so that’s my role, to eat perfectly cooked foods by a great MasterChef wife. Anyway, if, say for example, I do cook, I’d cook the most delicious crispy pork with rice and soup.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

A specific town in Switzerland called Neuchâtel. Hopefully I can finally be there this year, 2024.

THREE … ways to stay cool at night without air con

1 Close the windows, shut the blinds, and block the air openings during the daytime.

2 Invest in electric fans for each room. Turn them on at the maximum power and place a bowl of ice in front of the fans.

3 Revamp your bedding. Look for bamboo mats, or linen or pure cotton sheets.

Bumper crowd for the show

By Emma Xerri

The Berwick Show celebrated its 175th run over the weekend, with two jam-packed days of family fun and the finest of local agriculture.

Taking over Akoonah Park, the show saw over 20,000 people in attendance, covering the grounds to immerse themselves in the entertainment on offer and enjoy Melbourne’s uncharacteristically nice weather.

“It was fantastic. We could not have asked for better weather, grounds and people. It all came together and we are so fortunate,” show

secretary Margaret Boon said.

The weekend had a plethora of things lined up, from stage shows for the more musically inclined (or musically inclined at heart) attendees, to adrenaline-inducing stunt bike shows, and trade stalls.

This year’s show also saw the return of the crowd favourite woodchop competitions, with an impressive 30 choppers grateful to once again be showing off their axe-wielding skills to a packed crowd.

Full coverage in this week’s Gazette.

Alfie Tilan in a sack race. 379801

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Talia in the Junior Handlers event with a Jersey Heifer. 383931

Woodchop action. 390798

Kaylee Stephens on Polly Darto in the showjumping. 383931

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES Grow through connection

At Pakenham Secondary College, ‘We Grow Through Connection’

Thinking about a secondary school for 2025? Our College Principal, Mr. Aaron Smith, invites you to consider Pakenham Secondary College for your child in 2025 and beyond.

Our College Motto,‘We Grow Through Connection’, will best support our College Community in the years to come. Our SOARValues of Social and Personal Responsibility, Opportunities for All, Achieving Your Personal Best and developing Respectful Relationships align well to support our College Motto and guide our College Community to achieve its goals.

We are a great school. At Pakenham Secondary College we are committed to positive relationships. We understand that student growth is linked to the positive and meaningful connections that they have with others. At Pakenham Secondary College, we are dedicated to further improving the learning and wellbeing outcomes of all of our students by building respectful, positive and productive connections with our College Community -We Grow Through Connection.

Pakenham Secondary College strives to provide opportunities in areas important to our College Community – Growth in Learning, Wellbeing and Pathways Support, the Performing Arts, Sport and Student Leadership and Our Community. Our new multi-million dollar building program (set to commence in 2024) will further add to our outstanding buildings and grounds.

With a rich 50 year plus history in our region, we continue to be well placed to offer a personalised approach to teaching and learning ensuring that we best work with students to tailor individual pathways important to them. We provide outstanding opportunities for our students in the classroom and as part of our co-curricular program.

We are a school that continues to be on the move. Our standing in the community has always been strong and now it is getting even stronger. We have a dedicated and hardworking staff who are committed to our students. Our students want to succeed in a way that is important to them, and we will continue to provide pathways opportunities that they are interested in.

There is a very strong sense of community

at Pakenham Secondary College with students, families and staff connecting strongly to get the best outcomes we can for our students. We are very proud of our College and what we represent including how we best support all of our students. I am proud to be the Principal of our great school, and I look forward to working with families, students and staff into the future to get the very best outcomes for our students. I want to welcome families to the Paken-

ham Secondary College Community. I very much looking forward to showing prospective families around our great school as part of a College Tour.

Aaron Smith, College Principal –Pakenham Secondary College Book a College Tour through our website at pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au or call the office on (03) 5945 1433

Helping kids just adds up

Helping primary school children learn math at home can be a rewarding experience that lays a strong foundation for their future academic success. Parents play a crucial role in fostering a positive attitude towards math and providing the necessary support. Here are some effective strategies for parents to help their primary school children learn math at home:

1. Create a positive attitude: Parents should maintain a positive attitude towards math themselves and avoid expressing any negativity. Emphasize that math is a valuable skill that can be interesting and fun. Avoid saying things like “I was never good at math“ to prevent your child from developing a similar mindset.

2. Incorporate math into daily kife: Integrate math into everyday activities. While cooking, involve your child in measuring ingredients, estimating quantities, and understanding fractions. When shopping, ask them to compare prices, calculate discounts, or estimate the total cost.

3. Play math games: Engage in math games and puzzles that make learning enjoyable. Board games, card games, and online math apps offer interactive ways to reinforce math concepts, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance logical thinking.

4. Establish a dedicated study space: Create a comfortable and organised study space where your child can focus on math activities. Minimise distractions and provide the necessary math tools, such as pencils, paper, rulers, and calculators.

5. Set realistic goals: Set achievable goals based on your child’s current math level. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.

6. Use real-life examples: Show how math is relevant in the real world. When planning a family outing, discuss distances, travel times, and routes. Calculate the tip at a restaurant or determine the change after making a purchase.

7. Be patient and supportive:

Each child learns at their own pace. Be patient and provide the necessary support. Offer guidance without imposing pressure, and be ready to explain concepts multiple times if needed.

8. Encourage problem-solving:

Expose your child to various math problems that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Encourage them to approach challenges from different angles and develop their own strategies.

9. Provide practical applications: Connect math concepts to practical applications. For instance, when learning about fractions, use pizza slices to illustrate different fractions and their relationships.

10. Communicate with teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s math teacher to understand the curriculum and identify areas where your child might need additional support. This partnership ensures a coordinated effort between school and home.

11. Use online resources: Utilise reputable online resources that offer interactive math lessons, tutorials, and practice exercises. These resources can reinforce classroom learning and provide additional practice.

12. Read math-related books: Explore math-related storybooks that make math concepts more relatable and engaging. These books can stimulate your child’s interest in math and provide different perspectives on the subject.

13. Emphasise mistakes as learning opportunities:

Encourage your child to view mistakes as a natural part of learning. Discuss errors openly, identify the areas that need improvement, and work together to overcome challenges.

14. Make math a family activity: Involve the entire family in math-related activities. Play math trivia games during family gatherings, solve puzzles together, or have a math-themed movie night.

Aaron Smith College Principal – Pakenham Secondary College with the student leaders.

Welcome...

We look forward to welcoming new and existing families to Lakeside College in 2024 and beyond.

Lakeside College is a Prep to Year 12 school offering a comprehensive learning program to students. We have a strong held belief that a Lutheran education provides students with the characteristics and qualities to make them wonderful adults with a commitment to serving their community and God. At Lakeside College, each student is valued for the individual gifts of which they are blessed.

Our approach to learning is holistic, ensuring each student is known, loved, cared for and appreciated. We provide all of our students with a safe and supportive environment in which to grow, learn and flourish through personalising our approach to learning. We also recognise and value the importance of relationships and the role positive relationships with parents/guardians play in supporting their child through their educational journey. Effective and impactful learning and teaching is closely aligned with student wellbeing and as such, we run a comprehensive pastoral care program across the school that helps students develop a strong sense of who they are and how endless their potential is. We have a wonderful, dedicated and committed teaching staff who continue to learn and work together to improve their craft as teachers. The most important thing about our teachers is that each and every one of them view their work with students as part of a vocation which involves a deep-seated commitment to the important work they do.

Our school is continuing to grow and attract interest from families both local and outside areas and we have significant waiting list in many year levels. As such, we encourage existing and potential parents/guardians,

if interested in enroling their child at Lakeside College, to take part in one of our formal tours or come to one of the many events we run in our community.

Robert Tassoni - Principal

Lakeside College

P: 5941 7544

E: enrolments@lakeside.vic.edu.au

W: www.lakeside.vic.edu.au

2 Portobello Rd, Pakenham VIC 3810

Living out school’s motto

Every school has a motto or mission statement that outlines how each member of the community can benefit from being part of the school community. St Clare’s Primary School, Officer, has the following school motto:

Faith leads to courage, wisdom and compassion

In order to live out this motto, all members of our community are asked to follow our school wide expectations which are Respect, Optimism, Courage, Kind and Safe –ROCKS.

Our students follow these in their daily actions at school by doing their job, having a go, making positive choices, seeking help when needed, modelling and practising kindness and keeping themselves and others safe.

At St Clare’s these expectations are modelled and explicitly taught and reinforced in an ongoing way. Our student awards are based on living out ROCKS and we link these expectations to scriptures in the Bible. Our hope is that all members of our community will leave St Clare’s with our school wide expectations and our motto instilled in their minds as they go through life.

We look to nurture the holistic development of each child at our school. For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is Religious Education – developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. We encourage active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.

Student achievement is measured not only by academic growth but by each child’s emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.

Being part of faith-filled community instils our students with a sense of identity, a feeling of belonging and above all, a powerful sense of self-worth.

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. As part of the parish of St Patrick’s in Pakenham, the school is on site with the Early Learning Centre and the Officer campus of St Francis Xavier College. This provides a seamless transition from early childhood to secondary education with state-of-the-art facilities.

Each learning space has been designed by education award-winning architects to provide a rich environment conducive to relevant, meaningful learning. Areas are spacious and well-resourced so as to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Our final stage of landscape and garden works recently completed includes a new playground and sports field.

Before your children even come to school, you, as parents, have taught them so much. They’ve learned to listen, to ask questions, to be filled with wonder, to say thank-you, to wash their hands, to pick up after themselves and to look out for each other.

Visit our website www.stclaresofficer. catholic.edu.au and tour our “virtual tour” to get a real feel for our school. School Tours are also available, please contact the school on 5940 6777 to book a time.

If you are looking to enrol for 2025 we ask that you contact us now as we are now accepting enrolments for next year.

For all enquires or to receive our enrolment documentation please phone 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer. catholic.edu.au

Robert Tassoni, Principal

Newborn service concern

By Violet Li

Casey mums are questioning when the council’s maternal health checks would be fully restored as their newborns keep missing out on critical services, despite the council claiming a full restoration from December 2023.

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service, a free program provided by the local councils, supports families with child health information and developmental checks from birth to the age of six. The program offers 10 appointments at key stages from two weeks old to three and a half years old.

Michelle Crowther, a local mother and women’s health physiotherapist, noticed many of her clients, pregnant and postnatal women, raised concerns about their reduced MCH appointments.

“I know my friend’s daughter has just had a baby and couldn’t get the visits in Casey, so she’s going to Frankston Council to get the visits done,” she said.

“And then I had another patient who told me she could not get any visit about six weeks ago.”

Ms Crowther understood that Casey struggled to provide the full service during Covid, but what confounded her was that Casey didn’t seem to expand the programs after Covid.

Casey was one of the local councils hit hard by Covid due to nurse shortages, with a record 12 per cent decrease in participation in the MCH service in 2022/23.

The council has worked gradually to restore the delivery of the service, with its 2022-23 Annual Report stating that ‘following a period of reduced service offering to the zero to eight week age group from October 2022, this has now increased to zero to 18 months age group at the end of June 2023’.

However, Ms Crowther believed it was not entirely the case.

“My clients and the feedback I received online all said their care was limited to four to 12 months and parents had not been contacted to resume visits,” she said.

After raising her confusion at the February council meeting, she was told that the service had been fully restored, but the council did acknowledge a workforce shortage.

When inquired by Star News, City of Casey

manager child, youth, and family Bronwyn Saffron said that the council recommenced its full MCH service from December 2023, which echoed what Ms Crowther had been told at the meeting.

Baffled by the response, Ms Crowther posted posts on the local Facebook page after the meeting and a lot of new mums replied with the same experience.

A mother with a 20-month-old kid did not get a call or a message for an 18-month checkup.

Another commented that she just tried to make an appointment for her almost 18-month-old and was told no service could be provided now.

Ms Crowther said the services were critical for detecting early development disorders.

“I got contacted by someone who works in childcare, saying they noticed at the childcare

that the child wasn’t walking or crawling like they should be. And today, when they mentioned it to the parents, they just thought they were just a bit behind, but actually, the baby had hip dysplasia,” she said.

“And by not having that diagnosed early and not getting the right treatment early, that’s something that will affect that child for the rest of their life.

“I would like to know when the full MCH services that other Victorian children receive will be fully restored and if Casey Council will contact toddlers whose care was reduced to resume their visits.”

Ms Saffron, from the City of Casey, said the council recently employed seven new MCH nurses, and more appointments were becoming available.

“Although we are excited about the large number of new MCH nurses appointed, we

will continue to work closely with the Victorian Department of Health, Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, and Safer Care Victoria to resolve workforce issues, which includes council supporting MCH student placements,” she said.

“Council is committed to supporting all families and parents in our community and continues to provide free first-time parents’ groups, sleep and settling support, breastfeeding (lactation) support, and online workshops for the introduction of foods. Council’s Enhanced MCH Team also provides additional in-home support for parents who are referred to the council by an MCH nurse, GP, or other health professionals.

“Parents of older children who in the past have not been able to get an appointment, are encouraged to call the central booking number on 9705 5590.”

‘We don’t have enough food’: Call to help fill lunchboxes

By Emma Xerri Narre Warren’s

Transit Soup Kitchen is hoping to make the burden a little lighter for local families, with a‘lunchbox filler’ food drive that will allow them to provide more for those in need.

Struggling with sourcing food, the soup kitchen is running their first ever drive throughout March, hoping to boost their supplies and raise awareness of the important work they are doing year round.

“We have so many families and we simply don’t have enough food coming in,” Transit volunteer Dot said.

“Supermarkets don’t have enough left over to give us, and Foodbank is passing food out elsewhere, so we’re not getting as much from Foodback as we would like. It’s been very difficult.

“We’re usually able to give people a choice of about eight or nine groceries, but now we’re down to four.

“We’re hoping that by putting out this food drive, we will be able to get some support from the community so we can help our underprivileged families, especially those with children who don’t have enough food to take to school.”

Fellow volunteer Michelle acknowledges that the cost of living crisis is hitting school students in a way that primarily goes unnoticed.

By focusing on foods that are suitable for school lunches, she hopes that Transit can do their part in providing groceries for lunch boxes that will make kids feel confident around their peers.

“I’m a teacher, and I think a lot of people

don’t realise the impact of the rising cost of living on kids going to school,” she said.

“Groceries for kids’ lunchboxes are very specific. A can of baked beans, for instance, is not going to fill a lunchbox for a kid to go to school confidently.

“So there’s a niche within this need for food that is really lacking and kids are paying the price.

“Anything that will fill a lunch box and

make up a meal - like muesli bars, biscuits, spreads likeVegemite or jam, snack packetswill allow kids to open up their lunchboxes in front of their friends around a table and not feel ashamed.”

Transit Soup Kitchen will be putting out posters for collections around local schools for the month of March. Alternatively, people looking to donate can drop off their non-perishable, in-date foods to Transit Soup Kitch-

en at 3 Webb Street on Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings, and all day Wednesday and Thursday.

“We would appreciate any donations,” Dot added.

“The community is generally very caring, but they don’t always realise the need. So if they could help us, we would be ever so grateful.”

Lisa Milkovic, dedicated volunteer and Transit’s grocery manager.Natalie Mason, one of the many hard-working volunteers.

Michelle Crowther, a local mother and women’s health physiotherapist, spelled out the concerns for reduced MCH appointments in Casey. 390923

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Calls for phone service

By Ethan Benedicto

While the roads in and out of Clyde North have seen some change, the suburb is still in the shackles of poor cell reception.

Clyde North had a population of 31,681 residents in 2021, with Clyde having a population of 11,177, according to that year’s Census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Despite the growth, Elizabeth Sabelino, who has been living in Clyde North since 2017, is still experiencing reception issues.

“To this day the reception hasn’t gotten any better, from my house I still only have one bar on a good day,” she said.

In 2016, Clyde North had a population of 8000 residents, while Clyde had 2000 - both suburbs seeing an exponential growth of 288.26 per cent and 427.76 per cent respectively, by 2021.

Ms Sabelino, who was previously a communications intern for the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority, had instances where she worked from home, an experience she said was made challenging by the lack of proficient cell reception.

“I’ve had to work around by doingWIFI calling but even that doesn’t help that much.

“What I’ve had to do every time there’s a call, I have to go to the front of the house to get better reception,” Ms Sabelino said.

Furthermore, idCommunity has forecasted both suburbs to have a combined population of roughly 65,500 in 2024.

Maree Cullinan, the manager of the Balla Balla Community Centre in Selandra Rise, echoed Ms Sabelino’s sentiments, saying that the poor cell reception “isn’t really a selling point for Clyde North”.

“Many people are still working from home, and we have trouble even here, we have to go out of the building just to make calls.

“The one thing we should have access to is good cell reception, especially in this day and age,” Ms Cullinan said.

Mark Gregory, an associate professor in RMIT’s school of engineering said that “the issues are the distribution of the axis points”.

“Also things like buildings, the terrain and of course, the location of freeways and vehicles, supermarkets and so on,” he said.

The axis point the professor mentioned refers to how factors of a network are being spread out, such as geographical distribution which are physical routers, switches, and servers across an area, and planning their placement for effective and optimal coverage.

Another axis is traffic, or data and their movements, which involves ensuring that data flows through different networks efficiently without causing jams or delays.

While topographically Clyde and Clyde North are relatively flat, Professor Gregory said that the weather is one of many things that“really degrade the signal”.

“In regards to that you’ve got heat, dust, and moisture in the air.

“You mix that in with tall objects like trees, buildings, and hills, you’re going to have a combination of things that are going to affect

the signal,” he said.

The professor also added that cellular reception is an important part of a suburb’s infrastructure, especially if it’s continuously seeing population growth.

“It’s very important to suburbs that are growing because you get these situations where new housing is built and the coverage won’t or may not exist there.

“It does mean you’ve got to look at telecommunications as something you’d be doing before you start to build some of these suburbs at their proposed location,” Professor Gregory said.

On 20 February, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams addressed State Parliament on the aftermath of the storm that caused outages on the telecommunications network across the state.

She emphasised the importance of telco networks and customers’ inability to access emergency services, stating that “these recent events remind us of how essential telco services are”.

“That is why we have made it clear to the Commonwealth that better regulation of telcos as critical infrastructure must be a prior-

ity,” Ms Williams said.

However, she also acknowledged that issues with telco providers are not an uncommon occurrence.

“The reality is, though, that even outside of emergencies many of these communities experience poor coverage.

“That is why we have invested $540 million in the Connecting Victoria program to fast-track improved mobile and broadband connectivity across many communities,” Ms Williams said.

While this project is still underway, Professor Gregory said that there’s a limit as to how much telcos will invest in infrastructure, and at that stage then “becomes a problem for the consumer.”

“There are things that consumers can do to assist themselves with the signal.

“It’s one of the combinational things where telcos will do a certain amount and then it’s really down to the consumer to find a solution that works for them,” the professor said.

One of these solutions he mentioned includes purchasing devices such as antennas that can extend or amplify the signal into one’s home, much like WIFI extenders but

for cell service.

For Ms Sabelino however, the whole issue became something she got used to and decided to live with.

“It’s a necessity if an emergency were to happen or from work-from-home purposes, it’s hard to contact people in tough situations sometimes.

“I feel like there’s no point with contacting [telcos] because either they’re going to give you the same response, or they’re going to give you a PR-trained response, but there’s going to be no action.

“It’s a testament to how long we’ve been here and nothing has happened,” she said.

A previous article published on Cranbourne Star News in May of 2023 delved into the same issue, with residents saying that the reception was a joke.

The ConnectingVictoria project aims to deliver 1,400 projects by 2026, with Clyde North planned to have four mobile towers erected, and Clyde planned to have two mobile towers and one broadband solution.

However, specific locations are currently unavailable with many of the projects still in the planning phase.

Maree Cullinan from the Balla Balla Community Centre said that cell reception shouldn’t be a concern. 230903

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Delaray Clubhouse is situated in the heart of Clyde North, and is one of the many spots in the suburb that lack cell service.

Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO

Elizabeth Sabelino has been tackling the issue for some time, having been a resident since 2017. Picture: SUPPLIED

Josh’s road to recovery

By Emma Xerri

At only 17 years old, Berwick resident Josh Close is taking on more than most.

After being hit by a 4WD while riding his escooter to work, a traumatic brain injury saw Josh in an induced coma for three weeks, with the family unsure if their son and brother was going to be okay.

“The first three weeks when Josh was in the ICU was the scariest time of my life,” Josh’s father, Shaun Close said.

“When we got the call in the morning, I immediately knew something bad had happened to him.

“You can prepare for someone passing, but trauma is a completely different experience.

“My wife and I couldn’t eat or sleep, but the social workers at the Alfred Hospital really made sure we did so we could be strong for Josh when he came out of the coma.”

Now at the Alfred Health Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Josh is passing his memory and speech tests with flying colours.

And having received the go ahead to start more stimulation and more physio in the main gym, Josh is well on his way to learning to walk again, determined to get back to what he loves doing: running.

“His determination and his mentality is just amazing. Ever since he’s woken up he’s been ready to go,” Mr Close added.

“He’s doing some speech therapy at the moment and he did some physio this morning with a bit of walking using the rails.

“Last week he wasn’t able to open his left hand, and this week he’s been able to open up and lift his hand over his shoulder. So, since last week he has been improving every day.

“The plan is to get him home, the timing just depends on the goals they set with him.

“He’s always saying to them ‘I’m gonna run’, but he needs to walk first.”

As an enthusiastic member of the Berwick Waters parkrun group, with over 43 parkruns on his belt, Josh was excited to take the next step in his running journey, eager to take part in Melbourne’s Run for the Kids, before braving the Melbourne Marathon.

While Josh’s plans have temporarily been put on hold, the support from those close to him have allowed those dreams to live on, with his friends doing Run for the Kids in his honour.

Josh’s running mentor and former teacher Tom Price is also doing what they both love to raise money for Josh and his family by run-

ning 100km.

But the support from those outside Josh’s close circle has been the most surprising for the family, who have received more than $18,000 in donations on GoFundMe to go towards their goal of $100,000.

“Josh has always been a very outgoing kid. He would hang out with friends, go to church, attend youth group and go for runs.

“But since the accident, I’ve really learnt just how much love and respect people from his community have for him.

“A lot of people that work with him, and even people in the wider community, have

Press release – Community Grants Program 2024

The Cardinia Foundation Ltd Community Grants Program 2024

Applications are now open

Applications close 5.00pm 19th March 2024

The Cardinia Foundation Ltd is a philanthropic community foundation, raising funds for local community groups throughout the Cardinia Shire, with funds dispersed through an annual grants program. Established in 2003, the foundation aims to support the social, community and physical development of the Cardinia Shire.

Community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for a grant in this year’s program. The Community Grants Program aims to support projects aligned with the Cardinia Shire’s Liveability Plan that focuses on food security, housing, crisis support, health, education, social cohesion, the environment, the arts and men's health across the Cardinia Shire region.

How to apply:

1. Head to our website and proceed to the grants tab - cardiniafoundation.org/grants

2. Download the ‘Policy’ before starting the application.

3. Follow the link to apply through our new grant platform.

4. Late applications will not be accepted; applications MUST be submitted on or before 5:00 pm 19th March 2024.

Announcement of successful applicants will be made during May 2024. Applications will close at 5.00pm on 19th March 2024. Please direct any queries to the Executive Officer on email: admin@cardiniafoundation.org

“Your foundation at the heart of the community”

reached out and put money towards it.

“The support we have received from the local community has been sensational.

“We haven’t got a car, so this money is something that will help us get him to his appointments in the future.

“We are just so overwhelmed by the support. It has blown me and my wife away.

“Josh knows it’s going to be a long road to get there again, but he will do it.”

To donate to Josh’s GoFundMe, visit gofundme.com/f/josh-closes-recovery-fund, or search Josh’s Recovery Fund.

Mosque opens doors

By Violet Li

Hallam Masjid in Narre Warren North had a successful Mosque Open Day on Sunday 25 February with opportunities for locals to learn more about the Islamic culture and religion.

Public relations officer Javid Khan said they gave people information and answered any questions.

“Some people just want to come and have a look at how we pray, and some people are sitting down when we’re praying,” he said.

“We had a lot of posters about various things, like what is the difference between Islam and Christianity and Judaism.”

Mr Khan said they held Mosque Open Days a couple of times before Covid and they used to have more people coming.

“After Covid, we didn’t get as many people as we did before, but we decided that we still would do it this year,” he said.

The atmosphere was great on the scene with a sausage sizzle in the garden, a guided tour, and all sorts of fun activities.

12673002-AA09-24

Hashim, Sen Sgt Rob Colcott, president Fahim, Muhammed, Sen Sgt Alan Dew, Sgt Kim Gammon and Javid. Police visited for the Open Day and they also went to Emir Sultan Mosque in Dandenong. 390758

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Abdul, Fahim, Hashim, and Mohamed. 390758

Josh with former teacher and running mentor Tom Price.

Josh with VET Building and Construction teacher Mark McQueen.

Minister’s lasting legacy

By Violet Li

Hampton Park Uniting Church’s minister, Reverend Frederic Holland has retired after 53 years of commitment to social justice programs and dedication to the community sector.

It was a hard decision out of health considerations, but the 76-year-old has come to terms with his very own departure, moving on to rest, recover, and spend more time at home.

Before being a minister at Hampton Park Uniting Church for five years, the restless soul had a huge catalogue of different jobs, seeking a state of constant occupation.

The venture took root on the other side of the ocean in the UK with an Honours Degree in Theology, Philosophy, Ethics, and Sociology at the University of London. He later undertook ministerial training and ordination in the UK Methodist Church and was accepted into the Uniting Church in Australia in 1989.

“I was offered a job by the Synod, the headquarters of the Uniting Church in Victoria,” Rev Holland said, recalling his immigration.

“My background has been predominantly media. I’ve been working with radio and television throughout the whole of the UK, producing programs on social justice, and the Synod of Victoria was looking for somebody who was a Minister but also had an understanding and experience in working with radio and television, which is what I had.”

Social justice programs have been his lifelong pursuit.

Enabling people and breaking down barriers between people of all backgrounds and faiths have been his phrases as far as Hampton Uniting Church is concerned.

“I describe it as a church without walls, and that means that anybody, whether they

got a church or not, it doesn’t matter.Whether they’re Christian or not, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

“In the course of a week, we have a huge number of people of different faiths and none. We have a big Islamic community who join us regularly throughout the week. That is all about providing people who are in need with a whole range of different services.

“In our case, that is food, lunches, and different pantry items. It is also about providing education classes for, mostly women, who don’t speak English.”

Historically, Rev Holland has been engaged with reaching out to people who are stuck in the cycle of homelessness all the time, both in the UK and Australia.

He firmly believes that societal institutions need to offer not just accommodation, which is vital, but also how to get out of that cycle.

From 2010 until recently, Rev Holland was the chief executive officer of the Melbourne City Mission, a community support organisation established in 1854 with a focus on creating new possibilities for children, young people, and adults experiencing disadvantage.

He put great efforts into the education program of the organisation Melbourne Academy, which provided schooling for over 1000 homeless young people in the city.

Several classrooms served as education facilities for those promising young lives, an escape from the vicious poverty circle.

The prolific career has also included leadership roles across the community sector including the Marriage Guidance Council UK, the Animal Welfare League, and Parkinson’s Australia.

One of the highlights has to be the minister leading the campaign in Melbourne for marriage equality.

When asked what he liked the most about being a minister, Rev Holland gave out an unexpected answer: freedom.

“In many cases, ministers don’t have free-

dom because they’re restricted by the orthodoxy at their organisations. I like the freedom that you have to be able to respond to different needs in different ways,” he explained.

“And I think I’ve always been able to do that, as a minister.

I also like the opportunity that it gives you to enter the lives of people, who otherwise wouldn’t be open to you.

“As a minister, people are accepting and well welcoming. And there’s a general level of accepting of a minister in the community, and I’ve always enjoyed that freedom.”

Leaving his ‘office’ and ‘quitting’ the daily routines was no easy job for a person who had devoted his whole life.

A retirement service on Sunday 25 February farewelled him.

“The service was very moving. There were lots of tears. There were lots of fantastic words from everybody who was there.

And I’m sad too, of course. But they’re open to the fact and they’re moving on to the next stage,” Rev Holland said.

“My ministry is finished, but the ministry of the church hasn’t.

I spoke about my career over 53 years, and I finished up the service.

I started off by saying this is how it all began.

I went through all the different roles that I’ve had, and then I finished up by saying this is where it all ends.

“And there was a stunned silence. Then I said, no, it’s not where it ends. It still goes on. There are new beginnings.”

Rev Holland will continue to campaign in different ways for different causes after his retirement. He will also spend more time with his families, his two beautiful dogs, and his farm.

Minister of Hampton Park Uniting Church Rev Frederic Holland, speaking at his retirement.

390737 Picture: GARY SISSONS

LOCAL NEWS

We keep you up to date with all the news and information from across the region. We analyse all the local government decisions that affect you and report on stories of interest to the wider community.

We bring you country Victoria's No.1 Footy, Netball & Cricket coverage... every week. Plus - fixtures, results, match analysis, photo spreads, predictions and so much more...

West Gippsland Railtowns Food and Wine Festival

Eat, drink and relax the day away at the West Gippsland Railtowns Food and Wine Festival. On Sunday 3 March in Garfield, enjoy live music, local wineries and producers from the region, wine tastings, lawn games, gourmet produce and food trucks from across Victoria.

· For more information search for the event online or contact 0435 284 880.

Enjoy our weekly TV & Movie Guide liftout... PLUS - Puzzles, horoscopes and cartoons.

PLUS - Every week we bring you features on local events, areas of interest and topics for the whole community to enjoy.

Our journalists dig deep to bring you all

Emerald Rotary Market

A community market in the heart of the Hills. Crafts, produce, collectables, treasures, hot food, fresh coffee, ice cream and so much more will be available. The market will be located behind the shops off Kilvington Drive and opposite the Primary School on the Oval on Heroes Avenue.

· Second Saturday of the month. For more information contact 0408 769 491.

Duck race at Noojee Hotel

Each year, Variety Bash teams band together and organise a family friendly event aiming to raise as much money as possible for disabled and disadvantaged kids of Australia. Bring your family and join in on the fun, as there will be two duck races in the Latrobe River behind the hotel, an ice cream van, kids amusements, a petting zoo, market stalls, face painting, a barbecue and much more.

· Saturday 16 March from noon to 5pm at the Nooj Pub River Flat.

Open mic for artists

Cardinia Creative Community is a space for animators, artists, musicians, writers, poets, comedians, actors, dreamers, visionaries, dancers, storytellers and creators to come together to support one another to make dreams come true.

· For more information, visit facebook.com/ groups/870966037793058

· The group meets on the last Friday of the month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at Chathly’s Kitchen in Officer at 43 Siding Ave, Officer.

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.

Housing Support and Advice

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

2024 Parklea Pakenham Show - Wheels on the Farm

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

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

Early morning unloading sheep for judging at the Pakenham Show in 2023. 323968

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

· Every Wednesday between 2pm to 4pm. Bookings are not required. If you require more information, please phone Pakenham Library on 5940 6200.

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club

Are you newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom, or expand your social life?

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

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

· 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

Berwick Bridge Club

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 4 March 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.

Employment

Gleneagles Secondary College is currently seeking a highly skilled Facilities Officer. We offer a fantastic working environment, outstanding conditions, with flexible working options, underpinned by variety and autonomy.

This is a full-time ongoing position, working 7:30am to 3:30pm.

Key Responsibilities:

•Maintenance of the building, gardens, and grounds of the College

•Undertake appropriate renovation work as identified in collaboration with the college Principal.

•Work through maintenance log requests and liaise with the Maintenance team as required.

•Comply with Occupational Health & Safety and Work Safe standards.

• Attend maintenance team meetings. Trade qualifications or experience highly desirable, conditions negotiable.

For more information, including remuneration, contact the college Principal, Chad Ambrose 9708 1319 or gleneagles.sc@education.vic.gov.au

SPORT

In the midst of greatness

By David Nagel

He’s doing it all with a $120 borrowed bat!

Pakenham champion Chris Smith (214 not out) created history on Saturday becoming the first player in the history of the WGCA/CCCA Premier Division to make back-to-back doublecenturies with a sublime innings against Cardinia.

The 33-year-old hit 29 balls to the boundary at Gunton Oval - and four over the cones – to back up his most recent innings of 140 not out against Devon Meadows and an undefeated 210 against Merinda Park.

That’s currently 564 runs without dismissal; coming from 654 balls, with 76 fours and eight sixes giving extra credence to his skillset.

He has outlasted 16 batting partners in 205 overs of unconquered brilliance.

His latest epic jaunt took his season tally to 891 runs at the extraordinary average of 111.38.

Here’s a snapshot of Chris Smith’s journey to his epic run of form.

THE EARLY DAYS

“I didn’t start until 12s at Pakenham Upper and pretty much tagged along with a school friend at the time, Steve Barley, but I honestly can’t remember where my interest in cricket came from apart from that,” Smith said.

“I’ve always loved sport, was always involved in football, but I do remember vividly Steve asking me to come up and train and that’s where it all began.

“I started to realise I had some sort of natural ability at age 14, and then the interest in cricket grew immensely and I was fully invested at that age.

“I had no coaching as such, apart from junior development and transitioning to the senior club.

“The senior players and coaches were all great, and I had extra net sessions with my cousin as well.

“I was just having some fun with him down at the nets before things got a little more serious.

“Chris Gunton, he put some time into me and helped tweak a few little things here and there as well.”

Smith made his 1st XI debut at Pakenham Upper as a 15-year-old on February 4, 2006, against Cardinia. He made 10 in his first innings and followed that up with 26 not out in the final game of the season against Merinda Park.

He would go on to make 533 runs at an average of 59.33 in his first full season in 2006/07; making his first century (105 not) against Pakenham and five half-centuries for the season.

FIRST SENIOR CAPTAIN

“I remember his first couple of games after Christmas; he was a skinny 15-year-old kid, but played a really nice innings towards the end of that first season,” said DarrenWarne.

“I then had a full season as captain with him the following year and he was pretty close to one of our best batters that year.

“He made quite a few fifties, and a century, and you could just tell he was something special.

“From a batting perspective; it was his hands, his hands and his temperament.

“He was also a really good bowler; fast-medium outswingers, bowling first-change and batting at three and four.

“He was just a good country kid, quiet, just a ripper guy.”

Warne recalls pushing the youngster a little too far in the early stages of his career.

“I remember him being a really good seam bowler, but he could also bowl fantastic legspin,” he said.

“We were playing Merinda Park, and they had a player on 50-odd, but we had a good chance to win that game.

“I brought Chris on and convinced him to bowl leg-spin, instead of his fast-mediums, and he got smashed out of the attack.

“From a captain’s point of view, I made a terrible call that day, but I just had so much faith in the kid’s ability and thought he could do anything.

“I played for eight years in West Gippy, and he’s one of the best players that I played with or against.

“Even the star West Gippy batters at the time…I reckon he was better than all of them.”

CASEY CARDINIA CRICKET ASSOCIATION CHRIS SMITH’S EPIC UNBEATEN RUN

Warne said Smith clearly had the ability to play at a higher level.

“I left Pakenham Upper and went to Prahran, and I tried to get him to Prahran because I knew how good he was,” he said.

“I was watching Prahran’s 1st XI and knew he would have been in their firsts within half a season if I had have convinced him to come.

“He never explained to me why, but I think he’s just a country kid at heart who loves playing with his mates.”

Smith played 1st XI cricket at Pakenham Upper for seven and a bit seasons; making six centuries and 21 fifties before making the move to the club he played football for; Pakenham.

THE PRIDE OF PAKENHAM

Smith is now in his 11th season at Pakenham, joining the club for the 2013/14 season.

He has become one of the greats of the club, making two double-centuries, 12 tons and 28 fifties.

He has made 5715 runs since moving to Toomuc Reserve at the elite average of 46.09.

He has made centuries in seven of those 11 seasons, with top scores in the nineties in three others, and now holds the club record at Pakenham for the highest score in an individual innings in the top flight.

Long-time Pakenham President Phil Anning knew the gift his club was receiving.

“We knew of his ability long before he came to Pakenham, he made a century against us at 16, so we were thrilled when he made the decision to join our club,” Anning said.

“Since the day he walked through the door he has embraced our culture and has been nothing but a pleasure to deal with.

“It’s hard to compare eras; but he’s made 12 centuries and two double centuries now, which is just incredible.

“Statistics don’t lie, and statistically he has to be the best ever player at Pakenham.

“Eddie Lewis, Dallas Wyatt; they were great players for our club, but I think Chris has earned that number-one mantle now.

“If Dale Tormey plays for another five years, still averaging 60, we might be having a similar discussion then, but right now; statistically; Chris Smith is the best player we’ve ever had.

“A few of the old-timers won’t be happy to hear that, but I think he’s deserved it now.”

Respect from others, and loyalty to his club are two commodities that Anning admires most.

“There were a lot of comments on Saturday

night, and quite a few from his peers at Pakenham, but there were equally as many from other clubs and that shows the true respect he has around the competition,” he said.

“Aaron Avery, Tom Hussey, Chris Bright; they all commented on his efforts, and it just shows the respect he has, not just as a cricketer, but also as a person.

“He could go and earn money at other clubs, he gets offers every year, but his loyalty and commitment to Pakenham is second to none.

“He gives a lot more to Pakenham than what we give to him.

“I’d love to tell you more, but Chris would hate me doing that; let’s just say his selflessness isn’t fully appreciated across the league like it is here at Pakenham.”

THE $120 STICKERLESS BAT

Chris, tell us about the bat with no stickers that has now become famous?

“Last season I broke my bat and Dale (Pakenham captain Dale Tormey) said I could use one of his,” Smith said.

“I made a fifty with it first up and loved it, so he told me I could keep on using it and it’s never left my kit ever since.

“On Saturday he said, ‘you’re really making the most of that $120 bat aren’t you’.

“We both had a bit of a laugh, because it’s quite bizarre what’s happening at the moment.”

THE GLOVE PUNCH

When the Pakenham champion eased his way to 200 with a glorious punch through the covers, he was at the crease with 16-year-old Sendhil Naidu, who had excitedly just scored his first top-flight runs for the club.

Naidu only made 15 not out, but his exuberance was the only thing that could catch Smith off guard in his 85 overs at the crease.

“The young fella Sendhil came out to bat late in the innings and instinctively, in the middle of an over, went for a glove-punch,” Smith said with a chuckle.

“I glove-tapped him and thought ‘hang on a minute, I don’t do that’, so I pulled him up and told him we’ve done it once, but it won’t be happening again.

“He laughed it off and it was good fun batting with him at the end, helping to settle a few nerves.”

IF IT WAS SOMEONE ELSE

What would impress you most Chris, if it was someone else making these runs?

“I think it would be the concentration and the stamina I suppose, and I would be thinking;

he’s in a pretty good patch of form,” he said.

“But the concentration and stamina are the things I would be impressed with most and, on reflection now, that’s why it’s probably been a pretty good effort.

“I think I understand the mental side of batting now and how important that really is.

“Sometimes I can get a little impatient and throw my innings away at times.

“But in those three innings; I’ve controlled the tempo and been very selective in my shots and very clear with my thinking.”

HAS THE ACHIEVEMENT SUNK IN YET?

“Maybe not as much as it should at the moment, but it’s happened so fast that it’s hard to let it sink in,” Smith explained.

“I was getting messages from family and friends, and other players in the competition, so it does make you think about it a little bit more I suppose.

“Maybe post-season I’ll reflect on it, but right now, I’m just thinking this is bizarre.

“I never thought I’d make a double ton, so to go back-to-back; it’s just unreal, and I’m just riding that wave of luck at the moment.

“Hopefully it can last for another month.”

Chris Smith raises his bat after back-to-back double-centuries. 391591

He’s got the taste. Pakenham superstar Chris Smith walks off with his borrowed bat during his epic effort of 564 runs without dismissal. 386721

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Predators a real threat

By Marcus Uhe

Predators are shaping up as a team to beat in the new season of the South West Gippsland Dart League after an impressive opening fortnight.

Led by Steve, Predators are top of the table after two rounds, ahead of last year’s grand finalists in Just Social and Snipers on percentage after a 15-0 shut-out against Dart Attack.

Steve put in a monster performance with 10 tons and a 180, racing to an early eight-ton lead on the tons leaderboard.

Snipers and Just Social don’t appear to be leaving the upper bracket of contenders, with commanding wins over Railway and Bullseyes respectively.

All eyes will be on the Predators v Just Social match up in round three, with early bragging rights up for grabs between two breakaway leaders.

Cheers, the outfit formally known as Warriors, are also close behind, thanks to an 11-4 win over Gembrook.

Liam and Ant are once again leading the way for Cheers, Liam throwing the highest peg of the week and Ant bagging another five tons.

Dart Vaders secured their first win in the competition, prevailing in a tight 8-7 result over Fore, thanks to a big performance from Tony.

Generals, too, are on the board, after defeating Hoodies 10-5.

Hoodies join Railway, Bullseyes and Dart Attack as sides looking for their maiden wins in 2024.

Results R2: Snipers 12 v Railway 3, Cheers 11 v Gembrook 4, Dart Vaders 8 v Fore 7, Predators 15 v Dart Attack 0, Just Social 13 v Bullseyes 2, Mud Rats 8 v 26ers 7, Generals 10 v Hoodies 5.

Ladder: Predators 8, Just Social 8, Snipers 8, Cheers 8, Mud Rats 8, 26ers 4, Gembrook 4, Dart Vaders 4, Generals 4, Fore 0, Hoodies 0, Railway 0, Bullseyes 0, Dart Attack 0.

Fixture R3: Bullseyes (13) v Mud Rats (5), Predators (1) v Just Social (2), Snipers (3) v 26ers (6), Dart Attack (14) v Dart Vaders (8), Railway (12) v Hoodies (11), Fore (10) v Gembrook (7), Generals (9) v Cheers (4).

Ant from Cheers, previously known as the Warriors, has 10 tons after the first two weeks of the season. 321895 Picture: DAVID NAGEL

A return home? Beaconsfield considering its options

By Marcus Uhe

An extraordinary general committee meeting in mid-March will determine the future of where Beaconsfield Cricket Club will play its cricket in the coming years, with the possibility of returning to the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association, formerly the West Gippsland Cricket Association, on the cards.

Beaconsfield moved to the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) for the 2015/16 season, climbing the ranks to Turf 1 after winning the Turf 2 premiership in 2022/23, in its first season under captaincoach Mark Cooper.

While the season begun brightly with a win in the club’s first fully-completed game against Narre South in round four, and competitive showings against strong sides, the toll of playing in the DDCA’s highest standard on a young side and small committee has weighed heavily on volunteers and contributors.

Speaking on the DDCA Radio Show on Casey Radio, Cooper said the club undertook a review in order to determine the club’s next steps.

“We got thrown into Turf 1 this year and on limited resources, volunteers and budget, we gave it a crack,” Cooper said on Saturday morning.

“But coming towards the end of the season, we sat down and said ‘what’s our vision for the next three to five years, what does that look like?’.

“That meant we had a bit of a review, similar to Berwick last year, a pulse check of where the club is at, what people are think-

ing, where do you want the club to go, etc.

“That’s driven some conversations around, is Turf 1 the right fit for us as a club, moving forward?

“That was unanimous that across the board that juniors, seniors, life members, that Turf was a really good aspect to the club.

“Now it’s about exploring those and what it’s going to look like for the future for Beaconsfield.”

Where other well-established clubs inTurf 1 are able to draw on supporters and spectators to contribute with tasks such as scoring, Beaconsfield’s base is considerably smaller by comparison.

“The committee has explained to me that this is the smallest committee that they’ve ever ran on, and that’s been over a long period of time, so that’s been a real challenge for them,” Cooper said.

“I guess Beaconsfield is a bit different to some of the other clubs nearby when you look at Officer or Berwick, either side, they’re quite large clubs and we’re a medium-sized club.

“We, if you look at our age demographic, from 25-35, we’ve lost that generation, and they’re probably the dads that play that backseat role, not driving them everywhere but definitely there to support and offer a hand, score, or do something like that, because they’re probably getting towards the end of their working career.

“We don’t have that as a club and that’s a real challenge for us.”

Beaconsfield Cricket Club president Brad Miles was contacted for comment.

Winter sports resurface on Super Saturday at Cora Lynn

By David Nagel

The Cobradome will spring to life this Saturday 2 March with Cora Lynn set to host a smorgasbord of football and netball action in the inaugural running of ‘Super Saturday’.

New president Rohan Marriot and his hardworking team have wasted no time in bringing winter sports back to the forefront, with the ground at Cora Lynn being handed over to the football club this Friday.

Southern league clubs Carrum Patterson Lakes and Hampton Park will kick off the action at 11am, with MPFNL Division One club Pines to take on Eltham from the Northern league at 1.10pm.

Pines premiership coach Paddy Swayn will take on one of his big guns from that 2018 success, with star big-man Tim Bongetti now at the helm of Eltham.

Cora Lynn will then run onto its pristine home deck to take on MPFNL Division Two

Cora

club Pearcedale at approximately 3.30pm. Netball certainly hasn’t been forgotten, with Bunyip, Cora Lynn, Neerim South and Pearcedale to play a round-robin competition throughout the course of the day.

Marriot said Cora Lynn senior coach Shaun Sparks originally flagged the idea, which came together smoothly.

“Sparksy came up with the idea, and through our networks I think we’ve come up with a very exciting concept that we’re excited to host,” Marriot said.

“Our ground is in great condition at the moment and it’s the ideal opportunity to showcase it to teams from other competitions, and it will be great preparation as the season proper draws nearer and nearer.

“Hopefully it’s the beginning of an annual event that all six clubs can pencil in as a great start to their seasons.

“We’ve got a nice mix from the Mornington Peninsula, a team from Northern, and that Southern component as well.

“Obviously our club will represent West Gippsland and we’re proud to be able to do that.

“It should be a great exhibition of local foot-

ball and netball.”

Marriot said the full-time move to Cora Lynn of Casey Demons star Jimmy Munro had made an immediate impact at the club.

“Jimmy has had a massive influence on the playing group, setting standards, and it will great to see what he and Sparksy can do as cocoaches this season,” Marriott said.

“Our boys will be fit and ready to go and we’re aiming to be competitive in every game we play in this year.”

The new president, who fills the massive shoes of departing long-time president Andrew Bergmeier, said former Casey player and Balwyn small forward Will Stevens will be another player to watch this year.

The Cobras are also on the hunt for under-16 and under-18 players for this season.

The club is offering a ‘No Fee’ enticement, with shorts, socks and jumpers all provided.

Contact Lynden on 0477 880 686 for more details.

Lynn will host a ‘Super Saturday’ of football and netball at its famous headquarters on Saturday 2 March, with clubs from the Southern, Northern and the Mornington Peninsula leagues all paying a visit. 351669

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The Beaconsfield Cricket Club is considering its future in the DDCA. 323333

Picture: GARY SISSONS

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