News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 9th May 2024

Pakenham goes gaga for Delta

The Cardinia Cultural Centre was the place to be on Friday morning, with Australian pop and soap opera superstar Delta Goodrem gracing the stage and performing for a packed crowd.

101.9 The Fox’s Fifi, Fev and Nick visited Pakenham on Friday morning, with lines stretching into the car park in the early hours of the morning with people looking to snag a prime position.

Delta wowed the crowd with three live performances – including performances for her latest single ‘Hearts on the Run’, a medley of her biggest hits, and a cover of Benson Boone’s hit ‘Beautiful Things’.

Facility tumbles

By Corey Everitt

A gymnastics facility in Pakenham has been rejected by the council after its proposal was thwarted by its insufficient plan for parking spaces. The application on Mulcahy Road, Pakenham proposed to utilise an existing warehouse for recreational purposes, specifically around gymnastics. The site would house up to 40 students and

four staff at a time to conduct “gymnastics classes, kinder gym, competitive classes and themed birthday parties”.

The site has 14 available parking spaces with the application proposing to take this total to 20.

The parking had a layout which added the six new spaces, three tandem pairs, within the corner of the factory’s western facing wall and the adjacent western boundary.

The council supported rejecting this application as the set up of parking would create “off-site impacts” from increased demand, would “create impacts” for the neighbouring occupants and would “not encourage” safe and orderly parking.

Furthermore, the proposal sat within industrial zoned land, the recreational use was considered “at odds”.

“It’s pretty clear that this comes down to parking,” Cr Davies said.

“My understanding reading through the notes is that the council planning team has worked with the applicant and discussed the hours of operation, the number of people on site, the number of cars and a resolution hasn’t been found.

“Whilst it’s always hard to refuse a permit, in this case it’s not appropriate to have this facility right there in that location.”

The motion was carried, all councillors voted in favour except for Cr Ryan.

Delta Goodrem and Brendan Fevola having some fun. 403809

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A Pakenham grandfather has reunited with the paramedics who saved his life after suffering an asthma-induced cardiac arrest in November last year.

Fifty-six-year-old Jeff Van Baardwyk was feeling unwell at work and so began the short drive home when he realised his condition was worsening and called Triple Zero (000).

“I knew something wasn’t right and made the decision to call thinking I would be in the back of an ambulance for a bit then back at work the same day,” Jeff said.

“When I arrived home, I knew things were going downhill. I was struggling to breathe and waiting on the ambulance to arrive.”

Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedic Emmy Finlayson was one of the first paramedics onscene and said Jeff initially appeared to be having an asthma attack.

“Jeff appeared to be suffering from asthma, so we began treating him with nebulised medication to assist his breathing,” Emmy said.

The situation escalated quickly when Jeff’s laboured breathing stopped.

“One second we were talking to him and the next he went into cardiac arrest,” Emmy said. Emmy and her colleague immediately commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) crew and Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters rushed to Jeff’s home.

Crews worked together to continue CPR and provide shocks from an automated external defibrillator (AED) until Jeff could be transported to Casey Hospital.

Jeff was placed in an induced coma but has since made a recovery.

Jeff reunited with the first responders who helped save his life on World Asthma Day, Tuesday 7 May.

“If it weren’t for them, especially those first two paramedics who were there with me at my home, I wouldn’t still be here.”

Asthma is a common patient presentation which AV paramedics respond to in the community, with 11.4 per cent of the Victorian population diagnosed with the condition.

“It’s been a lot to deal with for both my family and for me. I’ve been looking forward to getting the chance to meet the people who saved my life,“ Jeff said.

You can protect yourself and those in your care by calling Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever puffer is not available. Wherever possible, asthma prevention is better than cure. You can also:

· Take your preventative medication as direct-

ed, even when you’re symptom free;

· Carry your reliever and know how to manage an asthma attack.

· Have an up-to-date asthma action plan.

· Know asthma first aid.

You can call Nurse On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your local doctor if you require medical advice.

Paramedic Emmy Finlayson, patient Jeff Van Baardwyk and paramedic Josh Warren.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Mustang gone in a flash

By Ava Cashmore

An orange and black Mustang was stolen from Pakenham Main Street on Sunday 5 May at around 5pm.

“I have no words,” said Sukh, the driver of the car.

“It is my friend’s car; he let me drive it for the day. It was terrible luck that the car was stolen while I was using it.”

CCTV captured the thief walking past the owner, and then turning back to steal the car

once Sukh was inside the V8 Liquor shop. In a matter of seconds, the thief drove off in the stolen Mustang.

Police said reports indicate the vehicle, which bares the registration plates 18FGT, was seen driving off in a northerly direction towards McGregor Road.

“I heard the the roar of my car pulling out when I was at the shop counter. I ran after the car but there was no one else driving after him that could help me,” said Sukh.

Another video posted to social media re-

portedly showed the car doing donuts and burnouts.

It was reported by the post that the back number plates were removed at the time.

Police say an investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Mixed bag of home runs and project delays in budget

By Matthew Sims and Corey Everitt

The 2024-25 State Budget showed little new projects for the burgeoning Cardinia Shire as the State Government tightens their belt, but residents can be thankful that no cuts were made in the core services of education, health and transport.

The Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club has received an extra boost to its continued growth, in the form of a $100,000 investment in the budget.

As part of the official release of the budget documents on Tuesday 7 May, the investment was part of a $14.7 million investment towards delivering community sports infrastructure in the next financial year, followed by an estimated investment of $2.8 million over the next two financial years.

Club board member Gregg Clutterbuck said the club was keen to getting to work on deciding how to best utilise the funding.

“It’s very exciting,“ he said.

“It’s a welcome addition for us to continue to enhance the facilities we’ve got.

“This is going to be important.“

Mr Clutterbuck said the club had continued to grow since it was founded in 2000, with this year being the first year with six senior teams playing in the winter season.

“Our women’s program continues to grow,“ he said.

“For us, it’s fantastic to see continued growth in our sport in Pakenham.“

The outlook for the completion of the Pakenham Community Hospital project has ballooned out in terms of cost and its timeline.

Released on Tuesday 7 May, the budget documentsconfirmedthestatewidecommunity hospitals project would not be complete until April to June 2026, while the estimated investment in the group of community hospitals Pakenham is a part of has increased by $194.986 million to $869.9 million.

Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath said the State Government had originally promised to deliver the hospital by this year.

“Where the hospital should stand there is a derelict building that is completely empty, covered in graffiti and not even safe,“ she said.

“So despite these promises, no work has

been done, and by looking at the site it looks like no work is going to be done.

“I was contacted by several constituents who said they were not able to access the health care they needed, and the delayed care led to poor health outcomes.“

Promises for upgrades to local schools have been retained, with the $11.3m for Pakenham Secondary College, $8.7m for Emerald Secondary College, $10m for Pakenham Consolidated and $6.8m for Kooweerup Primary School.

Most are still scheduled on track, except for Kooweerup Primary, which has been delayed from an expected Q4 2023-2024 completion to Q2 2024-25 and Pakenham Consolidated School which is delayed from Q3 2023-24 to Q1 2024-25.

The budget also invested $948 million towards delivering the remaining 16 new schools out of the government’s promise to build 100 new schools by 2026, including a new primary school on Ballarto Road scheduled to open in 2026.

The Pakenham Line would also enjoy the benefits of the Metro Tunnel, which is ex-

Join us for a School Tour

We invite you to join us for our next tour and explore our ELC, Junior School, Senior Girls and Senior Boys schools.

Please book your place via our website.

pected to be fully operational by next year and will create an end-to-end line from Sunbury to Pakenham and will also be buoyed by the Pakenham Line being fully run by the latest High Capacity Metro Trains.

Buses are continuing to be improved as Pakenham Station will be a new bus interchange once the Level Crossing Removal is complete, sharing in $30m of funding across multiple new interchanges.

Pakenham Roads Project is moving along with $160m of it’s $391m budget spent, with another $140m to go in the list of works over the next financial year.

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said another highlight of the budget was increased frequency of Kooweerup bus services and additional services to Leongatha and Yarram.

“I want to honour the dedication, commitment and sheer respectful pestering that the much loved late Cr Ray Brown did in his advocacy for better public transport for his community and am delight that the Kooweerup-Pakenham bus services will have its frequency increased to better suit modern life and how the community actually move

around today,“ she said.

“We’re making sure families across Bass have the services and supports they need now and into the future.“

South-Eastern Metropolitan Liberal MP Ann-Marie Hermans said “another horror budget” had “reinforced Labor’s waste and continued mismanagement” with “catastrophic” debt rising to a projected $187.8 billion by 2028.

“Victorians are facing a debt that is punishing our economy, our lifestyles and passing on further long-term pain for our children and grandchildren to have to deal with,” she said.

Monash University politics expert Dr Zareh Gahazarian said he was expecting “a bit more” from the government as it was an opportunity for Jacinta Allan to “set new priorities” in her first budget as Premier.

“That it hasn’t been done to a great extent suggests that the government was financially constrained,“ he said.

“It could be a feature of the government to build its capacity to deliver bigger policies in the year leading into the 2026 election.”

Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik celebrated the budget win with players from the Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club. Picture: SUPPLIED

CCTV footage from V8 Liquor store captured the moment the vehicle was stolen.

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us about yourself and your jobs?

My name is Scarlett and I love learning new things. Since finishing school at Emerson School in Dandenong I have followed my dreams to work in hospitality. With the support of the NDIS, I have successfully gained employment at L’arte Central Cafe and the Amstel Club, both in Cranbourne. Both workplaces are highly supportive and taught me new skills. I also volunteer at a local Salvos store on Saturdays. To say I’m very busy is an understatement but I love everything I do. What do you love the most about your jobs? All my jobs teach me valuable skills and I love that every day is so different. From serving coffee and meals, taking orders and clearing tables, to helping people find items in the store. I particularly like working on the registers and working on my money skills. Working in fantastic teams is wonderful and I love meeting new people in the community every day. What has been your most memorable moment during your jobs?

I have had lots of memorable moments but something I am really proud of is getting my Barista Certificate.

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

I think I would like to be a cheetah as they are very fast, a bit like me. What were you like as a kid?

Surprisingly as a young child, I was quite shy nothing like I am now…lol. I loved spending time with my family and friends. As a child, I used to play shops and cafes all the time. I even had my own cash register and my family used to have to visit my shop/cafe!

with Scarlett Jennings from L’Arte Central Cafe

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

I am a passionate Sydney Swans supporter and have been to a few AFL Grand Finals. I would love to see the Swans actually win a Grand Final one day.

Which dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

Taylor Swift, Isaac Heeney, Lance Franklin, Pink.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Hardworking, independent, confident.

What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?

I would spend the day hanging out with some of my close friends.

Where is your happy place?

My happy place is at home where I can relax and be with my pets.

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

My special white chocolate cookies … they are delicious.

Where is your dream holiday destination? Disney Land.

THREE … ways to Mother’scelebrate Day

1

There are many different community celebrations of Mother’s Day throughout the region from different venues having special Mother’s Day high tea or lunches, or you can organise a picnic in one of the many reserves.

2

While motherhood and the opportunity to create life is a gift in itself, there are many ‘traditional’ Mother’s Day gifts such as handmade cards and decorated mugs, flowers, perfume, pyjamas and breakfast in bed.

3

It really is the opportunity for your family to celebrate mum in your own special way to show just how much you care. Sometimes, just spending time with mum can be the ideal gift.

Reception relief: Phone towers on the way for Clyde area

By Ethan Benedicto

Residents of Clyde, Clyde North and surrounds are finally receiving their long-awaited upgrades on cell reception, with Telstra and Optus confirming new towers - some within the year.

Ari Ross, a worker at Clyde North’s Deoro Cafe said “it’s about time”.

“I live just down the road, and I only have one bar in my whole house it’s terrible, so I think it’s about time honestly,” she said. Her difficulties are well-known and a common sentiment for a majority of residents in Clyde and Clyde North, with Maree Cullinan, executive officer at Balla Balla Community Centre saying that “we agree that community members are very frustrated with the lack of coverage in the area”.

A Telstra spokesperson told 9News last week that three projects are currently underway as part of the Connecting Victoria Mobile program to improve 4G and 5G connectivity in

5941 4888

5996 6822

the local area.

With two new mobile stations and an upgrade for an existing one in the books, the spokesperson said that “Telstra expects to have one new mobile base station in Clyde East constructed during May and operational by the end of June this year”.

Optus is in the same boat, with three new sites operational in the last year and covering parts of Casey Stadium and Clyde North.

“We are working hard to bring residents of Casey improved mobile coverage,” an Optus spokesperson said.

“Optus is working on an additional eight towers in the area - seven of these are part of the Connecting Victoria Mobile Program to improve mobile connectivity in Clyde, including Clyde North, Cranbourne, Berwick and Hallam.”

For Ms Ross, the additional towers are more than just a weight off her shoulders, lamenting that “I can’t FaceTime my parents, I can’t call anyone, I can’t watch [on] too many devices at

once - if I’m on my TV and my phone and my laptop, one of them will stop working”.

“[For] the whole Clyde area, all the houses have gone up, and they just haven’t accommodated to even retail, internet, traffic or anything, everything’s just taking such a long time to come together,” she said.

Ms Cullinan added that “many are still working from home and this is nearly impossible when the service is unreliable”.

“We look forward to new base stations being put in place as well as upgrades that will service the area of Clyde North which is expanding at a rapid pace,” she said.

Provided to 9News also last week, a council spokesperson said that they are working closely with the State Government and telecommunications providers in order to address the infrastructure and servicing gaps throughout the municipality, especially for Clyde and Clyde North.

“A total of two mobile towers (and one broadband solution) and four mobile towers

have been identified to be delivered and service Clyde and Clyde North, with several of these towers already being delivered or having received relevant approvals before construction.“Casey has issued 12 planning permits for new towers in the last year, six of which are all in Clyde/Clyde North,” the spokesperson said.

Additionally, the Federal Government’s announcement of the updated Telecommunications in New Developments (TIND) Policy was announced on 17 February this year, which provides extra guidance on the development sector’s “responsibility to ensure new communities are serviced with mobile telecommunication infrastructure”.

“Council welcomes the TIND Policy announcement and has been advocating with industry stakeholders in formalising this policy position locally, whilst working in partnership with the development sector to more proactively plan for mobile telecommunications infrastructure for new projects,” the council spokesperson said.

2 Porter

Ph: 5625 2571

Scarlett from L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe. 401607

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Hope for support service

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Post the State Budget, a South-East support service has renewed hope that funding for its family-violence prevention program will continue.

Wellsprings for Women’s six-year program was due to lapse in funding at the end of June.

In some heartening Budget news, chief executive Dalal Smiley said Family Safety Victoria had notified Wellsprings that “all lapsing family violence programs across government have had funding continued”.

“For funding administered by Family Safety Victoria, this will enable the continuation of a number of critical programs to prevent and respond to family violence,” the FSV email stated.

However Ms Smiley said Wellsprings was still seeking “confirmation from the department” about the funding.

Wellsprings’ peak body Safe and Equal was also seeking “further clarification”.

In the Budget, $30.1 million was allocated for primary prevention of family violence –with further announcements to come about prevention measures in coming weeks.

Overall, family violence funding was $211 million - up $94 million from 2023-’24. It also includes $30 million for refuges and emergency accommodation for families escaping violence.

Wellsprings’ programs particularly help women of migrant and refugee backgrounds.

“English is not their first language and they have so many struggles and challenges to deal with before they can find the space in their lives to reflect on gender equality, women’s economic security and the drivers of violence against women.

“But we take advantage of the time they spend at Wellsprings to learn English and acquire new skills, to broach the subject of gen-

der equality and family violence.

“Often conversations just happen over a coffee break or around the kitchen table and not always in the classroom.”

Ms Smiley says it’s difficult to demonstrate

the vital impact of family-violence prevention work at a state or national level.

“Those of us working at the forefront, with communities, having conversations on gender equality and family violence, and exploring together culturally safe and tailored messages

and approaches, are able to witness the changes in people’s attitudes and behaviors.

“Prevention programs work but need to happen consistently and over long-term and in a timely manner.”

With time, the programs “grow the pool of men and women whose lives are transformed”, she said.

They instill the value of raising children free of gender stereotypes and rigid roles, as well as helping couples with shared decision-making, domestic and caring duties.

Ms Smiley was disappointed that the Federal Government’s $925 million family violence response on 1 May, allocated nothing toward prevention.

“We urge our governments to keep funding prevention because if we only focus on responding to family violence, we fail in addressing the roots of the problem.”

Australians ought to be “shocked and outraged” by the “national crisis with the increase of women being murdered every week”, Ms Smiley said.

As of 30 April, 28 women in Australia had been killed this year as a result of violence, according to Counting Dead Women Australia research.

A State Government spokesperson said last week that its “nation-leading work to end family violence” included helping refugee, migrant and asylum seeker women overcome barriers in seeking help.

“We are making it easier for Victoria’s diverse communities to access help when they are victims of family violence with a range of measures such as funding Wellsprings for Women.”

Separate to the prevention programs, the government last year allocated $788,000 over two years toWellsprings to support victim-survivors of family and sexual violence and work with perpetrators.

Wellsprings CEO Dalal Smiley is awaiting confirmation that funding will continue for its familyviolence prevention program. 365111 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Helping students in need

By Ava Cashmore

Clyde Creek Primary School (Specialist campus) has received five iPads from charity organisation State Schools Relief (SSR).

SSR has provided more than 500 iPads to non-verbal students across the state.

For non-verbal students, communication is a daily challenge, often causing a loss of sense of belonging, and restricted access to learning and education. Some struggle to communicate basic needs to guardians.

SSR’s broad range of programs and initiatives aim to transform education for non-verbal students and promote inclusivity across state schools in Victoria.

Five students at Clyde Creek Primary School received an iPad each, which they can take home.

“A lot of our families don’t have the financial capacity or NDIS funding to purchase devices,“ the wellbeing/disability inclusion team leader at the school Kristy Panayiotou said.

“If families have just arrived in Australia, they may not yet have access to therapy support or NDIS funding, and cannot financially afford therapy support for children, let alone buy devices to establish a form of connection or functional communication at school and home.”

SSR charity also provides free uniforms, footwear, uniform vouchers, glasses, and other essentials.

Schools can apply online for the resources they require, and with funding from the State Government and private donations, disadvantaged students will be supplied with the resources they require.

“Every morning at Clyde Creek Primary School, students and families are greeted at the gate,” Ms Panayiotou said.

“That way we develop a connection with all of our families and the wider community, through these discussions and connections

we are able to support families in need.”

In 2022-23, SSR distributed $7.1 million worth of essential items, including iPads which benefited 452 students.

Since 2016, the not-for-profit has distributed over $45 million of essential items.

“The iPad program assists students expe-

riencing significant communication barriers within their school environment and home.

The iPad gives students a voice – something that is a universal right and helps these young people to have a voice, have agency, and to be heard,” chief executive officer of SSR Sue Karzis said.

“I am so proud that SSR is able to de-

Narre Warren man wins big in the lotto

A big weekend surprise came for a NarreWarren man, after winning $133,000 in The Lott’s Super 66 draw.

The man held one of the two division one winning entries, after pulling the lucky numbers from draw 4465 through his winning three-game QuickPick entry.

liver such an impactful program, and it is only possible due to the generosity of our partners, particularly Bank First and ASCA as well as The William Angliss Charitable Fund.”

The iPads program is also supported by Bank First and the Australian Schools Canteen Association.

“I’m in my 60s and I’ve been playing the lottery since I was 20, I think the most I’ve ever won until now is $40!”

Getting on top of his bills and setting his family up for the future were the man’s main goals, saying that“this just makes the world of difference to me and my family”.

“This is mind blowing, I got a text urging me to check my Lotto ticket so I went onto the app and checked; I couldn’t believe my eyes,” the man said.

“I only started playing Super 66 during the past year or so, this is beyond!”

Each division one entry scored a hefty $133,843.95, with the lucky numbers for the draw being 7, 4, 1, 7, 8 and 2.

Super 66 division one winning tally has now reached 354 so far for the financial year of 2024, which includes 127 won by Tatts customers.

The Narre Warren man is one of the two division one winners for the weekend draw from Super 66. Picture: ON FILE

Student Ali with Kristy Panayitou, Sharon Sartori and Ruth Cameron at Clyde Creek Primary School. 402706 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Tool thief begs for mercy

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A 34-year-old Cranbourne man has begged for “one more chance” after pilfering scores of power tools from tradies’ utes in car parks across the South East, a court has heard.

Travis Kenyon pled guilty to more than 30 charges from a seven-month stealing spree in 2023 that netted about $78,000 of power saws, drills, multi-meters, drivers, nail guns, grinders, batteries, tower lights, handtools and similar equipment.

Kenyon preyed on 23 utes at day and at night, targeting Dandenong Plaza, Karingal Hub, Fountain Gate, Carrum Downs, Northland and Knox shopping centres.

Other targets were Sandhurst, Keysborough and Centenary Park golf courses, Dandenong and Cranbourne basketball stadiums and Chisholm Tafe campuses in Dandenong and Berwick.

Some others were parked at Sandhurst Motel,FrankstonRSL,HoytscinemasinFrankston and a Mornington Peninsula bottle shop.

The unemployed Kenyon would typically park next to the utes, access their rear canopies – forcing them open if they were locked - and take equipment worth up to $5000 at a time.

Despite being placed on four counts of bail at his parents’ house and a night curfew in September 2023, he continued stealing up to his arrest in December.

His phone included photos of tools sent to seven would-be purchasers.

One of his victims recognised his power tools being sold on Facebook Marketplace by Kenyon’s associate.

The associate later told police he’d bought the tools from Kenyon for $350.

On 7 May, defence lawyer Vanda Hamilton told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court that Kenyon offended months after leaving a successful stint of residential drug rehab at Odyssey House.

He ran astray after accepting back his phone – with its list of criminal contacts, Ms Hamilton said.

He’d succumbed to “loneliness” and a need to “re-connnect”, and was now “remorseful” for his “very stupid behaviour”.

Ms Hamilton argued for Kenyon’s sentence to be deferred, in order for him to return to Odyssey.

He needed to “grapple” with a long-standing drug addiction that had “blighted his life, blighted his family’s life”.

Kenyon was coming to an age that he was young enough to turn his life around. But if he didn’t, he’d be in and out of jail.

If he did well at Odyssey, she’d submit for a combination of 151 days already served in pre-sentence remand and a community corrections order with “significant” volunteer work.

Dandenong magistrate Greg Connellan said Kenyon - who had served two jail and CCO sentences for similar offending - had thrown the victims’ lives into“chaos, if not into ruin”.

“These are small business people going about their daily lives ... their tools of trade disappear, their income disappears.”

Most tradies had relatively young families and carried the stress of managing their own business.

When Kenyon was charged and bailed in September 2023, he didn’t seek Odyssey’s support and continued to steal, Mr Connellan said.

“That’s my concern.

“Odyssey is a lot more comfortable than Port Phillip Prison but it’s what happens when he leaves.”

In response, Ms Hamilton argued that a CCO would support Kenyon after his release from Odyssey.

A police prosecutor submitted that Kenyon’s “prolific” thieving required “manifest denunciation” and further imprisonment.

“Compliance on a CCO is not too promising given his prior (offences).”

Pleading for “one more chance”, Kenyon told the court that he’d left Odyssey too early last time and “it all crumbled for me”.

“I really want this chance. I’m very remorseful – I know I shouldn’t have done

what I done.”

Mr Connellan replied: “The word ‘remorseful’ for someone in your position isn’t a particularly convincing term.”

After holding his head in hand and pausing for 15 seconds, Mr Connellan asked Kenyon how long he’d stay at Odyssey this time.

“Two years – I need this for myself,” Kenyon said.

“Two years is nothing out of the rest of my life.”

Mr Connellan noted that he’d have to finalise the matter before he leaves the magistrate’s bench in March 2025.

He deferred Kenyon’s sentence and bailed Kenyon to re-enter Odyssey the next day.

Kenyon was ordered to remain at Odyssey until successful completion of his treatment.

If “all goes well” by early 2025, Kenyon was likely to receive a two year CCO with no further jail time, Mr Connellan said.

“You better be good to your word,” he warned.

Cup teams get their kicks

to the outdoor and indoor fields at the Soccer Gala Day on 6 May.

The competing primary schools were St Mary’s Dandenong, St Paul Apostle North and South in Endeavour Hills, St Francis De Sales in Lynbrook, Holy Family Doveton, St Gerard’s in Dandenong North and St Kevin’s in Hampton Park.

The gala soccer day was named after former Socceroos captain Paul Wade, who is also an ex-student at St John’s college.

In the grand final, St Paul Apostle South won 3-0 against St Anthony’s.

Teammates celebrate from St Kevin’s Primary, Hampton Park. 392098

St Kevin’s Primary makes a foray forward. 392098

Ethan from St. Francis de Sales Primary School, Lynbrook celebrates a goal 392098

A St Kevin’s Primary player launches the ball against St Gerard’s School. 392098

St Gerard’s School and St Kevin’s Primary players battle indoors. 392098

An enthusiastic squad from Holy Family Primary School, Doveton. 392098 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Heeramandi in Dandenong

By Sahar Foladi

The Drum Theatre was almost unrecognisable in a colourful transformation for the preview of the most awaited Netflix series, Heeramandi, The Diamond Bazaar.

Seats for the preview filled out quickly at the private screening which saw a culturally diverse community turnout at the heart of Dandenong on Monday 29 April.

According to a Netflix spokesperson Dandenong is among the first to participate in the private screening.

“Heeramandi is such a special series, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the cast are so loved, that we wanted Australia’s own Little India in Dandenong to be among the first in the world to see it.

“We were thrilled to create this moment for the community, and have been overwhelmed by the feedback. As one guest put it - it was a gift for the senses!

“It has been hugely rewarding to see our members love stories across genres and emotions from India.

“In 2024, we’re taking this to the next level with the biggest names and freshest voices in Indian entertainment bringing their most special films, series and documentaries to Netflix, andwecan’twaitforourmemberstoseethem.”

The series, released from Wednesday 1 May is inspired by true events set in the pre-independent India,a saga of love, betrayal, struggle and freedom.

Community members were able to enjoy bites of chicken tandoori, samosas, masala chai as they mingled around amongst the well decorated foyer with colourful drapes of fab-

rics covering the

Backdrops with couch, candlelight, colourful gold fabrics and red ‘N’ for Netflix were

Giving back and making a difference: Top volunteer

A Narre Warren North resident has been named Volunteer of the Year during the Stroke Awards ceremony on Friday 3 May.

A Stroke Foundation volunteer, Toni Arfaras has been awarded for her efforts that educated hundreds, with the award recognising her as an outstanding volunteer whose dedicated service made a significant difference.

Ms Arfaras said that “it is very rewarding being able to connect with other out in the community”.

Since her own stroke in 2013, Ms Arfaras has been determined to use her lived experience, as well as her skills from years of teaching to help educate others.

After becoming a StrokeSafe speaker in 2016, she has since delivered multiple talks, with 34 in 2023 and has travelled over 2400 kilometres to complete them.

Likewise, 4000 kilometres is planned to be journeyed for 2024, with 33 talks already booked in.

“For me, giving StrokeSafe talks is a way I can give back to the community, and if I can

put a few of my skills to use while saving a life, or preventing disability, then it’s worth my while,” she said.

Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Dr Lisa Murphy said that Ms Arfaras is an asset to the organisation, saying that “without dedicated volunteers like Toni, Stroke Foundation simply wouldn’t exist”.

“Toni works tirelessly out in the community to ensure more people know how to recognise and prevent a stroke.

“It’s fantastic to see that Toni is able to use many of her skills to deliver such engaging and educational talks, we’re so lucky to have her,” Dr Murphy said.

The Stroke Awards aims to celebrate those in the local community who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those affected by stroke, such as survivors themselves, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and so on.

There were a total of eight categories to be won in the Stroke Awards, such as Fundraiser of the Year, First Nations Stroke Excellence and Improving Life After Stroke among others.

Toni Arfaras (middle) holding her Volunteer of the Year award from the Stroke Foundation.

Picture: SUPPLIED

ceiling.

staged with professional photographers on the scene to take Instagram worthy shots.

The traditional attire themed event saw

sparkles of big jhumkis (earrings), multi-coloured draped saris, and of course, nothing is complete without a henna station.

The Henna station was very busy. 404987

Picture: SAHAR FOLADILadies took out their best from the wardrobe to wear on the night,with jhumkis and henna done on the night. 404987

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Greater Dandenong mayor and deputy mayor with participants on the night of the screening.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Read all about meteorite

By Violet Li

A very own historical account that explores a hidden layer of Cranbourne is finally in town.

Author and Berwick resident Sean Murphy’sThe Cranbourne Meteorite tells the longforgotten tug-of-war between local colonial scientists and the British government for the ownership of Cranbourne No.1 fragment in the 1860s.

Cranbourne meteorite has 13 fragments that are strewn across a 20-kilometre corridor from Pakenham in the northeast to Langwarrin in the southwest.

The first big sample was found near Cranbourne and that’s how the name of the meteorite came across.

The 3.5-tonne solid piece of iron, named Cranbourne No.1, is now perching in the Natural History Museum in London, highlighting the doomed finale of the mini-culture war, while a smaller No.2 is being retained here in the Melbourne Museum.

The loss of the large meteorite to the British Museum was complicated, as the book would reveal.

“The book is telling the story of what happened before Cranbourne No.1 was eventually put on a ship and taken to London in 1865. It’s a local event with astronomical fireworks and strong personalities,” Mr Murphy said.

“The leaders of these institutions were deeply invested in attempts to retain or remove Cranbourne No. 1. This arm-wrestle is largely conducted via letters, a very many letters, and in the chambers of learned societies such as the Royal Society of Victoria.

“Part of the book also talks about the fact that it [Cranbourne No.1] was taken over there [London] at the wishes of the owner of the meteorite at the time. It was a relatively legal thing to do.”

Though Mr Murphy believes the main fragment should be returned to Australia, he’s not holding his breath.

“In the book, I tried to find an Aboriginal angle to the meteorite, whether it was revered as a sacred totem. To a certain degree, it was, but only from very limited historical references do we know that.

“And I couldn’t find anything that meant this was a sacred object for the Aboriginal people around the east side of Melbourne, so it doesn’t have that kind of cache to it that makes it a celebrity that we could bring back.

“It’s something of a scientific odyssey more than anything else.”

A Casey resident for more than two decades, Mr Murphy was always looking for a local topic to explore. In 2018, when he stumbled across a podcast episode about a “Cranbourne Meteorite”, he instantly knew that was it. He did some digging around in the State Library and online history databases and formed this neat little story.

“There are a lot of meteorite-related books and things out there. But on this specific topic, I wouldn’t call it a gap in the market, but I was curious that there had no one had ever really written a book for popular consumption,” he said.

“Cranbourne meteorite is known to a lot of people in this area because many years ago, council put up a display on the South Gippsland Highway in Cranbourne, hanging some fragments.

“Cranbourne has, for a time, the largest iron meteorite in the world.”

The Cranbourne Meteorite also explores the stories around other fragments, meteorites in Australia, and fun geology and biology knowledge.

To purchase the book, visit: scholarly.info/ book/the-cranbourne-meteorite

‘Investment lacking’: Budget rebuff for the South East

Advocacy group Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) has criticised the State Budget for a lack of investment in the region.

Fresh after hosting a jobs and skills summit on 3 May, GSEM chair Simon McKeon said “better direct budget support to help the region’s growth would have been a good budgetary investment”.

“The GSEM region is an important economic driver for Victoria.

“It is disappointing that there is not greater direct investment in the Greater South East Melbourne region.

“Relief for families is welcomed – but more needs to be done to support residents of Greater South East Melbourne.”

McKeon welcomed the $555 million into TAFE and training system but“more needs to be done to ensure that this investment is getting to those who need it.”

More investment in “critical transport in-

frastructure” was also required.

“GSEM understands the need for sensible economic management to address

state debt, however growth cannot occur without the foundational building blocks of community and transport infrastructure,”

McKeon said.

“We appreciate that hard decisions have had to be made but, nonetheless, we must prioritise policies and projects that provide jobs and economic growth.”

GSEM welcomed several Budget projects, including the continued Pakenham roads package as well as new schools and upgrades.

He also praised the proposed intersection upgrade on Stud Road Dandenong, the Monash Medical Centre redevelopment, the $5 million Growing Suburbs fund and continuing the planning for a renewable energy terminal at Port of Hastings.

It also praised the $71 million initiative to support young people complete their secondary-school educations at TAFE.

GSEM includes eight council areas Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Knox and Monash.

To celebrate their Mothers Day High Tea, Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park is offering one nights stay to one lucky reader!

Star readers have the chance to WIN one night's accomodation (valued at $250) at Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park 38 Dalmore Drive, Scoresby, anytime this year *some conditions apply

SCAN QR CODE FOR DETAILS & TO ENTER

GSEM chair Simon McKeon said more direct investment was required in the South East. 403587

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Author and Berwick resident Sean Murphy with his new book The Cranbourne Meteorite. 404978

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S DAY

Sweet treats for Sunday

Go no further than the Chocolate Shop in Pakenham for a wonderful range of hampers, gift boxes, boxed chocolates and a huge range of confectionery to delight any mum or grandmother for Mother’s Day.

Call in and see Leonie at the shop; she can help you with your choice of gift for Mother’s Day.

The Chocolate Shop is at 112 Main Street, Pakenham, telephone 5941 7165.

Gift ideas for Mother’s Day

The team at Lazy Frog Gifts have a beautiful range of gifts for you to choose from this Mother’s Day.

Find us at: lazyfroggifts.com.au

Lazy Frog is located at 109 Main Street, Pakenham (next to the post office) and is

Monday to Friday 9am till 5pm and Saturdays 9am to 3pm. If you have any queries phone 5941 2225 we are here to help. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S

It’s a special time for mum

The time to show your mum how much you appreciate and care for her has come around again with Mother’s Day on Sunday, 12 May. Mother’s Day is time to spoil your mother with chocolates, flowers, gifts and even give her breakfast in bed.

The history of the day originates back to the time of ancient Greeks where festivities were held to honour Rhea, the mother of the gods.

Meanwhile the early Christians celebrated the Mother’s festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honour Mary, the mother of Christ.

Since those early festivities Mother’s Day has grown as a global day of appreciation for everything that mothers do for their children during the year.

When looking for that perfect gift for Mother’s Day think about providing your mum with that total relaxation package and buy her some massage oils or a pamper basket with soaps and bath salts.

Always a popular gift idea is the traditional chocolates and flowers or a splash of perfume. Or why not go all-out and buy your mother a gift voucher for a day of pampering at a day spa.

Whatever the gift, Mother’s Day should be the day that you lavish your mum with that love and care that she always has for you. Mother’s Day is a time for mums to put their feet up and ask for that much-needed foot rub or just find the time to relax and unwind. Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show

Be careful when shopping in May for Mother’s Day

The State Government is reminding Victorians to be extra cautious when buying gifts this Mother’s Day, with data showing May is a peak month for scams.

Consumer Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams urged Victorians to be on the lookout for scams when shopping in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day on 12 May, particularly when purchasing gifts online.

Data from the Commonwealth Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre shows that May was the second-highest month for scams in 2023, with more than 25,000 complaints nationally and $53.2 million reported lost to scammers. Only January, with $53.3 million in reported losses, was worse.

Online shopping scams and fake websites designed to look legitimate are of particular concern for Mother’s Day, as scammed consumers pay for goods that never arrive.

Scammers posing as sellers often produce fake advertisements offering non-existent products for low prices.

These fake ads are then posted on genuine websites, online classifieds and online auc-

tion sites. Other scammers hijack reputable sellers’ advertisements, business details, logos and seller feedback profiles to trick consumers.

Scammers often request that buyers transfer the money through a money wiring service, and they may also use fake money payment services and escrow websites that look real.

Some scammers also pose as buyers, tricking sellers into sending goods even though no money is paid.

These scammers pretend to pay too much, then ask the seller to pay the difference back to them.

They use fake emails confirming overpayment from what appears to be a reputable company offering money transfer or payment services.

Consumer Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams said the lead up to Mother’s Day is a peak period for shopping scams.

“Avoid scams when shopping for Mother’s Day – think twice about buying from sellers offering goods and well-known brands at extremely low prices, and use a secure pay-

‘Stop the crocodile tears’

By Tara Cosoleto, Aap

A bodybuilder who stabbed his partner to death using six knives in Endeavour Hills while her young daughter tried to stop him has been told to “stop the crocodile tears” by a judge.

Sven Lindemann, 52, held his head in his hands and let out loud sobs on Friday as the Supreme Court in Melbourne was told how he murdered his partner on 30 May, 2023.

But Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth yelled at Lindemann to “stop the crocodile tears” because it was clear he was pretending and he had no genuine remorse.

Lindemann stabbed Monique Lezsak 17 times at her home, hours after she broke up with him because she found a new partner.

Her daughter, known in court under the pseudonym Lily, heard yelling from a bedroom ensuite and ran to see her mother being attacked by Lindemann.

He stabbed his former partner, strangled her and dragged her through the house.

Lily tried to stop Lindemann, kicking him and twice pulling the knife out of his hands, but he kept grabbing more weapons.

He used six knives in total, breaking two of them, as he inflicted the fatal stab wounds to Ms Lezsak’s head, neck and chest.

Lily also suffered five wounds during the attack.

The distressed young girl called triple zero, telling operators there was a murderer in the house.

When police arrived, they heard her pleading with her mother not to leave her, but Ms Lezsak could not be revived.

Lily’s twin brother and Ms Lezsak’s mother were also inside the Endeavour Hills home at the time of the attack.

Police found Lindemann in the bedroom with a self-inflicted stab wound to the chest.

Before stabbing himself, Lindemann made

a $70,000 bank transfer and tried to call his exwife who lived in Adelaide.

Lindemann was remanded in custody at the Melbourne Assessment Prison after undergoing emergency surgery.

In recorded conversations with his parents, Lindemann blamed Ms Lezsak, saying she “poured petrol onto the fire” and that she “wrecked everything” for him.

His barrister Lucinda Thies told the court Lindemann, who has pleaded guilty to murder, accepted responsibility for his crimes and regretted his behaviour.

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face to their partner - your client is no different,” she said.

The judge noted it was a very serious example of the offence, especially considering there were young children and a grandmother present.

Prosecutor Kristie Churchill said women were entitled to end relationships without that choice leading to their deaths.

She encouraged the court to send a strong message to the community that such crimes warranted serious punishment.

But Justice Hollingworth disagreed, saying she could not accept he held genuine remorse.

“He still maintains she ruined his life,” she said.

Ms Thies asked the judge to take into account Lindemann’s strong family background, lack of prior convictions and previous good character.

However, Justice Hollingworth said those attributes did not make him unique, especially in a case of serious family violence.

“Domestic violence abusers and offenders often present one face to the world and one

More than a dozen of Ms Lezsak’s family and friends filled the court for the pre-sentence hearing, where the mother-of-two was remembered as a beautiful person inside and out.

“She didn’t deserve this and neither did her children,” her friend Donna Brown said.

“I struggle every day with what happened and the selfishness of his actions.”

Lindemann, who is facing up to life in prison, will be sentenced at a later date.

· 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

· Lifeline 13 11 14

Man faces list of charges

Police charged a Cranbourne West man on Friday 3 May and seized a large quantity of ammunition, firearms, weapons, and drugs, as part of an investigation into the possession and manufacturing of unregistered firearms.

A warrant was executed at a residential address in Cranbourne West on Thursday 18 April.

However, the 39-year-old occupant was interstate at the time.

As a result, the following was seized:

· 59 firearms, including six shotguns, 28 rifles, five flintlocks, seven handguns (both revolvers and semiautomatic), eight privately made firearms and five imitation firearms,

· What appeared to be thousands of rounds of ammunition,

· Large quantities of various firearm parts, including boxes of stocks, barrels, magazines, triggers, guards ,and other parts,

· Four swords,

· Plans and schematics for firearm manufacture,

· A small hydroponic set up of approximately 20 cannabis plants, and

· Various small quantities of drugs of dependence, including what appeared to be 1,4-Butanediol, cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, methylamphetamine, Viagra and other prescription medication.

A notice of suspension of a firearm licence was served on the Cranbourne West man.

The man was then arrested on Friday 3 May when he returned to Victoria.

He was interviewed by police and subsequently charged with a range of offences, including:

· Possess traffickable quantity of firearms,

· Manufacture cat A or B longarm without a licence,

· Manufacture general category handgun without a licence,

· Possess parts for manufacture, cat A or B longarm without a licence,

· Possess parts for manufacture, gen cat handgun without a licence,

· Handle stolen goods,

· Fail to store cartridge ammunition correctly,

· Possess imitation firearm,

· Possess prohibited weapon,

· Cultivate cannabis,

· Possess cannabis,

· Possess 1,4-Butanediol,

· Possess ecstasy,

· Possess drug of dependence - prescription drug (Viagra),

· Possess drug of dependence - drescription drug (Pregabolin),

· Possess cocaine, and

· Possess methylamphetamine.

The man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday 6 May.

Police would like to remind licensed firearms owners to be aware of the legislation with regards to the storage of their firearms. Further information is available on the Victoria Police website: police.vic.gov.au/ firearm-storage

Victoria Police undertakes a range of compliance and enforcement activities to ensure those with firearm licences are complying with the conditions their licence.

Sven Lindemann (left) arrives at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne on Friday, 3 May, 2024.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/DIEGO FEDELE

Police block off Kassan Gardens, Endeavour Hills where Sven Lindemann murdered partner Monique Leczak on 30 May 2023. 338172

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Police have charged a man after executing a warrant at a residential address in Cranbourne West on Thursday 18 April. 387659

TAKING CARE

IAN ASH

The Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) collects data on the demographics of those filing for bankruptcy or entering formal debt agreements and in their March newsletter, the report showed that annual personal insolvencies are expected to rise by 23 per cent in 2023-24 to around 12,250 (see afsa.gov.au/ newsroom/pir-newsletter-march-2024). This is a major increase from just under 10,000 recorded in 2022-23 and according to the report, most people who entered personal insolvency during 2022–23 were between 25 and 44 years old and spread across the following industries:

· Construction (12.1 per cent)

· Healthcare and social assistance (11 per cent)

· Retail trade (9.5 per cent)

· Other services (9.8 per cent)

· Transport, postal and warehousing (8.7 per cent)

A business becomes ‘insolvent’ (or goes into administration) for two reasons: 1) cashflow insolvency or 2) balance-sheet insolvency. Cash-flow insolvency occurs when a company cannot pay its debts even though assets exceed liabilities. Balance-sheet insolvency is when total liabilities exceed total assets. Either way, lack of cash is going to be the predominant cause here and needs to be addressed.

The vast majority of businesses do not have a cash-flow forecast and for those that do, it is often not updated sufficiently frequently to provide an accurate prediction of the cash position over the coming weeks. However, in

practice, this is not hard to do and having a conservative, approximate outlook of what may occur is far better than nothing at all.

The starting point should be your list of bank transactions up to the end of the previ-

ous week.You then need to forecast two things from that point on: 1) how much cash do I expect to come in and 2) how much cash do I expect to see going out. While a Profit & Loss (accrual) statement can be helpful in under-

standing both, the fact that you have invoiced for products and/or services and have defined payment terms, doesn’t mean that you can necessarily rely on bills being paid on time so it is wise to allow for some delay on payment of invoices. Income such as grants, cash injections and bank loans are generally not in the P&L and can therefore be added into the cashflow forecast.

Outgoings are typically more predictable but there are some things that can easily be overlooked since significant equipment purchases and loan repayments won’t be shown and nor will IAS/BAS payments. Income tax expenses are shown after net operating profit and so can easily be missed as well. The key thing to note here is that while the P&L does not show GST amounts, what you actually pay will include GST so expense items will be necessarily higher than shown on the P&L. In order to keep things simple, I simply use just five key expense items: 1) IAS/BAS payments, 2) any other ATO payments, 3) payroll-related expenses, 4) loans and 5) ‘general expenses’ since all these are often the big-ticket items.

Using the above, create a spreadsheet with ‘Forecast income and outgoings’ and ‘Actual income and outgoings’ for each of the coming weeks. The key thing to ensure is that the ending balance for each week aligns with that shown on your bank account. I use the‘general expenses’ item mentioned above to enforce this rather than try to actually calculate every (general) expense. You will soon start to see a pattern emerge with this item from which you can derive an approximate forecast of these ‘general expenses’ for the coming weeks. It is wise to be conservative with income and pessimistic with costs to ensure only nice surprises and be sure to reconcile your end-week total against the bank’s weekly.

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

The vast majority of businesses do not have a cash-flow forecast and for those that do, it is often not updated sufficiently frequently to provide an accurate prediction of the cash position over the coming weeks, Ian Ash says.

Picture: TIM MOSSHOLDER ON UNSPLASH

WHAT’S ON

Pakenham Art Show

All forms of art will be on show at the Art Show Pakenham including painting, watercolour, drawing, sculpture, textile, mixed media, digital, youth and wearable art.

Art Show Pakenham will launch with an opening night event at 7pm on Friday 17 May at the Pink Hotel in Beaconsfield, with major winners announced and a wearable art parade. The exhibition will run until Sunday May 26.

· For more information, visit artshowpakenham. com.au

Inner Wheel Club of Berwick

The Inner Wheel Club (IW) Berwick is a ladies international friendship club which raises funds to support local charities and other worthwhile causes. They have a dinner meeting on the first Monday of the month and enjoy a range of activities including guest speakers, morning teas, book club and craft afternoons. Recently they enjoyed a group meeting with the IW clubs of Narre Warren, Pakenham and Cranbourne.

The guest speaker was a part owner of the champion race horse “Black Caviar”. The mare is now 18 years old and is a mother and grandmother.

· Club welcomes new members. Should you be interested to learn more, you may like to message them at their Facebook page ‘Inner Wheel Club of Berwick’ or send an email via iiw.au.berwick@ gmail.com

Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase

Cardinia Shire Council will host the Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase in partnership with Local Jobs

- South Eastern Melbourne and Peninsula, Star News Group and Chisholm Skills and Jobs Centre. Workshops will be held to help jobseekers develop their skills in areas such as CV and cover letter writing and interview techniques.

The showcase will be held on Thursday 20 June 2024 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre Lakeview Room from 10am-1pm.

· For more information and to register, visit: creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardinia-business/cardinia-jobs-and-skills-showcase

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.

activities with low key in line dancing ifyou want to tap your feet and great afternoonteas, 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.

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

· For more information, contact enquiry officerGloria 0468 363 616.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.

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

Biggest Morning Tea

The Woodlands Park Retirement Village in Berwick is again raising money for its Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event, which will contribute to raffles, door prizes and auction prizes available on the day and towards cancer research.

Resident Colleen Astbury has organised three events towards the initiative, raising a total of $22,486 towards the Cancer Council.

· For more information or to donate, visit www. biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/ColleenAstbury or contact Colleen on 0422 849 619.

BADFolk Club

Berwick and District Folkclub (BADFolk) have been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 21 years.

The group meets on the third Friday of each month, with doors open from 6.30pm and the music running from 7pm to 10pm.

The group also welcomes spot acts - anyone who can play an instrument, sing, share a poem.

Entry is $15, with tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks and snack food available for purchase.

· For more information,visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.

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 president Garyon 0428 255 178 or contact secretary Dorothy on probuspakenhameast@gmail.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 social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/ chat

Helping hands with Rotary Cranbourne Rotary Club is organising a Helping Hands Program and inviting the local community to build prosthetic hands that will be donated to amputee landmine victims across developing countries. About 27 hands will be assembled on the day in teamwork and there are about 10 spots left. · Lunch will be provided. No fee is required. Toparticipate,youcancontactPaulRiceatpaul@ ultrasigns.com.au or call him at 0418 369 149 Saturday 11 May, 10am -2pm, Balla Balla Community Centre, Clyde North Berwick CWA Stroke Foundation event

Country Women’s Association, Berwick Branch invites you to a meeting with guest speaker Ms Toni Arfaras from Strokesafe Foundation. The event is on Monday 3 June at the Timbarra Community Centre, Timbarra Way, Berwick. Starting at 7pm.

Entry is $2 for members and $5 for non-members. For more information call branch president Kate Azzopardi on 0435 863 054.

The Country Women’s Association Berwick branch also invites you to the second annual ‘Wine and Cheese Event’.

This event will be held on Friday 14 June from 7pm to 9pm at the Timbarra Community Centre, Timbarra Way, Berwick. Tickets are $25 per head, $40 for a couple.

· For more information call president Kate Azzopardi on 0435 863 054. Emerald Rotary Market A community market in

The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.

SPORT Sunk by Stewart’s six-pack

By Marcus Uhe

A six-goal haul to Pakenham vice-captain Jordan Stewart has done little to solve the equation of where the swingman is best suited for Paul Carbis’ side.

Stewart’s marking ability makes him an asset at either end of the park and with injuries in the forward line, Carbis deployed him ahead of the ball from the get-go against Emerald in round for of Outer East Football Netball’s Premier Division Football Season, reaping tremendous results.

He kicked three in the opening term and one in each of the remaining three quarters in a dominant display, while the undersized backs in his absence held their own against David Johnson and Emerald’s forwards.

So good was Stewart’s performance that Carbis requested a duplicate.

“We need two of him,” he said.

“We lost Tom Gamble and probably needed another forward and thought we’d try it on the weekend.

“Wethoughtwe’dtryitandseehowitworked and it worked really well.

“We know ‘Jordy’ can play there and it definitely helped giving us another target up there.”

After a tight opening term, Pakenham pulled away with 4.5 to 1.2 in the second term, for a 33-point lead at the half, benefiting from an away of forward options and moving the ball too quickly for the Bombers to counter.

Bad habits slipped in during the third term as Emerald fought its way back into the contest, before the Lions added a further five in the final term to finish 36-point winners, 16.11 107 to 10.11 71.

Yet to play four quarters of football in Carbis’ opinion, the lapses in concentration were attributed to the testing of their depth given the injury issues, and gelling under a new head coach.

Caelen Addis and Bailey Brougham’s debuts made it five players from the under 19s squad in the senior side on Saturday, joining David Sollberger, Ryan Martini and Josh Trembath, who

have each played all four senior games to date.

The defence, however, remains a work in progress.

“We’ve shown we can do it for periods at a time, but not the four quarters,” Carbis said.

“We got found out against Narre Warren which was really good in that last quarter.

“That’s probably the biggest thing, I don’t think the boys have done much defensive work in years gone past, so that’s a whole new area for them to improve on and we’ll get better as the year goes on in that space.

“We’ve been hit with a lot of injuries at the moment and we had two debutants on the weekend.

“I suppose that’s a good sign, when you can get a solid win with that inexperience in your side.”

He described last week’s loss to Officer was a ‘wake-up call’, one they call ill-afford if they are expected to make a charge at this season’s premiership.

“We feel that’s definitely one that got away from us,” he said.

“We watched the last quarter together as a group on Tuesday night and went through where we went wrong, and all the areas we can improve on or do better next time.

“You look at that and then you look at the first quarter, and I don’t know if it was because we had the week off and we were just a bit rusty, but not to score, that pretty much cost us the game.

“Every week you’ve got to be on otherwise you can lose out.

“It happened to us last week against officer, a game we didn’t want to lose, and now we’ve got to try and find that somewhere.”

Jai Rout and Sam Kors each kicked two for Pakenham, with Tyrell Bignoux, James Harrison and Jake Thompson among their best.

For Emerald, 71 points eclipsed the previous week’s 59 as the team’s highest score of the season, but the wins column remains bare.

Isaac Seskis kicked three for the Bombers to lead all scorers, while Matt Edwards, Steven Kapahnke and Jared Derksen all impressed.

Officer remembers Rob’s contribution to Porter-house

By Marcus Uhe

Officer Recreation Reserve looked an absolute picture on Saturday as the Officer Football Club acknowledged the contributions made by the late Robert Porter.

A minute of silence was observed for the passing of one of Officer’s favourite sons, with only the traffic along the Princes Highway outside the facility where his name will soon be enshrined in a permanent recognition of his contributions to the Reserve punctuating the tranquility on a sunny Autumn day as both Officer and Narre Warren paused before Saturday’s senior football contest.

Porter’s family joined Officer players, officials and committee members as they gathered in front of the RG Porter Social Rooms, also named after the great man, with Gareth Sheean addressing the crowd and recounting the staggering contribution Porter made to the community.

Earlier in the afternoon, Robert’s son, Geoff, and widow, Carol, addressed the Of-

ficer players in the social rooms in a moving pregame address that had the players transfixed.

Geoff recounted his father’s heroic performance in the club’s breakthrough 1961 grand final win over Kooweerup, the year he also claimed the South West Gippsland Football League’s Best and Fairest award as a 19-yearold, his cheeky but effective tackling technique that involved pinching his opponent’s skin when he grabbed their jumper, and the periods he served as coaching at both junior and senior clubs, all at a place that was like a second home.

Porter was Chairman of the Officer Recreation Reserve Committee of Management for 51 years, desperate to maintain the place in order to see the community, in particular the juniors, play sport - something he cherished doing himself.

Geoff Porter said that all the fanfare and attention would not have sat too well with his old man, a humble person not eager for the spotlight, but was grateful to the Football

Club for dedicating the day to Robert and the family.

“When he first took over the Rec Reserve there was a little tin shed, there was one little oval that was just soil and mud, and now there’s two topclass sand couch ovals, there’s netball facilities, tennis facilities,” Geoff Porter said.

“To see what the Reserve has turned into, and to see it host grand finals, he was so very proud of what it’s become.

“I think if you can leave the place in a better place after you’ve passed, and be recognised for that, it’s a great honour.

“He just loved the place, if he wasn’t down at work he was down here fixing up stuff.

“It didn’t matter what time day or night, he’d be down here turning on the sprinklers, mowing grass, fixing whatever had to be done.

“The footy club has been fantastic with the support they’ve given the family.

“I’m really proud of what dad achieved in

his life and for the footy club to take the time to recognise that has been a real honour for the family.”

The well wishes and expressions of gratitude for Robert and the family have been “overwhelming” since his passing on Christmas Day, 2023, but Geoff said the extent of his Father’s influence continues to impress him, and leaves the ideal legacy for a community focused man.

“What’s struck me is people have come up and said what an impact he had on their lives.

“He had an impact on my life and my family’s life but for them to say they’re really missing him, because they come down here and he’s not here, or they’re used to seeing him around the area….the impact he’s had on other people’s lives, for them to come out and say it, has been quite overwhelming.

“He did touch a lot of people’s lives.

“I look up to him and admire the work he did in his community.”

The Porter family standing side-by-side with the Officer Football Club as they acknowledge the contributions of the late Robert Porter. 405141 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Officer and Narre Warren Football Clubs observed a minute’s silence before the game. 405141

Jordan Stewart kicked six goals for Pakenham on Saturday against Emerald. 351682

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Lethal Lions looking likely on the court

By Marcus Uhe

A strong opening month of the new netball season has Pakenham sitting second on the Outer East Football Netball Premier Division A-Grade ladder.

Trailing only the high-flying and undefeated Narre Warren, a hat-trick of wins and the second-best defence in the competition makes the Lions one the competition’s early standouts.

Despite conceding 50 goals to Emerald on Saturday, strong scoring quarters in the second and fourth periods were enough to secure a 10-goal victory over last season’s Division One champions.

The Lions outscored Emerald 19-12 in the second term and 16-11 in the fourth to snuffout any hopes of a late Bombers’ comeback.

Pakenham led by as many as 10 goals midway through the third quarter but Emerald closed with the final five goals of the term to half the lead heading into the final term.

The goals were spread evenly between Rose Laidlaw (20), Kelly Cousins (19) and Charlotte Hudolin (21), while South Australian Jordyn Adams is having a major impact in the centre of the court, filling the big shoes of Emma Jones.

Mackenzie Fox and Taylah Simondson were standouts for Emerald, with Kaylah Loulanting nailing 30 goals.

There’s no doubting that Narre Warren remains the team to beat, however, flexing their muscle with a dominant 63-32 win over ROC.

The Magpies doubled ROC’s score in the first quarter and held a whopping 22-goal lead at half time, having kept the home side to just five goals in the second term.

Even with the contest firmly in their grasp, the Magpies’ pressure didn’t let up in the second half, keeping ROC to just 20 goals.

Defensive pair Gabrielle Dwyer andTeneille Morrell were catalysts for keeping the scoring down at one end of the court, with Grace Ioelu (27 goals) and Piuti Laban (19) taking the scoring pressure off of Erin Bell.

Sidney Kneebone and Bella Heppell were important for ROC in the centre of the court.

Gembrook Cockatoo was taught a lesson by a rampant Mt Evelyn side seeking a return to its best form in a 75-33 result.

Two quarters saw the Rovers score 20 goals or more while the third netted 19.

Gembrook Cockatoo’s best in a quarter was 10, held in check by reigning Jodi Chandler medal winner Kaitlyn Black, and with Montana Wallis and Cate Garlick applying pressure through the middle of the court.

Hollie Burton and Jordan Reynolds played important roles for the Brookers, feeding Mariah Bell on her way to scoring 17 goals.

CharlotteHudolinhasbeenakeyinthegoalcircleforPakenhamthisseason,nailinganother21 goalsonSaturdayagainstEmerald. 402294

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Double-digit haul inspires Predators

By Marcus Uhe

For the first time since round five of the South West Gippsland Dart League’s 2024 season, Dean’s place at the top of the Tons leaderboard is under serious threat.

If anyone was going to dethrone the Snipers’ ace, it was going to be Steve from Predators, and a massive 10-ton haul inTuesday’s 11-4 win over Mud Rats sees him join Dean on 60 tons.

Steve and Scott from Mud Rats threw ton for ton, before Steve sealed the contest with a 116 peg.

The two are clear standouts over the remainder of the field, with Shane from Cheers the next best on 44.

Not to be outdone, however, Dean’s threw six tons and set a new highest peg across the season with 154, in Snipers’ 11-4 defeat of Just Social in grand final rematch from the previous campaign.

DartVaders responded to a shock loss against Railway last week by downing in a tight win 8-7, and Cheers made it three wins a row after getting the better of Fore 9-6.

Dart Attack, meanwhile, secured its first points of the year thanks to a 11-4 win over Hoodies, leaving their vanquished opponents as the only winless side in the campaign.

141 tons were thrown in round 10, showcasing all the talent the league has at its disposal.

Each team will rest their throwing arms this week before a mouthwatering battle between Snipers and Predators at the Nar Nar Goon hotel rounds out the return of competition on Tuesday 14 May.

Both sides enter the contest undefeated and feature the top two players on the tons leaderboard in Dean and Steve, in what is sure to be a mouthwatering contest.

Results R10: Gembrook 12 v Railway 3, Cheers 9 v Fore 6, Predators 11 v Mud Rats 4, Generals 8 v Bullseyes 7, Dart Attack 11 v Hoodies 4, DartVaders 8 v 26ers 7, Snipers 11 v Just Social 4.

It’s also the third consecutive week that the Titans have failed to reach the 20-goal mark, this time falling 63-13.

Upwey Tecoma led by 18 goals at the half and put in a relentless second half, scoring 37 goals to the Titans’ five.

61 goals to a returning Emmalia Blake made

Berwick Springs, meanwhile, continues to battle in Premier Division, losing by 50 goals for a third consecutive week, this time to Upwey Tecoma at home.

all the difference for Wandin in a seven-goal win overWooriYallock, and Monbulk thrashed Olinda Ferny Creek by 43 goals.

The Hawks appear to be one of the competition’s big improvers alongside Pakenham, expected to challenge for a finals place.

The two go head-to-head at Toomuc Reserve in round five.

Pakenham United on the board in 2024

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Pakenham has had its first win of the FFV State League 5 South season, triumphing 5-2 over Mount Martha to lift it off the bottom of the table.

United jumped Mount Martha in a home Friday night fixture, with Nana Yaw Asem Applah scoring a double and setting another one up

After leading 4-1 at halftime, Pakenham was able to maintain the supremacy throughout the second half in a spirit lifter for the club.

“I’m still buzzing now,” president Chris Gomez said on Monday.

“I think the players are finally clicking and have taken that step we needed them to.

“I think it was a case of the new players knowing what each other were going to do.

“The players have been watching vision and it has helped to keep them accountable.”

A 1-1 second half was also a positive sign,

Pakenham having leaked late goals early in the season.

A few different names were thrown into the midfield mix and all showed they were up to the challenge.

“We didn’t ever drop our heads – we did what we had to and fought and fought hard.”

Gomez praised the bravery of MattVigilanti who played through injury, while his brother, Daniel was one of the strongest performers in the win.

“Daniel’s been so good on and off the pitch for us this year, making sure everyone is on the same page,” Gomez said.

Elsewhere, Endeavour Hills had a 2-2 draw with Seaford, Casey went down 4-1 and Bunyip lost 2-1 to Noble Hurricanes.

Ladder: Predators 40, Snipers 40, Cheers 36, Gembrook 28, Dart Vaders 28, Mud Rats 28, Just Social 20, 26ers 16, Fore 12, Generals 12, Railway 12, Dart Attack 4, Bullseyes 4, Hoodies 0.

Fixture R11 (14 May): Bullseyes (13) v Fore (9), Generals (10) v Railway (11), Cheers (3) v Dart Attack (12), Gembrook (4) v 26ers (8), Hoodies (14) v Just Social (7), Dart Vaders (5) v Mud Rats (6), Snipers (2) v Predators (1).

Helen Staindl School Principal