Pakenham Gazette - 10th April 2024

Heritage at Harewood

Locals near and far joined to celebrate the rich history of one of the oldest properties in the area at Harewood Heritage Day on Sunday 7 April.

The annual event sees Kooweerup’s famous Harewood House open up to the public for local history lovers or people curious to see the iconic house.

Names revealed

The long-debated naming of Pakenham East is now down to only five possible options - narrowed down by the council and community groups - based on prominent local women.

The council has revealed the names to the Gazette in the lead to public consultation that is expected to start next week and will end with a final name selected for Cardinia’s latest suburb soon be the home of 20,000 new residents.

All five are based on the first names of local women who have had a significant impact on the community and beyond.

Councillors are set to consider the names next week.

Asbestos concern

Berwick MP Brad Battin has joined other MPs across the Opposition Government who are calling for a complete audit of public land across the state after recent findings of asbestos and asbestos-containing material (ACM) across six parks, including parks within Hobsons Bay Council.

According to a Hobsons Bay Council statement issued on Thursday 4 April, results confirmed two pieces of material found at Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood were ACM, with the reserve closed since Tuesday 2 April.

Main Street farce

By Corey Everitt

Cardinia Shire Council’s planned revamp of Main Street Pakenham has been delayed by nine months from its original start date, prompting ire from local business eager to receive clarity on when this project and its even-

tual disruptions will go ahead.

Main Street traders were prepared to brunt the busy works on its original start date in January this year, this fresh delay has Terry’s Pakenham Discounts calling the process ‘farcical’.

“That’s the worst time, it will go through Christmas, our busiest time,” he said.

“It’s pretty frustrating for the retailer when you are trying to plan, we try to order ahead for Christmas.

Stage 1 of the Pakenham Revitalisation Project is Cardinia Shire Council’s ambitious plan to revamp the centre of Pakenham; starting with Main Street.

In late March the council notified Main Street traders that the declared start-date has been delayed to September 2024 due to design and drainage issues, as well conflicts with existing State Government projects.

Portraying Lady Hoptoun - Shirelle Lean, Portraying Mr John Brown - Rodney Edwards and Portraying Queen Victoria - Bev Edwards. Picture: GARY SISSONS