News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 27th June 2024

Talking jobs and skills

The Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase equipped locals with skills and contacts throughout the South East, seeing hundreds meet with 30 local businesses.

The showcase kicked off with a breakfast presentation where representatives from Cardinia Shire, Chisholm, Star News Group and various other organisations heard from two unique employers and how they’re making a difference in the community.

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Roadmap to work

Cardinia Shire Council has joined the Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) delegation in Canberra, proposing a path forward for local jobs and industry in the South East.

On Wednesday 26 June, mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik was in the national capital to support the launch of GSEM’s Jobs and Skills Roadmap, a comprehensive plan for the region’s development that puts local employment and education first.

The roadmap is an ambitious agenda of “big ideas” to create well-paid, secure jobs and provide the necessary skills closer to home for

the fast-growing region’s 1.5 million residents.

“We think that greater collaboration is needed in the region to produce better advocacy results,” Cr Kowarzik said.

“In just Casey and Cardinia, 70 per cent leave the region for their jobs.

“This is a joint effort of the South East and hopefully, with this roadmap, it will start a process to change that and bring more jobs local.”

Developed from GSEM’s Jobs and Skills Summit in May, the roadmap regards a range of matters tackling the key issues for the South East.

“Of course the extension of Thompsons Road is on the list and also the South East Airport,” Cr Kowarzik said.

“But we will also raise matters like how migrants and refugees in the South East have existing skills but have difficultly getting the qualifications, we are really advocating for change on this issue.

“The main purpose is to see more employment as a whole, we are going to ask for the Federal Government to fund an implementation plan to keep up the momentum.”

The roadmap was handed over to Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor and presented to senior members of the Federal Government and Opposition.

The delegation is led by GSEM and included among the councils were representatives of industry, business, education and the community as a “unified voice” for the region.

“Greater South East Melbourne is a nationally significant region,” GSEM chair Simon McKeon said.

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Amanda and Nicky from Fruit2Work.

Picture: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL

Employers with a purpose

Attracting workers and finding a job were the key themes for the Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase held at the cultural centre in Pakenham Lakeside on Thursday 20 June.

With 30 businesses and hundreds in attendance, alongside numerous workshops, the event was a resounding success.

Earlier that morning a breakfast presentation was held with representatives from Cardinia Shire, Chisholm, Star News Group and various other organisations who heard from two unique employers and how they’re making a difference in the community.

Lime Box Cafe and Fruit2Work spoke of the challenges and opportunities in hiring those from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds in a Q-and-A style format.

Not only can you grab a great coffee and meal at Lime Box Cafe, but they are a purposebuilt business dedicated to youth training and employment opportunities in food and catering.

Lime Box Cafe’s Cher explained how it all started.

“Along the way I became a workplace trader and then I got introduced to school-based traineeships, and I ended up running a big warehouse in Dandenong South,” she said.

“I branched out and I knew through the community that Pakenham was desperate for lots of things, but Pakenham Secondary College, particularly at the time, was sending all their students to the different warehouses out of the area.”

She was approached to consider setting up a site locally.

“Over the years, I’ve probably had around 1500 school kids and we’ve given them opportunities to learn and get a certificate,” she said. Cher also highlighted how beneficial jobseeker agencies have been.

“I learned that the job-seeker agencies were a wonderful wealth of opportunity and infor-

mation that helped me come up with the right staff members,” she said.

The cafe also strives to create a supportive environment for staff, with honesty being one of the key factors.

While Fruit2Work, a social enterprise and registered charity that delivers fruit, milk and pantry items across Melbourne with a factory

in Hallam, spoke of how they create opportunities for those coming out of the justice system by providing transitional employment.

It was highlighted they have returned more than 100 people to work and incredibly none of them reoffending.

By reducing reoffending, the organisation also helps the state save hundreds of thou-

sands in costs every year.

One of their employee success stories spoke of how Fruit2Work has helped shape his life from prison to now being their operations manager.

The worker shared how he is now going back to prisons to not only spread hope but help others find employment.

Cardinia Shire mayor councillor Jack Kowarzik was joined by (from left) Rick (Fruit2Work),Cardina Shire Council economic development staff,Dana Harding (manager arts,advocacy and economy),Pieta Bucello,(coordinator advocacy and economy) Rosie Hopgood (economic development officer), Cher (Lime Box Café),Cardinia Shire deputy mayor,councillor Graeme Moore. Front row Penny Carney (Cardinia Shire Council tourism and business investment officer),Sarah (Lime Box Café) and Amanda (Fruit2Work). Picture: COURTESY CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL

Bendigo Bank were one of the 30 businesses at the showcase. Picture: COURTESY CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL

Fruit2Work shared how they give those leaving the prison system a way to break the cycle through employment. Picture: NICK SINIS

The Lime Box Cafe spoke of how they help give local youth opportunities whether it’s through learning to make a coffee,serve customers or create food. Picture: NICK SINIS

Split verdict on campers

By Emily Woods, AAP

Greg Lynn spent his first night behind bars as a convicted murderer overnight on 25-26 June, as the families of two campers express their relief and devastation at a split verdict.

Twelve jurors on Tuesday 25 June found the 57-year-old former pilot guilty of murdering Pakenham’s Carol Clay on 20 March, 2020, but not guilty of killing Russell Hill.

Mrs Clay, 73, and Mr Hill, 74, who were having an affair, went missing from the WonnangattaValley, part ofVictoria’s alpine region, while camping.

Lynn pleaded not guilty, claiming the two deaths were accidental, but admitted burning the crime scene and destroying their bodies.

Lynn testified that he had been deer hunting when he returned to threats from Mr Hill he had drone footage of him too close to the campsite and he would hand it to police.

Later that evening, he said Mr Hill took a shotgun from Lynn’s car.

Lynn claimed he went to get his gun off Mr Hill, who fired a few warning shots before turning the gun on Lynn.

The men struggled over the gun, Lynn said, when another shot went off and hit the side of a ute mirror, which ricocheted and went into Mrs Clay’s head.

Shot fragments were later found, proving Mrs Clay died in a shooting.

The former pilot claimed Mr Hill charged at him with a knife, with a second struggle ensuing.

Lynn said he was trying to defend himself when the knife went into Mr Hill’s chest, but no evidence was shown to the jury to prove how Mr Hill died.

Lynn admitted burning the campsite, putting their bodies in a trailer and driving to the

Union Spur Track where he unloaded them and covered them with sticks.

He returned twice, including in November 2020 when he set fire to the couple’s remains. He was arrested a year later, when he told his story to police and led investigators to the bodies, by then comprising 2100 bone fragments.

Lynn maintained he was innocent of murder and admitted to the jury his actions in covering up the crime, including repainting his 4WD used to dispose of the bodies,

‘Significant step’: Council pushes for inclusivity

Cardinia Shire Council has developed a Fair Access Policy to support women and girls in sport.

This new policy establishes a strong and consistent framework to promote and facilitate the participation of women and girls in sporting activities within the Cardinia Shire.

The policy aims to enhance, develop, and effectively manage the sport and active recreation facilities and opportunities available in Cardinia to ensure equitable access for all members of the community.

The council developed the policy in direct response to the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, a strategic initiative introduced by the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation in collaboration with Sport and Recreation Victoria. The roadmap aims to foster a more inclusive and accessible environment within the community sports sector, ensuring that sporting spaces

are welcoming and accommodating to individuals from all walks of life.

Mayor Jack Kowarzik expressed his support for the new policy and the shire’s commitment to providing equal access.

“We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls in sports, and the Fair Access Policy is a significant step towards achieving this goal,”

Cr Kowarzik said.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that all members of our community have equal access to sports and the opportunity to participate.”

Cardinia Shire Council is seeking feedback and ideas on the draft policy to improve and enhance access to sport and active recreation opportunities in Cardinia.

Visit Creating Cardinia to have your say before consultation closes on Sunday 14 July at creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/fair-access-policy

were “despicable”.

He offered to plead guilty to destruction of evidence charges before the trial.

But the prosecution said Lynn’s story was a work of fiction and his conduct after the killings proved beyond a reasonable doubt he intended to murder the couple.

Months of pre-trial hearings led to some evidence against Lynn being ruled as inadmissible, including large parts of his police interview, character evidence and secret recordings taken by police.

Twelve jurors began deciding on their two verdicts on 17 June, returning to the court after seven days of deliberations.

In handing down a split verdict, the jurors decided they did not believe Lynn’s claim Mrs Clay’s death was accidental.

Lynn remained silent and still as the verdicts were read aloud, raising his eyebrows after learning his fate.

He waved to his son Geordie Lynn, who was seated in front of him inside the court room, after the jury left the court.

Lynn spoke to his lawyers before he was escorted out, flanked by custody officers, and smiled as the prison van took him away.

The convicted murderer, who will be sentenced at a later date, faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

He will return to court on 19 July for a mention.

Outside court, Mr Hill and Mrs Clay’s families said they were “both relieved and devastated” at the verdicts and thanked the jury.

“It was an extremely difficult task given that the accused destroyed so much evidence,” the joint statement said.

“The verdict of not guilty in relation to the murder Russell Hill is devastating.

“There was not enough evidence to be sure of how he died.”

They thanked the prosecution “wholeheartedly for their diligent effort” in both the trial and pre-trial, noting some evidence could not be shown to the jury.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien praised the determination and perseverance of detectives in bringing Lynn to justice.

He said the courage of Mr Hill and Mrs Clay’s families had been “nothing short of extraordinary”.

Cardinia joins regional skills roadmap to jobs

From page 1

“Its people and communities deserve to be able to contribute to, and share in, Australia’s prosperity and get every opportunity to live, and have meaningful employment closer to home.

“One of the main challenges facing the GSEM region is making sure growth is beneficial and shared across the community.

“Pockets of serious disadvantage exist across Melbourne’s South East, but so do significant untapped pockets of opportu-

nity and we need to link the need with the opportunities.

“That is what we are seeking to create with this GSEM Jobs and Skills Roadmap.”

The GSEM region which includes Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong and five other council areas comprises 500,000 jobs and 85,000 businesses.

It is one of Australia’s largest manufacturing regions with $85 billion in Gross Regional Product.

Greg Lynn leaves the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Tuesday, 25 June, 2024.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/JOEL CARRETT

Simon McKeon (GSEM chair), Emma Dawson (executive director of Per Capita), Honi Walker (CEO, SEMMA) and Michael Rowland (MC) at the GSEM Jobs and Skills summit in early May. 403587 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The council has drafted a new policy to support women in sport. 408032 Picture: ON FILE

Suburb tops auction list

By Ethan Benedicto

Narre Warren South has been coined as one of the suburbs with the highest growth rate in home auctions with a 200 per cent year-overyear increase compared to 2023, according to a report by RealEstate in early June.

This comes in conjunction with the increase of home prices – a 0.3 per cent increase in May – which in turn has also seen an increased confidence in the market.

Throughout the year and for 17 consecutive months, home prices have grown by 6.7 per cent, contributing to the 26 per cent increase in scheduled auctions from January to May 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Director and OIEC of the Ray White Narre Warren South branch, Metin Aziret said that while supply and demand is a factor, the suburb’s location plays a crucial hand in the spike of home auctions.

“The last [roughly] 24 to 36 months supply and demand has been an issue here, and it’s just owners wanting to capitalise on that, that supply and demand issue through a transparent and fair form of sale which is an auction,” he said.

Tied with Ermington in Sydney, Narre Warren South had 33 scheduled auctions for the first 22 weeks of 2024, and as mentioned, is a 200 per cent increase from 2023’s numbers.

In terms of what’s attractive and who it’s attracting, Mr Aziret said “I’m seeing a lot of second and third home buyers, [and] I suppose the schools, the amenities and also the age; because we’re still relatively young, our median age of property is still very low compared to surrounding areas.”

Trying his best not to echo the real estate agent speech, he added that Narre Warren South’s appeal moves beyond just the prices and that its centrality and proximity to local community amenities plays a strong hand.

“This is probably right at the cusp of where people really want to go, they don’t want to go any further because what we tend to find is a lot of the jobs are still back in Dandenong South, Keysborough and Noble Park,” he said.

Ameer Jafari, a recent auction homebuyer in Narre Warren South said that while he had intricate ties to the suburb from having lived there as a child, what it had to offer couldn’t be ignored.

“That’s the main reason why I bought the house, it has all the amenities I need you know?” he said.

The suburb began development in the late 1980s and into the 1990s, experiencing rapid growth into the 2000s with majority of residen-

Revegetating Diamond Creek

Cannibal Creek Landcare along with Officer’s Australian Tamil Sangam are helping revegetate part of Diamond Creek with a planting day together on Sunday 16 June.

The day saw infill planting in an area which has just had a deer exclusion fencing erected.

The site covers 15 hectares which includes sections of wetlands, with unique fauna ranging from the dwarf galaxias fish, azure kingfishers, yellow robins and many more wrens.

This project was partially funded by a Cardina Shire Biodiversity grant.

Thirty-three participants took part on the day with the Australian Tamil Sangam group and Intrepid Landcare boosting the numbers. Cannibal Creek Landcare was grateful for the participation.

More than 1000 plants were put in and

guarded on a site that was damp and hilly, but it did not deter the group. A great catch up was made at morning tea and lunch.

Following the planting a group of 14 were led on a tour of the creek conducted by Geoff Lockwood to listen to the bird songs and examine the flora. The extent of damage done by deer prior to the fencing was also shown.

This property was burnt in 2009 and 2019 and the amount of work done by the owners is outstanding with numerous plantings taking place plus the new regrowth.

Since the exclusion fence was erected there have been no signs of deer inside the fence but plenty of footprints outside the fence.

The owners use a contract shooter who has managed to eradicate over 200 deer this year.

tial areas being completed.

Pushing towards the early 2010s, Narre Warren South was considered a well-serviced suburb, and in 2024 is currently complete with multiple schools from Narre Warren South P-12 College, Hillsmeade Primary School and Trinity Catholic Primary School. Furthermore, it is home to multiple reserves and parks, with Hallam Main Reserve, River Gum Creek Reserve and part of Berwick Springs Park to name a few.

Speaking on the homes themselves, Mr Aziret said “what’s driving people here would be the properties themselves, the quality and calibre of them; I tend to find that people are coming here because obviously of the price point, but also for that money they can just drop their bags and move in.

“Whereas you go to Berwick next door, you might spend a similar amount of money or more and then [buyers] still have to do carpets and paint; here, these properties going to auction are seeing success because they don’t need renovations whatsoever,” he said.

The suburb also houses two shopping centres, with Casey Central and Amberly Park Shopping Centre.

Westfield Fountain Gate is also just roughly 10 minutes by car, and 15 to 20 minutes by public transport, in addition to quick access to the Monash Freeway.

Elizabeth Stephens, a Narre Warren South resident for the last 20 years said that the area’s appeal rests with the fact that “everything is at your fingertips”.

“You’re close to Cranbourne, Fountain Gate, you’ve got Casey Central where I was, you’ve got buses, trains and so on,” she said.

With the need to downsize, Ms Stephens sold her home through an auction, but remains steadfast in her belief that NarreWarren South is “just the place to be at the moment”.

Circling back to neighbouring suburbs, Mr Aziret said that “what I find is that Clyde and Clyde North, one of the aspects that aren’t so attractive is the distance from there”.

“Moving out to that area, usually, even though it’s only four to five kilometres away will sometimes add 30 to 45 minutes on your commute because traffic is terrible,” Mr Aziret said.

Considering its status in the last few years, Mr Aziret said that Narre Warren South doesn’t necessarily get “the credit it deserves”.

“People are definitely noticing that it’s here, noticing the benefits of the suburb [and] it’s exciting, it’s very complementary to the area,” he said.

Metin Aziret, directory and OIEC of Ray White Narre Warren South said that the boom of auctioned homes can partially be attributed to the area’s centrality and amenities. Picture: SUPPLIED

Members of Cannibal Creek Landcare and Australian Tamil Sangam. Pictures: SUPPLIED

By Corey Everitt

Even though times have been tough in the building industry, Officer’s SJD Homes still prioritises helping others as they work within the Cardinia Foundation - saying giving back is needed now more than ever.

Doveton pair charged over burglary NEWS Builder stepping up

The home builder has been around for almost 20 years and in that time, helping out the community has been part of their work.

In the last year, the business became a cornerstone partner of the Cardinia Foundation to join the efforts to help those in need in our local area.

SJD Homes director Simon Dunstan said the process was a natural “synergy” of a common effort.

“We think giving at a local level is where we like to be, that was probably the most attractive feature of the foundation,” Mr Dunstan said.

“Starting in our own backyard where our staff and clients call home, it makes sense.”

Through their work, they will help the foundation to further support local groups who uphold the community whether it be anything from sporting clubs to relief work.

“It’s encouraging to see the diversity of the board members, it gives me a really good insight, they have the full time staff that are able to reach out to people in need, the vulnerable,” Mr Dunstan said.

“I think it’s the right thing to do, if you are in a position to give back, it’s great for the culture we are creating in our business.”

Mr Dunstan said it’s something the entire business can be collectively involved in, giving extra purpose to employees in helping others.

SJD Homes has weathered the storm in the building industry over the past year but this did not stop the company from supporting locals in need.

In Mr Dunstan’s view, it gave more impe-

tus to do what they can despite the industry’s strain.

“It’s one of those things I think every company that is in operation should get involved, it’s tough out there but now is where we need to all step up as the community,” he said.

“If we are finding it tough, then there are other people doing worse without a job or struggling with a home, it’s now more than ever.”

Find out more about Cardinia Foundation’s partnership program at cardiniafoundation. org/partnerships-2

Two men from Doveton have been charged over an alleged armed robbery in which a shot was fired in Dandenong in April.

Armed Crime Squad detectives arrested the men, aged 22 and 27, at their home on the morning of 19 June.

They were charged with armed robbery and assault-related offences.

They were set to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that afternoon.

Their arrests follow an alleged incident involving a shot fired into the air from a vehicle as a 32-year-old man was walking along Scott Street about 5.30am on Friday, 12 April.

The man was assaulted by two people, and later treated in hospital for serious injuries, police say.

Two other people were charged on 13 April over the incident.

A 30-year-old Burwood man was charged with armed robbery, being a prohibited person possessing a firearm, being a prohibited person using a firearm, intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury.

A 29-year-old Burwood woman was charged with armed robbery, intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury.

The duo will next appear at court on 8 August.

SJD Homes director Simon Dunstan. 128261

Picture: ON FILE

Hybycozo to light up event

The City of Casey’sWinter Arts Festival is in full swing, and some of the best events are yet to come.

Running throughout June and July, this year’s festival offers an exciting array of arts, cultural, and entertainment experiences across places and spaces in Casey that will warm up your winter.

One of the most anticipated events of the program - the Hybycozo Deep Thought installation – will open with a free launch party at Bunjil Place on Friday 28 June from 5pm to 7pm.

The installation comprising of Hybycozo’s larger-than-life geometric sculptures will take centre stage in the Bunjil Place Plaza from Friday 28 June until Sunday 28 July.

The hero of the five-piece installation is Deep Thought - an immersive 4.3m x 4.3m triambic icosahedron internally lit with architectural LED lighting.

The launch party will be packed with entertainment to complement the installation including live, original music by Dave Prideaux curated specifically for Hybycozo, dancers in post-apocalyptic attire, live performances by local artists, delicious food options and free henna art.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM encouraged the community to check out Hybycozo and join the Winter Arts Festival fun.

through an explosive hour of entertainment, pushing the boundaries of their art with a unique eye for musicality and timing.

· Casey Live and Local Micro-Festivals: enjoy a diverse range of musical experiences in Berwick and Cranbourne over two big weekends in July. Picture yourself savouring an acoustic set with your morning coffee or grooving to a surf rock band during an afternoon catch-up with friends.

· People of Pearcedale: see an exhibition featuring a unique and compelling collection of portraits by local artist Christopher Pyett.

· The South East Area Throwdown: back for another year, the Southeast Sessions are bringing an afternoon of vibrant and dynamic street dance culture for all ages.

· Salsa Social Night: join Salsa Society for a workshop that will consist of one-hour of learning Bachata fundamentals with a social dance at the end.

· Family Dance Off with IOP: Indigenous Outreach Projects have taken their skills all around the world and now they’re coming to Cranbourne with an interactive dance show for the whole family.

“The Winter Arts Festival, now in its 22nd year, is the southeast’s largest annual celebration of the arts. Whether it’s immersive art installations, interactive workshops or fun events for families and children, the program has something for everyone.”

“This captivating display will light up the outdoor plaza at Bunjil Place, creating a dazzling spectacle of art and science. The launch party promises to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating this unique installation with music, light and community spirit,” she said.

Bills relief returns to Hampton Park

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A sixth installment of the ground-breaking Bring Your Bills series is set to return to Hampton Park on 2 July.

In the past year, the free events have wiped more than $500,000 of debt from households in Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong.

South East Community Links initiated the series in 2023 in response to the cost of living crisis.

In the five events so far, household debts have been slashed by $512,000 and been attended by more than 1100 people.

The most recent one in Springvale in April cleared a staggering $200,000 and attracted a crowd of 500-plus.

Chief executive Peter McNamara said he was “blown away” by the ever-rising demand for financial help.

At Springvale, 250 concessions and relief grants were allocated for utility-bill customers.

A senior couple saved $1000 a year on their power bill by shifting onto a concession rate. This included a backdated $700 rebate.

In other cases, debt repayment plans were organised.

The Bring Your Bills success story was testament to the power of face-to-face interaction, Mr McNamara said.

Phone helplines and online services clearly had not been working for everyone.

“Our role is to bring in the community and get savings. But also to highlight the issues that people are facing to the powersthat-be.

“We’re proud of the outcome. We’ve brought everyone together to play a role.”

The event gathers more than 20 service providers, financial watchdogs, advocates, banks and utility companies to advise on bills, rents, mortgages, loans and other expenses.

Among the stallholders are Community Information & Support Cranbourne (CISC), Consumer Affairs Victoria, South East Water, Magistrates CourtVictoria, Casey Coun-

South East Community Links financial counsellor Robert assists at the Bring Your Bills event in Springvale in April. 403433

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

cil, the Energy and Water Ombudsman, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, Commonwealth Bank, Services Australia and the Victorian Public Tenants Association.

Bi-cultural workers and indigenous liaison officers are also on hand to assist.

Bring Your Bills is at Arthur Wren Hall, 16-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park on Tuesday 2 July, 11am-3pm.

Some other events still to come on the Winter Arts Festival program include:

· Winter Family Film: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: over the winter school holidays, as part of the Hybycozo program, Bunjil Place will present the film Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

· Escalate: Australia’s best jugglers will rip

LENSCAPE OPINION

Check out the full program and book your spot on the council’s website.

View the events taking place at Bunjil Place on the Bunjil Place website.

Hybycozo is proudly supported by Hospitality Partner Carlei Wines. The Winter Arts Festival is proudly supported by Festival Partner Bendigo Bank Narre Warren South.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To the driver flying down Bridge Road not doing 40 at 8.15am, turning right down Siding Avenue on a red arrow and almost hitting school kids. He was millimetres away from hitting them. We couldn’t believe what we saw and what almost happened.

Thumbs up

To Dance Legacy! Fantastic, uplifting concert at the Cardinia Cultural Centre! Wonderful! Both thumbs up!

Thumbs up

To Garfield Stars Football Club for their past players function and Heritage Round, and to Garfield Netball Club for the new club rooms opening. Outstanding efforts right across the club!

Thumbs down

To Cardinia Shire Council for doing polls instead of real community consultation for naming places, and not allowing comments on them.

Thumbs up

To the ambulance service and paramedic that came to me a week ago last Saturday when I needed them, and the wonderful care I got at Casey Hospital. Thank you. Thumbs up

To the Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase run by the Cardinia Shire Council.

Thumbs up

To Frosted - AWinter Spectacular at Narre Warren.

Bollydazzlers Dance Troupe at Fusion Festival 2024 at Pakenham Hall. 413052

The South East Community Links team during a previous Bring Your Bills day. 359947

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Deep Thought - an immersive 4.3m x 4.3m triambic icosahedron internally lit with architectural LED lighting. Picture: SUPPLIED

Watchdog puts landfill on notice

A toxic waste landfill at Taylors Road Dandenong South has been issued three improvement notices by the state’s pollution watchdog.

The three notices from EPA Victoria relate to issues with ongoing management of leachate (wastewater), dust and landfill gas at the Veolia Recycling and Recovery facility.

“This is a very important landfill site in Victoria, and that importance must be met with ongoing improvements to deliver the best pollution controls,” EPA regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said.

“We’ve directed Veolia that it must manage leachate in a way that minimises the risk of harm to human health and the environment.”

The EPA also ordered Veolia to assess, review and take remedial action over its generation, management and disposal of landfill gas.

Veolia was also directed to mitigate and prevent dust being discharged beyond the site boundaries from vehicle movement and material storage.

Mr Abeywickrema said EPA would maintain contact with Veolia to ensure progress was being made but would use its regulatory powers as necessary.

“The important thing is that impacts offsite be minimised and the community and environment protected.”

Last year, the EPA fined Veolia $9246 for failing to provide a report on groundwater quality at the facility.

The landfill is the only facility in Victoria

licensed to receive a broad range of solid hazardous waste, classified as Category B.

The environmental measures include col-

lection and treatment of leachate, groundwater and surface management and detailed monitoring and reporting.

Charge after fatal crash on freeway

A Pakenham man has been charged by Major Collision Investigation Unit detectivesafterafatalcollisioninMulgrave onWednesday 19 June.

The collision occurred between three vehicles and the rider who was travelling inbound on the Monash Freeway at about 6.15am.

The female rider, a 20-year-old ClydeNorthwoman,wastakentohospital with life-threatening injuries but later passed-away.

Alldriversofthevehiclesstoppedat the scene.

The driver of a Nissan hatchback sustained minor injuries and was conveyed to hospital for treatment.

The driver of a Nissan Patrol, a 34-year-old Pakenham man, was charged with dangerous driving causing death.

He was set to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 24 June.

A section of the Monash Freeway was shut for some time following the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Call 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

The hazardous waste landfill in Taylors Road Dandenong South has been issued three improvement notices from the EPA. 228738

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Celebrating local art talent

By Ethan Benedicto

With brushes to canvases and spirits high, the Berwick Artists’ Society gathered at the Old Cheese Factory on Thursday 20 June, as they held the final strokes for their opening night.

Just a few days out of the Society’s opening event on Monday 24 June, the function room at the Factory was brimming with life, with pastel, watercolour and acrylic-covered pieces decorating the easels.

The group’s secretary, Rose Duncan said that while there was no specific theme planned for the opening night, it served more as a culmination of their pieces, efforts and styles.

“Everyone is very artistic, very talented and there’s a lot of artwork that hasn’t been seen before.

“We have different styles, and I think the difference is what connects everyone and it makes it a beautiful exhibition to see,” Rose said.

One of the main activities of the Thursday session was portrait painting; held once a month, a member of the Society volunteers to model for other artists, and the rest then spend the duration painting.

While general committee member, Jenny, did not show any artwork on Monday night, her time at the society made her realise that “the beauty is, that we help and encourage each other”.

The essence of art can be subjective, and when it comes to working on pieces,“you need the motivation”.

“Because when you’re retired like a lot of us are, to do it at home you’re just stuck in your own world.

“The beauty is, you can see with this room it’s a very big group but also everybody does different things,” Jenny said.

Rose is on the same page, agreeing that it’s the difference in everyone’s styles that “connects everyone and [what] makes it a beautiful exhibition to see”.

Organising the event roughly took a month, and speaking on the group, Rose said “everyone chipped in”.

“[Everyone] does a little bit and that’s what makes it special because we’re such a companionable art society,” she said.

The Berwick Artists’ Society was formed in 1992 by a local group of artists who were excited to share their passion.

Providing an environment for others to explore their interests and styles, which in turn encourages local emerging and professional artists to contribute to the community’s artistic identity, is the group’s main goal.

Lyn, who has been with the group for the last four years presented three of her works on Monday night; with a focus on water-based oils she’s a free spirit, and when it comes to art being uniquely ‘her’, she said “I don’t honestly know”.

“I just come up to the canvas and if I like something I paint it.

“If I see something I like I’ll take a photo of it, if I flick through a book and see a nice picture of something then I’ll use that as inspiration,” she said.

Rodney, a long-time member with a specialty in landscapes echoed the same notion, saying that he keeps landscape “in the back of my mind all the time”.

Speaking for himself and on behalf of friend and fellow artist Quentin, he said that they are both influenced by all great Australian artists.

The art show’s opening night was held at the Cranbourne Library and ran from 7pm to 8pm; however, the exhibition itself will go on for roughly two weeks and will conclude on Saturday 13 July.

The event is free and for Rose and many of

the members, they are more than keen to be showing their work.

“It’s like a part of yourself that you’re putting out there,” Rose said.

“It still feels the same, it’s wonderful to be acknowledged and have other people appreci-

ate the time and the effort that goes into each piece that you do.”

For more general information on the Berwick Artists’ Society, such as membership and future workshops, visit berwickartistssociety. com.au/#bas

Rose Duncan (pink jumper) amongst other artists as they drew a live portrait. 414943

Pictures: ETHAN BENEDICTO

Rodney (blue jumper) looking at references for his ongoing landscape painting. 414943

Judy Gee was the live model for Thursday’s portrait activity. 414943

Barry was deep in his piece for the majority of the session, taking short and careful strokes. 414943

Lyn with her ongoing cafe piece, while still sometime before completion, three of her previous works are exhibition-ready. 414943

Rosaleen with her ongoing nature piece, as she browsed for more colour inspiration. 414943

A lover of the Australian outback, Manuel’s piece is only two days in, with many more aspects to add. 414943

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 undertaking maintenance works in Melbourne’s south east.

What we’re doing

Getting ready to open the upgraded intersection of Narre Warren-Cranbourne and BerwickCranbourne roads.

Finishing the new McGregor Road northbound lanes and Henry Road intersection.

Upgrading the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road freeway roundabouts to traffic lights.

Working to finish the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road Upgrade.

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East

Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham

Henry Road, Pakenham

Ballarto Road, Carrum Downs and Skye

Until mid 2024Between Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Lyall Street/ New Holland Drive

7am to 6pm, 29 June to 7 July In sections between Spirit Boulevard and Lyall Street/New Holland Drive

At times until late June In sections between Greenhills and Manks roads

Until 1 July

Between McGregor Road and Heritage Boulevard

Until mid July At McCormicks Road between Boggy Creek and Flora Park Way

Koo Wee Rup Bypass, Pakenham South 9am to 3pm, 27 to 28 June

Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and Lyall Street/New Holland Drive, Cranbourne East

7am to 6pm, 1 to 3 July

Between Rossiter Road and Manks Road

At the intersection

Webster Way, Pakenham 1 July to late September At McGregor Road

McGregor Road, Pakenham 1 July to late September

South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne East

7am to 6pm, 4 to 5 July

Gippsland-bound between Webster Way and the Princes Freeway

Gippsland-bound between South Gippsland highway and Cameron Street Intersection

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

A winter spectacular

Melbourne, prepare to be enchanted! This winter, the city will be graced with an extraordinary celebration – FROSTED: AWinter Spectacular, bringing the magic of Christmas in July to life. From June to July 2024, the expansive field in Narre Warren, opposite Westfield Fountain Gate, will be transformed into an enchanting winter sanctuary, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of a winter Christmas under the Big Top.

This whimsical event promises to transport attendees into a breathtaking winter wonderland, offering a variety of captivating event zones. Wander through Snow Land, delight in treats at the Bakery, and listen to festive tales at Mrs. Claus’ Storytelling Corner.

The Winter Craft Corner and The Elf’s Village are perfect for hands-on fun, while the Polar Bear Ball Pit and the Toboggan Slide add a touch of adventure. Guests can also enjoy skating, meet and greet beloved characters, and relax with refreshments amidst this winter spectacle.

Photo opportunities abound with the Giant Gold Rocking Horse and the Magical Hot Air Balloon, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

FROSTED caters to everyone with VIP experiences and family-friendly ticket options, making it the ideal winter outing for all ages. Melbourne, don’t miss out on this frosty festivity. Secure your tickets now and get ready to be spellbound by an experience that promises to warm hearts and ignite imaginations. FROSTED: A Winter Spectacular awaits, ready to fill your winter with the magic of Christmas in July.

· For tickets and more information, visit FROSTED: A Winter Spectacular.

The expansive field in Narre Warren, opposite Westfield Fountain Gate, will be transformed into an enchanting winter sanctuary, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of a winter Christmas under the Big Top.

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Shop local - free fun for kids

The friendliness and familiarity of your local centre is a great place for all your shoppingand to keep your children entertained!

Bring the kids into Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre for FREE fun Fridays, every Friday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Check the Pakenham centre’s Facebook page for details on the great activities guaranteed to keep your little ones occupied.

The food options are varied and delicious at Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre, with delivery and takeaway plus dine-in options.

The wonderful team at Sugarcoat Nails and Beauty are well-equipped to help you feel fabulous.

Pizza Fellas has a great range of pizzas that can be ordered online so they are ready for you when you pop in to pick up your dinner.

From their delicious salads to their tasty chicken, Uncle Sam’s Charcoal Chicken is a firm favourite in the neighbourhood for a quick and healthy meal.

Cardinia Lakes Fish and Chippery has delicious burgers, along with crispy chips and tasty fish for a favourite takeaway option.

Wok to Go rounds out the takeaway options with tasty Asian dishes galore to tempt your tastebuds.

At Direct Chemist Outlet, the staff are dedicated to their customers’ well-being and will help you make the right choices about maintaining good health. Their gift range is outstanding as well, and you’ll be able to find the perfect gift, or maybe something extra special for yourself.

Great breakfast and lunch options are on the menu at Urban Hype Cafe. Come and meet the friendly staff and grab something for lunch or morning tea. Their coffee is just divine.

Stay up to date by following Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre on Facebook. Bring the kids into Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre for FREE fun Fridays, every Friday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Week 1

Monday July 1st - Slime Time - make your own

Tuesday July 2nd - Make your own Bath Fizzer

Wednesday July 3rd - Make your own Playdough

Thursday July 4th - Paint your own Cookie

Friday July 5th - Storytime with Sue

Saturday July 6th - Canvas Painting - create a masterpiece

Sunday July 7th - Circus Skills - 11am & 12pm

Week 2

Monday July 8th - Face Painting - who will you be?

Tuesday July 9th - Grass Head Art Fun

Wednesday July 10th - Make your own Snow Globe

Thursday July 11th - Paint your own Cookie

Friday July 12th - Balloon Creatures for you

Saturday July 13th - Sand Art Silliness

Sunday July 14th - Magic Show - 11am & 12pm

All our activities are free and loads of fun!

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Get ready for a world of dance these holidays

We know that the cost of entertaining little ones can really add up, and right now, that’s tough for everyone.

In the spirit of keeping our much-loved community together, we’re always striving to keep our school holiday entertainment free, or as low-cost as we possibly can.

This July, The Wiggles World of Dance is coming to Waverley Gardens!

We’ve also got fun food and craft activities on the schedule – all happening for free. There is a small charge for sushi workshops, simply to ensure that our wonderful hosts at Sushi Hub are able to cover their costs.

Muffin Break is generously offering a free muffin with any purchase – just cut out and bring along the coupon from this publication.

In addition to school holiday fun, Waverley Gardens also offers two free children’s play areas that are suitable for children under age 5. One is in the food court, and the other is outside Gloria Jean’s Coffees near ALDI.

Both play areas are open during regular trading hours. Parental supervision is required at all times.

Once a month, Mulgrave Neighborhood Library hosts Story Time – another fantastic, free activity for kids! Story Time supports the development of children’s literacy, social and group learning skills.

Running from 10.30am-11am, each session includes the opportunity to sign up as a library member, check library accounts and borrow

picture books from the Pop-Up Library. Please check our website for dates.

Waverley Gardens also offers free monthly kids’ crafts and activities!

These help to promote good mental health, well-being, and a multitude of developmental skills by encouraging communication, listening, attention, and imagination.

Dates and times are listed in the What’s On section of our website.

For even more free fun – did you know that we also have Kiddy Cruisers that you can hire for free? Visit the Customer Service Desk to ask our friendly staff for more information.

The Customer Service Desk is open from 9am-4pm, Monday to Saturday and is located between Millers and MySkin Clinics. While you’re there, grab a copy of our Centre Directory – a handy go-to for finding all of your favourite retailers and perhaps some new ones to explore.

Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre is on the corner of Police and Jacksons Roads, Mulgrave.

Please join us on Facebook and Instagram or visit waverleygardens.com.au for more information.

We’re open 7 days – and we’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Groove to The Wiggles World of Dance

Monday 1 - Wednesday 3 July

Join us for 3 wonderful days of Wiggly singing and dancing fun, plus, you’ll get to meet some of your favourite Wiggles characters.

Sushi Making Workshops with Sushi Hub

Thursday 4 July

Bookings are essential, scan the QR code below.

Food & Fun

Monday 8 – Friday 12 July

Yummy Fruit Salad, Donut Decorating and more!

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Plenty of fun for kids

Looking for fun and engaging activities for the kids during the school holidays? We have an incredible lineup of free events these school holidays that will captivate and inspire your young ones!

Butterfly Encounters with Butterfly Kidz

· Date: Monday, 1st July

· Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

· Location: Outside Ozmosis

Kick off the school holidays with enchanting Butterfly Encounters! Children will have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with beautiful butterflies and observe

their diverse and unique patterns.

This event is perfect for young nature enthusiasts who are eager to learn more about these delicate creatures in a hands-on setting.

Butterfly Encounters with Butterfly Kidz & Make your own Suncatcher

· Date: Tuesday, 2nd July

· Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

· Location: Outside Ozmosis (Butterfly Encounter) Near Optus (Suncatchers)

Join us for another day of Butterfly Encounters, and this time, enjoy an additional craft activity! Kids will have the chance to create their

own butterfly and gecko sun catchers. Reptile Encounters & Glitter Tattoos

· Date: Wednesday, 3rd July

· Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Encounters. Additionally, we’ll have a glitter tattoo station where children can get creative with temporary tattoos.

FREE FUN For Kids

Enjoy animal encounters and fun activities at Pakenham Central Marketplace during the school holidays.

· Location: Outside Ozmosis (Reptile Encounter) Near Optus (Glitter Tattoos)

Prepare for an adventure with our Reptile Encounters.

There will be two performances featuring various reptiles, along with hands-on experiences with roving animals.

Kids will be mesmerized by the incredible reptiles and knowledgeable staff from Reptile

These events are completely free and designed to be educational, engaging, and most importantly, fun.

Don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities to explore the world of butterflies and reptiles.

Mark your calendars for a memorable school holiday experience. We look forward to seeing you there at Pakenham Central Marketplace.

School Holiday Fun

MONDAY 1ST JULY

Butterfly Encounters 10am-2pm | Outside Ozmosis

TUESDAY 2ND JULY

Butterfly Encounters 10am-2pm | Outside Ozmosis

Butterfly and Gecko Sun Catchers 10am-2pm | Outside Optus

WEDNESDAY 3RD JULY

Reptile Encounters 10am-2pm | Outside Ozmosis

Glitter Tattoos 10am-2pm | Outside Optus

Get up close with the reptiles.

Kids will love the Butterfly Encounters.

Wood enters Casey race

By Violet Li

President of Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce, Ian Wood, has announced his candidacy for the City of Casey election in October.

A Cranbourne resident for 26 years, Mr Wood decided it was time to give back to the community he had loved for so long.

He will run for the Quarters Ward, which covers Lyndhurst, the north part of Cranbourne West, and the central part of Cranbourne.

Mr Wood said he would be running as an independent and wanted to make it clear that he had no backing of any political party.

Having observed Operation Sandon and the past four years’ administration in Casey Council, Mr Wood said upholding honesty, integrity, and transparency would be his drive.

He did not approve of the way the three administrators ran the council meetings with four or five insignificant items on the agenda, which he believed did not show transparency.

He has been especially opposed to the administrators’ handling of the proposed $40 million Community Hub in the heart of Cranbourne and the forthcoming eviction of Casey Radio and not-for-profit L’Arte Central Cafe.

“This [the proposed Community Hub] should be put on hold till the elective council comes back,” he said.

As the president of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce, Mr Wood said he would advocate for the responsible spending of ratepayers’ funds and the growth of the business community.

“Quarters Ward has a big business community. I am going to go around, talk to the business community, and find out what they expect from the City of Casey,” he said.

“You have to listen. I think that is a very important attribute if you go into public life.

“You should always be available for your

constituents, be it business or the people.”

One of Mr Wood’s main priorities would be to lobby for more funds in the southern part of Casey for better infrastructure, and better facilities for maternal health, sports and leisure.

“This council is very north-centric, but most people in Casey live in the southern part of Casey. This is where the population is growing,” he said.

An acquaintance of the late and former mayor Amanda Stapledon, Mr Wood would like to dedicate his term to her legacy, especially her passion for Cranbourne hence his love for Cranbourne if he was elected.

“One of the things she was very passionate about was the Motorcycle GP run, where Casey

Council used to close off the main street when the event was on,” he recalled.

“And there were 10,000 motorcycles who used to gather, and they used to head down and convoy to Phillip Island.

“That was a big sense of community, and I would like to see that brought back.”

Embedded in the community and volunteering around for almost three decades, Mr Wood believes he knows where to patch the holes.

He would advocate for community safety and more police as he had witnessed some bad examples of crime during his 20 years of retail working in Cranbourne.

He would advocate for ongoing support for senior citizens as well.

Mr Wood is a part owner of local music station 87.6 Surf FM, which has a long-term relationship with Melbourne’s first 24-hour Indian radio station Radio Hannji.

MrWood said he was proud to acknowledge the support of Radio Hannji for his candidacy in the 2024 Casey Council Election.

Mr Wood is also a founding member of Casey Race, and an avid swimmer all year round.

He is a Kennedy Legends member of the AFL club Hawthorn and likes to spend his spare time attending matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The Common People: Transforming lives through music

By Violet Li

Casey’s music-based charity The Common People will represent Australia at the world’s largest choir competition this July.

The multicultural group will fly to New Zealand to compete in the World Choir Games 2024.

The music charity, with more than 100 members, plays international fusion from Eastern classical and Western classical, to rap, acapella and folk songs.

Members will sing four songs in the world-level competition, including an Aramaic language song, a Swahili language song, an English song, and an Indian fusion of the Hallelujah Chorus.

While it is assumed that entering such a big game for your country would no doubt top the milestones, director and conductor Mathews Abraham provided a different answer.

“The milestone is, I would say apart from all the times when we performed and will perform at the big venues, the fact that we came together as a group and started this meaningful charity where we’re now impacting 200 children, and we are going to add another 100 children every year,” he said.

The Common People was started around 2015 when Mathews and like-minded fellows wanted to provide meaning through their music.

“We wanted something done about our music, and it started off with helping other charities raise funds through concerts. We have worked with a lot of charities including Samaritan’s Purse and Christian Blind Mission,” he recalled.

“We had a few charity concerts happening in various venues. We got the opportunity to go to the Sydney Opera House to conduct a concert there. We had a concert at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne City.

“And after a few years, we thought maybe we should channel all our energy into starting our own charity.”

The organisation’s inaugural charity pro-

gram Stand By A Child started in 2020 amid Covid when the need was at its strongest.

The international program has a sponsorship model where members are sponsored parents for a particular child for $23 a month.

The funds provide daily supplies, basic health care, tuition fees and educational goods to children in underprivileged communities in southern India.

The first step, the most critical yet challenging, is to educate single parents to send their working children back to school.

Child labour is rampant in the districts The Common People has been reaching out to, with many children forced into the industry when their single parents find it hard to afford to support the families.

When an opportunity is presented for their children to return to school, these single parents sometimes do not understand why their children have to go to school.

“We have first coached them and educated them. We got in touch with local authorities,” Mathews said.

“We had to go with the village council. We spoke to these single parents and eventually, they thought that it would be a good idea to have their children go back to school.

“Once that was all sorted, we made sure monthly grocery packages were given to all the families at the start of every month, including rice, oil, groceries, and other living essentials.”

All the members take time every year to visit India and spend time in these villages meeting single parents and interacting with children.

The immersive experience incubated more charity programs including Stand By Her, which improves the feminine hygiene of girls and women in the same area, an initiative to rebuild huts destroyed by cyclones, and a new workshop that imparts skills to single mothers.

“What all this brings to us is a lot of purpose,” Mathews said.

“And once you visit the place, you will not look at life the same way again. You see so much poverty, but you see so much hap-

pening.You see so many smiles on these children. If you give them a pen, they are so happy because it’s the first time they’re getting something from a foreign land and writing.

“Your perspective changes about what life is.”

Four years into the charity cause, a few students have started universities, studying nursing, teaching, and various courses. Success stories are aplenty.

Mathews shared one story of a child from the fisherman area where people risk their lives catching fish in the sea for a livelihood.

“His dad passed away in the sea a few years back.We took that child up and he kept studying. He got into a very prestigious institution in India. He’s doing his bachelor’s in fisheries,” Mathews said.

“If everything goes well, in five years, he will come back to his hometown as a manager of that fisheries department, and he can then implement a lot of actions that will help the safety of the community.

“He’ll be a local hero.”

The Common People music charity. 414536

Conductor and director Mathews Abraham Puliyelil. 414536

President of Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce, Ian Wood, will run for the Quarters Ward in the October election. 414834

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Gridlock frustration

By Ethan Benedicto

With congestion being at the forefront of every local resident’s mind, Clyde North remains a suburb yearning for other arterial pathways.

South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Michael Galea highlighted the issue following a parliament meeting on 19 June where he said he had heard from residents that both Thompsons Road and Soldiers Road are “no longer fit for purpose” in a fast-growing area.

While he acknowledged that Casey Council had been undergoing the process of extending Bells Road through to Thompsons Road, he expressed his concern on these works’ delays.

“As a user of the roads in the area myself, I know firsthand how much of a traffic nightmare the intersection of Soldiers Road and Thompsons Road has become,” he said. Bells Road, which runs north ofThompsons Road and south just after Soldiers Road, would serve as the crucial link for residents to access O’Shea Road and the Monash Freeway but has since hit delays due to complications with a high-pressure gas transmission line.

While the intersection at Bells Road and Thompsons Road has been completed, further works are on hold as APA Group identified further requirements for the mentioned high-pressure gas transmission line that passes through the construction zone which was identified in May.

Casey’s manager of growth and investment Kathryn Seirlis said that it is understood by council that the locale is currently experiencing congestion in the area on daily commutes, and that “is why the Bells Road extension project is a significant… priority for council”.

Alongside Frasers Property Australia, council is working with APA Group and other relevant Victorian Government agencies to achieve a timely resolution in order to proceed with works, with council officers regularly assessing Soldiers Road’s condition and taking appropriate measures to maintain functionality and safety.

“Once complete, Bells Road will relieve the pressure on the surrounding road network by offering an alternative north-south arterial road for commuters travelling through the residential estates developing in Berwick and Clyde North and an additional connection to the Monash Freeway,” Ms Seirlis said.

The current intersection is home to Hillcrest Secondary College and neighbouring Rivercrest Primary School roughly 700 metres west of the former school; soon, it will also house the Clyde North Secondary School after it finishes construction in early 2025.

Thompsons Road serves as the only main pathway from Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Clyde Road to the newer estates of St Germain

and Smiths Lane, with a more roundabout method available through Hardys Road.

ForVimmy, a local resident and mother, the situation on the roads can be summed up in one word, “terrible”.

“I struggle a lot, I used to drop my boy to school and it was only showing a nine-minute drive, but it would take me more than an hour to drop him off and come back.”

It is not uncommon for vehicles in Soldiers Road to be backed up to Hillcrest College’s third gate at peak school hours in the morning and afternoon, covering the roughly one-kilometre stretch until late in the afternoon.

Likewise, local traffic coming from St Germain and Smiths Lane turns into Soldiers Road with more traffic from Thompsons Road roundabout doing the same, ultimately resulting in an uncontrolled T-intersection.

A completed Bells Road would see a continuation of the intersection at Thompsons Road just before the Soldiers Road link, cutting through the farmland, connecting with Huckerby Drive just east of the bend at Hillcrest Secondary College and running straight through to O’Shea Road.

“The State Government is doing its bit as well, we have invested in the forthcoming works to significantly upgrade the Thompsons Road and Clyde Road intersection,” Mr Galea said.

He also added that there will be additional funding for new bus services in the suburb, which will see an extension of both the 831 and 798 bus routes that “will significantly improve and alleviate congestion in the long term as well”.

“But in the near term this is a major traffic issue which is causing grief for my constitu-

A line of vehicles waiting to take their turn into Soldiers Road, with a similar goal for those turning into

ents, and I call on Casey Council to finish these works as soon as possible,” Mr Galea said.

In the meantime, forVimmy and other local residents, the wait goes on; having lived in the area for just under two years, the congestion had her questioning the decision to move, saying that “nothing supports the suburb”.

“I used to work in Hallam before, and during that time and because of the traffic, I’d need to leave the house earlier and put my child in before school care.

“They are telling people that this is going to happen, or that’s going to happen here, but nothing is happening,” she said.

Moving forward, Ms Seirlis said that “council is currently responding to these additional requirements”.

“This section of Bells Road cannot be completed until these requirements are resolved.”

Don’t judge Assange

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Bruce MP Julian Hill says no one should judge the newly-freed Julian Assange for accepting a plea-deal with the US Government for his imminent return to Australia.

A steadfast Assange supporter, Mr Hill had often spoken out for the accused WikiLeaks founder – who formerly lived in the Dandenong Ranges. “It’s an enormous relief for Julian’s family and supporters that the matter has come to a close, and that we can say this Australian is a free man that can get on with his life.”

After more than 12 years either in exile or in prison, Assange was declared a free man on 26 June after a dramatic, hasty chain of events.

The day before he was released from Belmarsh Prison in the UK. He then flew out by charter to face a court in the USterritory Northern Mariana Islands.

At the Saipan District Court, Assange pled guilty to a single espionage charge and the chief judge agreed to a plea deal of 62 months jail already served at Belmarsh. “No one should judge Julian for accepting a deal to get the hell out of there and come home,” Mr Hill said.

“His health is fragile.

“Whatever you think of Assange, he is an Australian and enough is enough.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deserved “enormous personal credit for his judgement and determination, never giving up in pursuing resolution of this case”, Mr Hill said.

“Let’s hope for the best now.”

Assange had been facing extradition to the US on espionage charges relating to the bulk-publication of more than 500,000 unredacted, classified documents on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Guantanamo Bay prisoners and government cables. His potential punishment was speculated to span many decades in prison or the death penalty.

Prior to his arrest and detention, he’d gone into refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy in London in 2012.

Julian Hill, pictured, says that the nowfreed Julian Assange should not be judged harshly for accepting a plea deal.

333142

Picture: ROB CAREW

The intersection at Thompsons Road and Soldiers Road, at roughly 3.30pm on any weekday, is lined with traffic from schools and residents.

Pictures: ETHAN BENEDICTO

With no traffic control devices, motorists must rely on common traffic rules and right-of-way principles to navigate the area, often times slowing down the flow.

Thompsons Road.

Saving an orchid

Scientists from Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and La Trobe University introduced the critically endangered Frankston Spider-orchid back into the wild in native bushland in Melbourne’s South East with the assistance of volunteers on Monday 24 June.

The Frankston Spider-orchid, with the scientific name of Caladenia robinsonii, was once commonly seen in Frankston, Black Rock and along the Mornington Peninsula toward Rosebud, however, the species has declined due to habitat destruction from suburban expansion.

Only two populations, totalling less than 350 plants, remain in the wild.

Dr Noushka Reiter, senior research scientist (conservation) at Royal Botanic GardensVictoria said they were proud to be giving Caladenia robinsonii a chance at survival.

“This is the culmination of seven years of research,” she said.

Dr Reiter, together with colleagues Dr Ryan Phillips from La Trobe University and professor Rod Peakall from Australian National University, uncovered the Frankston Spiderorchid’s unique method of reproduction: the sexual deception of a wasp combined with pollination during feeding.

The orchid lures a male wasp with the scent of a female wasp emitted from dark “clubs” at the ends of its petals.

After initial sexual attraction, the wasp then feeds on sugars from the lip of the flower. While feeding, pollen is deposited on the wasp by the orchid. Such is the power of the sexual attractant; the male wasp is drawn to another flower where the process repeats, and pollen is transferred.

Caladenia robinsonii relies on a single species of thynnine wasp for reproduction and a single species of mycorrhizal fungus to germinate.

“To successfully reintroduce this species, we had to find suitable sites where the pollinator was present, identify associated mycorrhizal fungi, and germinate the seed symbiotically with its preferred mycorrhizal fungi,” Dr Reiter said.

It is one of several species being re-introduced in projects led by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s Orchid Conservation Program in the coming month.

Other species being re-introduced include 200 of the Critically Endangered McIvor Spider-orchid Caladenia audasii, in addition to the supplementation of populations of the Endangered Coloured Spider-orchid (Caladenia colorata) and the Endangered Elegant Spiderorchid (Caladenia formosa).

This research was supported by funding from the Natural Environment Program of the Port Phillip Region, the Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action, and an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant.

To read the paper, Sexual attraction with pollination during feeding behaviour: impli-

Budget green light

Following a three-week public exhibition and a special council meeting on Monday 24 June, Casey Council has adopted its Council Plan 2021-25 – Year 4 Review and the Budget 2024/25.

Setting out the priorities and projects for the year ahead in line with community feedback, council adopted the following strategic documents The Budget Report, which includes the Budget 2024/25 and Capital Works Program 2024/25; Council Plan 2021-25 – Year 4 Review; Annual Action Plan 2024/25; Financial Plan 2024/25 – 2033/34; and Schedule of Fees and Charges 2024/25.

Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said this year’s budget totals $560.8 million, which includes a $460.1 million operational budget that supports the delivery of crucial services including kindergartens, maternal and child health, waste management and infrastructure maintenance.

“The budget also includes a $100.6 million Capital Works Program (CWP) to deliver much-needed infrastructure and upgrades throughout the City of Casey.

“As part of the CWP, we have allocated approximately $11 million towards our road resurfacing and rehabilitation programs. Our Capital Delivery and Maintenance teams have proactively identified areas where asset renewal is most required, resulting in an increase in projects from 37 in 2023/24 to 72 in 2024/25,” Ms Duff said.

Due to economic pressures and rising costs being experienced by the community and the council, Casey is working within tight budget parameters, which according to them was made more challenging by the 2.75 per cent State Government rate cap that has since been endorsed. Ms Duff added that in 2024/25, Casey’s waste charge will also increase by 3.29 per cent for households across the municipality who have a 120-litre garbage bin with recycling and food organics (FOGO) bins.

“There has also been a significant increase in the Fire Services Property Levy; the increase, which is set by the State Government, was announced as part of the 2024/25 State Budget on 7 May 2024.

“These charges, which will vary from property to property, are reflected on residents’ rates notice as we are responsible for its collection and remittance back to the State Government to assist in funding fire emergency services,” Ms Duff said.

Furthermore, since the draft version of the budget was released to the community, there have been some changes which include the CWP.

“Six projects have been rephrased, meaning the timing for delivery has moved [and] design for some projects will commence this year, with delivery scheduled for the following year.

“Three new projects have also been included as a priority for delivery; these are the construction of a dog-friendly space at Sweeney Reserve, the upgrade of the Edwin Flack Reserve Athletics Pavilion, and the relocation of the Casey North Community Information and Support Service to the Casey Youth Hub building in Webb Street, Narre Warren,” Ms Duff said.

There are also a number of community-focused projects to be delivered in 2024/25, including Multicultural Water Safety Program - in response to the recent drownings of Casey residents, Sport4All program - aiming to educate and guide local sports clubs to be inclusive and welcoming for those people who identify as having a disability, Maternal and Child Health Nurse Scholarship program - with the goal of supporting nurses to undertake MCH nurse training and then work in council’s MCH service to address workforce challenges, and hosting aYouth Summit.

Volunteers Cathy Beamish and Jeanette Miller are helping with the re-introduction. 414979

Caladenia robinsonii. 414979

Volunteer John Hodges from Australasian Native Orchid Society, Victorian Group. 414979

Caladenia robinsonii, commonly known as Frankston Spider-orchid. Picture: DR NOUSHKA REITER

Scientists are introducing the critically endangered Frankston Spider-orchid back into Melbourne’s South East. Pictured is senior research scientist Dr Noushka Reiter and research officer Alex McLachlan at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. 414979

FOCUS ON … KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFE

State-of-the-Art Operations Centre opens in Pakenham

In a move set to enhance security and monitoring services in the southeastern region directors Duncan Hart and Michele Birtchnell have launched Interpass National Operations Centre (INOC).

Recognising a gap in the market, the duo saw Pakenham’s growth corridor as an ideal location for their state-of-the-art operations centre.

INOC, was built to the latest A1 monitoring centre standards, offering 24/7 back-tobase monitoring services. The control room, discreetly located in Pakenham, is a secure bunker equipped with advanced data security protocols. Designed with secure backup systems and redundancies, the facility ensures uninterrupted service even under adverse conditions.

Pakenham and the surrounding areas have seen significant growth in both residential and commercial sectors, and INOC is poised to meet the security needs of both.

One of the highlights of INOC’s offerings is its cutting-edge CCTV on demand and virtual patrolling technology.

This system provides remote video verification, reducing the need for unnecessary security patrols and improving police response times through real-time break-in confirmation.

INOC also offers additional services such as lone worker management and independent living safety devices. These services ensure that individuals, whether they are lone work-

ers or vulnerable members of the community, receive the help they need during emergencies.Thisprovidespeaceofmindtousers,their families, and loved ones. A check-in service is available to meet any lone worker compliance

or to just check in with your loved ones.

Furthermore, the INOC offers customizable check-in services to meet various needs, as well as an after-hours call service, all within

a secure operating environment.

For more information about the services provided by INOC, call 1300 669 508 or email enquires@inoc.com.au

Duncan Hart and Michele Birtchnell have launched Interpass National Operations Centre (INOC).

Meta ‘blackmail’ warning

By Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, AAP

Tech giant Meta is playing a game of chicken with the Australian government by refusing to do deals with local media outlets and “daring” regulators to force them to the negotiating table, an inquiry has heard.

Media organisations called out Facebook’s parent company at an inquiry hearing in Canberra on Friday 21 June, warning local news coverage could shrink if the government failed to act.

Country Press Australia president Andrew Schreyer, who lives in Berwick and runs Warragul Regional Newspapers, said failing to address Meta’s withdrawal could be devastating for regional publications.

“Without the (News Media Bargaining Code in place), there’s no doubt that there would be less regional local papers in Australia,” he said.

“There will be closures of mastheads in regional and rural Australia.”

News Corp, Nine Entertainment and Seven West Media also urged the government to review and extend the reach of the News Media Bargaining Code to cover Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X and other digital platforms that had risen in popularity since the law was introduced in 2021.

The parliamentary inquiry was called in May after Meta announced it would not renew

commercial deals struck with Australian publishers, in a move estimated to have cost the industry $70 million.

The powerful tech firm was trying to “dictate” terms to Australian companies and daring the federal government to take action against it, News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller told the inquiry.

“Right now Meta is preparing to blackmail not just us in the news industry but also you as a government,” he said.

“By refusing to renew its agreement to pay for news content, Meta is daring Australia to apply the laws this parliament was united in passing three years ago.

“It is getting ready to say if you dare designate us under the Media Bargaining Code we will punish you by blocking Australian access to local news.”

Under the code, digital platforms that are designated are legally required to negotiate commercial deals with media outlets or face fines of up to 10 per cent of their local revenue.

Nine Entertainment chief executive Mike Sneesby said Meta’s failure to do deals would have an “immediate and detrimental impact on newsrooms around the country” risking jobs and coverage.

Seven West Media chief executive Jeffrey Howard said the government should also consider revising the code to include more platforms that have risen in popularity since the law was introduced.

Mr Howard pointed to the University of Canberra’s recent Digital News Report that found Australians were getting their news from a greater number of social networks.

“While Facebook has come down a bit,You-

Tube, Instagram, X, Facebook Messenger, TikTok, WhatsApp and LinkedIn have all grown. They should be included,” he said.

Meta in February announced it would not enter further commercial deals with news outlets in Australia and other countries, in what it said was “part of an ongoing effort to better align our investments to our products and services people value the most”.

A decision on whether to designate Meta under the code would fall to the assistant treasurer, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair Catriona Lowe said.

The commission had provided advice about the issue on May 20, she told the inquiry.

In addition to news deals, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant told the inquiry the current Online Safety Act review would be critical to addressing social media risks.

This is in addition to a test of age-verification technology that could prevent children under 16 accessing social networks, she said.

“Kids can’t go to a bar until they’re 18 and show their ID, same thing with a porn movie or a porn shop,” she said.

“(Rules) should match the requirements that we have in the real world.”

The committee is due to present an interim report to parliament by 15 August and a final report by 18 November.

Multitude of voices celebrated in Refugee Week

Voices of refugees were at full volume at a Refugee Week special event at Bunjil Place on 20 July.

More than 150 community leaders gathered for the Voices of the Community gala - a three-course dinner with entertainment and speeches from many multicultural groups about their work in the region.

Labor MPs Gary Maas, Lee Tarlamis and Cassandra Fernando were among the VIPs at the South East Community Linksstagedevent.

Performing were South Sudanese singer Ajak Kwai and Afghan musician Wahid Paykari, with Effie Nkrumah as the gala’s MC. The event was supported by the State Government and City of Casey.

NEWS Young writers celebrate

The 18 winners of the 2024 Fresh Words Competition were announced on Wednesday 19 June, where young writers from across Casey were joined by their families, teachers, principals and teaching staff to celebrate their achievements.

The competition is open to students from Grade 5 to Year 12 in the municipality, where they are able to submit entries across three categories of creative writing, poetry and lyrics, and English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said that the Fresh Words competition aims to enhance the self-esteem of young people by recognising their creativity.

“The competition also gives young people the opportunity to develop their writing skills and showcase their creativity.

“This year’s Fresh Words competition saw a surge in participation, with an impressive 190 entries across the Creative Writing and Poetry and Lyrics categories,” she said. Awards were based on year levels and can be found below.

CreativeWriting Category

· Grade 5-6, First Place: Georgie Jones Pieterson with The Piebald Pony (Beaconhills College Pakenham).

· Merit Award: Ethan Manning with Block-E (Kilberry Valley Primary School).

· Encouragement Award: Manasvi Prakash with The Hot Food Family (Oatlands Primary School).

· Year 7-9 First Place: Methuki Bogahapitiya with Time to Read a New Book (Nossal High School).

· Merit Award: Yusuf Md Alauddin with The Serenity Glade (Alkira Secondary College).

· Encouragement Award: Bobby Bhatia with The Daring Drop Down (Nossal High School).

· Year 10-12 First Place: Lale Peri Yildirim with The Apogee (Alkira Secondary College).

· Merit Award: Tashi Mallawa with The Glittering City (Nossal High School).

· Encouragement Award: Khushi Thakar with Dolls (Narre Warren South P-12 College).

Poetry/Lyrics Category

· Grade 5-6 First Place: Isabelle with A Thousand (St Margaret Berwick Grammar).

· Merit Award: Elbert Yuze Ma with The Beast of the Sea (St Margaret Berwick Grammar).

· Encouragement Award: Evelyne Ong with Lying (Homeschool).

· Year 7-9 First Place: Amna Bilal with Mother Bird (Nossal High School).

Repeated rejections

By Violet Li

A landowner’s repeated attempts to create vehicular access to Lynbrook Boulevard on the council’s land have failed again, the state tribunal heard.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) dismissed a review application lodged by Residential Processing Services Pty Ltd, which owns the land at 42S and 40 Olive Road in Lynbrook.

The lots are currently occupied by an aged care facility and living dwellings.

The company has sought approval for a planning permit amendment to allow vehicular access to Lynbrook Boulevard and for the removal of trees.

Casey Council rejected the amendment, advising that it was the owner of the subject lands, a road and a reserve, so the development had been beyond the scope of the permits.

The council further stated that the development did not respect the neighbourhood character, and it was likely to create amenity impacts and traffic safety issues for residents of the area and users of Lynbrook Boulevard.

The court found the amendment application futile and dismissed the hearing.

The hearing revealed that the company repeatedly attempted to create the vehicular crossover in the past decade.

The first application was lodged in 2015 and was subsequently withdrawn.

Another application was submitted in the same year but was later removed.

The company attempted the third time in 2022 and the application was refused by Casey Council.

There were two more applications in 2023.

Taking the history into consideration, the court believed Casey Council had demonstrated over time that it would not agree to access from Lynbrook Avenue.

“This is evidenced through sustained re-

Taking the history into consideration, the court believed Casey Council had demonstrated over time that it would not agree to

fusals of applications or requests for further information highlighting its ownership of the reserve and the necessity of its consent to the proposals,” the court heard.

“Council says that there is no rational reason for the applicant to hold out any hope that council may change its position in relation to access to Lynbrook Boulevard.”

The company argued that Casey Council focused on the futility of the application because it did not want a decision on the merits of the proposal.

Its traffic reports showed that there were no adverse traffic or safety implications and the company claimed that the council had failed to engage with the data and the material change in the surroundings.

It further stated that when the initial permit was assessed in 2005, the possibility of vehicle access to Lynbrook Boulevard was raised.

· Merit Award: Almira Hafiz with We are all Unique (Clyde Secondary College).

· Encouragement Award: Bobby Bhatia with For in Dadi’s (Grandma’s) Kitchen, (Nossal High School).

· Year 10-12: Megan Phoon with Please Remember (Nossal High School).

· Merit Award: Anvi Sharma with A Consumer of the Past (John Monash Science School).

· Encouragement Award: Luke Mu with The Dreaded Fields of Red (St Peter’s College Cranbourne).

Congratulating the winners and thanking the students for entering the competition, Ms Duff added that she “would also like to thanks the distinguished panel of six judges”.

“[All] who are highly regarded experts in poetry, spoken word and creative writing, for meticulously shortlisting and judging the entries.

“The judging panel were incredibly impressed by the creative talent on display,” she said.

The award ceremony also had a number of special guests and was hosted by poet and FReeZA committee member Senuli Wikramasinghe.

Award-winning spoken word artist, literary judge and educator Ren Allesandra also delivered a speech to the audience, with an additional performance by indie and folk-pop singer Zak Gully to top the night off.

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OCCUPY AND INVEST

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• Prominent corner location

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For more information or an inspection, please contact: Shannon Hynd | 0499 980 100 Commercial Department Manager Todd McKenna | 0418 391 182 Managing Director

access from Lynbrook Avenue.

The 2024 Fresh Words Competition winners and recipients of the Merit and Encouragement awards. Front Row (Left to Right): Ethan Manning, Almira Hafiz, Manasvi Prakash, Elbert Yuze Ma, Georgie Jones Pieterson, Evelyne Ong, Khushi Thakar, Isabelle, Yusuf Md Alauddin and Lale Peri Yildirim. Back Row (Left to Right): Luke Mu, Bobby Bhatia, Anvi Sharma Megan Phoon, Tashi Mallawa, Methuki Bogahapitiya and Amna Bilal.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Here for the motorcycles

By Violet Li

A typical Thursday morning is hectic for the Old Jetty Cafe &Tearooms owner SoksanWesp.

It’s the weekly coffee hours for the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC) Mornington Peninsula group. She and her staff have more than 100 motorcyclists to take care of.

The rush starts at 10am sharp, with old friends gradually flowing through for everything and it ends right around noon. For the past seven years, the cafe at the Tooradin Foreshore Reserve has loved and treasured the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

“It’s a very friendly place, bike friendly, dog friendly. It’s easy for motorcyclists to come. There’s no stress. There’s a public toilet here. You can also go for a walk,” Soksan said.

“People just come for the vibe, really. People that aren’t in the club come here as well because all the motorcyclists are here, and they love the ambience.”

VJMC, a worldwide club, aims to foster the restoration and riding of older model Japanese motorcycles. In Australia, it is a not-for-profit, community association for Japanese motorcycles 15 or more years old and includes motorcycles from the 1950s to the early 2000s. Branches span across the nation except the Northern Territory.

Dave Parker, the Mornington Peninsula area representative, founded the branch in 2017 with two of his friends Kevin and Trevor. In retrospect, the start touched on the haunting coldness of Melbourne’s winter.

“We were up at Kevin’s place at Cockatoo. He was a paraplegic and died in 2021. And we said it was cold. We’re trying to get the heater going, trying to get it to work. And we said, why don’t we just get out of the house once a week for a cup of coffee so we don’t have to think about getting the shed warm,” Dave recalled.

“So we came here [Tooradin Foreshore Reserve], and this is a perfect spot. It’s got a cafe, toilets, and barbecues. And if it’s raining, there’s a shelter. The environment’s beautiful.

“We just put the word out to anyone. If you want to be interested in motorbikes, turn up. And it’s grown into this. It just got popular and popular and popular.”

Now normally on a sunny good day, more than 100 motorcyclists show up from everywhere in Victoria to have coffee together. As Dave said, a stroll around would bump into 40 Johns, 40 Daves, and 40 Peters, and many boys from other motorcycle clubs, and even footy clubs.

“When we started, we didn’t realise that there were so many guys like us who wanted to get out of the house just for something different, something to get away from the routine of every day,” Dave said.

“Every week you come here; it sorts of resets you.”

While Soksan and Dave believed it was all about getting around with people, long-time member John, one of 40 of them, joked, or not, that it was more about the motorbike.

“As long as you’re riding the motorbike, you’re accepted,” he said.

“If somebody says to you, do you know John Smith? No. I don’t know John Smith.What does he ride? Oh, he rides a Triumph motorbike. Yeah. I know him.”

John, now over 80, started riding motorcycles at an early age of 13.

It is soon revealed that this always seems to be the case. Back in the day, it was common.

Every motorcyclist started young, moved on to engage with the police, lost the licence occasionally, recollected the licence, and grew old like everyone else. Halfway through their lives, they have already had plenty of stories to tell.

Max, the 68-year-old who joined the group a year ago, said he lost his licence in the first year of riding. He was 18 and never got on a bike till last year.

“I spent 50 years without a bike,” he said.

“Because my father was dead against me having a motorbike, and when I lost my licence, he said that maybe you should sell it and get rid of it. And then I got married and had family and grandchildren. Then I retired last year and had nothing to do. My wife said, well, you know, go and buy yourself a bike.

“Good idea, and this is great. I love coming along here and just talking to anyone and just talking rubbish.”

Andrew, who adores one cylinder bike, had a story of getting lost in Thailand on a motorbike with his wife.

“We’re at Koh Samui. I wanted to go and see around the island. We hired a smaller moped

with my wife on the back. And it was lovely. We went around, but on the way back, we got lost,” he recalled.

“I pulled into a hotel where the guard was out in front. I said, look. I’m lost. He told me to turn around with the motorbike and go down that road there, this really busy road, hundreds of cars going that way.

“I said, but I can’t get across that road. There’s so much traffic. He went and stopped all these cars and let us go then.

“We got home in the dark. I was very worried, but my wife has a good sense of direction. And we finally got home. That’s my motorcycle story from overseas.”

The love and passion for vintage Japanese motorcycles bond the gang.They could talk for ages without taking a breath.

“Japanese just took motorcycles in designs in the ’60s and ’70s and improved them out of sight. Us British would like to hold on to things, the same things for a lot longer,” John said.

“The engineering was superb with all of these machines. And they made what you wanted, while the English will make this, and you must buy this because this is what we’re making.”

Why motorcycle? Motorcyclists have different answers but eventually are on the same page.

“Freedom. The open road. Leave all your worries at home,” John said.

“When you’re riding a motorbike, you don’t think about anything else. You don’t worry about your money, financial problems, wife having an affair with somebody else. You’re just enjoying yourself.

“And riding a motorbike is not like driving a car. In a car, you could just sit there and be very lazy and think about many things.

“On a motorbike, you’ve got to concentrate, and you’re using both sides of your brain.”

Soksan, the dedicated cafe owner, is revamping the store. She’s adding a bar, putting new tables and chairs in the back garden, and planning to extend the hours.

She will also put a new button for Dave. Press it, and the staff will know Dave and the boys are here, and Dave will get a free large flat white - his favourite.

Everyone is looking forward to the spring, when the unsteady weather is over and the group could go for a ride.

L-R: Ron, Ken, Laurie, and Tony.

Motorcycle feast.

Long-time friends Old Jetty Café and Tearooms owner Soksan Wesp (left) and VJMC Mornington Peninsula area representative Dave Parker (right). Michael and John.

L-R: Rob, Andrew, and Peter.

A large turnout.

L-R: Hans, Peter, and John.

Old Jetty Café & Tearooms is a popular meeting spot for the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC) Mornington Peninsula group. Picture: VIOLET LI

Max lost his licence when he was 18 and restarted riding last year.

Star inspires students

Throughout the tour, Mitch will visit schools, learning centres and youth hubs to deliver high-energy musical performances and impactful workshops with a mission to empower students and teachers.

The singer travelled to Upwey South Primary School on Tuesday and Cranbourne Secondary College on Wednesday 19 June as part of the tour.

Mitch said the response and demand from schools visited had been nothing short of phenomenal.

“The students have such a fun time, they are so pumped dancing and singing along to the songs, and really have embraced the messages, it’s a really joyful atmosphere,” he said.

The singer said developing a strong selfesteem when you were young had never been more important.

“Students have a lot of fears about the future given all the uncertainty and change in our society,” he said.

“More than ever children really need to believe in themselves and understand they really can achieve great things if they cultivate a positive mind set and a solid sense of who they are, to be prepared for anything life throws at them.”

With teachers also playing a crucial role in fostering social positivity in high school, Mitch also works with educators to create a sense of belonging and inclusion.

“Teachers work so hard - retention rates are in jeopardy, and they’re always under the pump - so I also make sure to remind them what a great job they’re doing as well. Some of them have even been moved to tears during some sessions,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a social worker, Mitch has been open on the tour, shar-

ing stories about his life and how he got to where he is today – a world-acclaimed music artist and family man.

“I’m thrilled at the interest shown by

schools across Australia – from some of the biggest city schools to small regional schools, everyone has been so enthusiastic,” he said.

The Walanbaa Youth Tour, which kicked off

in February, will see Mitch perform at more than 100 dates over eight months throughout NSW, Victoria, Queensland, ACT, and WA, with additional dates planned.

Australian music star Mitch Tambo graced South East with his Walanbaa Youth Tour this week.

Australian music star Mitch Tambo is traveling around the country this year with his Walanbaa Youth Tour.

Pictures: SUPPLIED Mitch is ready to perform for his tour.

Mitch is performing at schools during his tour.

SCHOOL FencingTender Tendersarerequested forthesupplyand installationofelectronic gatesandfencingat MarnebekSchool-New HollandDriveCampus. Thenewfencing requiredincludes replacementofthe frontfenceandinstallationofanewback fence.MarnebekSchool isadualcampusspecialistschoollocatedin Cranbourne,Victoria.

Generalenquiriesand requestsforaTender InformationPackage shouldbereferredto: JodieChapman,BusinessLeader e:jodie.chapman3@ed ucation.vic.gov.au p:0359963858

Tendersmustbesent electronicallyandnoted inthesubjectline "CommercialinConfidence-FencingTender" andsentto: BusinessLeaderjodie. chapman3@education. vic.gov.au

Tenderscloseat5pm on19thJuly,2024.

Atendersitevisitcan berequestedbycontactingtheschool.

SCHOOL SignageTender Tendersarerequested forthesupplyand installationofsignageat MarnebekSchool.The signagerequired includeselectronic, gate,externalandinternal.MarnebekSchoolis adualcampusspecialist schoollocatedinCranbourne,Victoria.

Generalenquiriesand requestsforaTender InformationPackage shouldbereferredto: JodieChapman,BusinessLeader e:jodie.chapman3@ed ucation.vic.gov.au p:0359963858

Tendersmustbesent electronicallyandnoted inthesubjectline "CommercialinConfidence-SignageTender" andsentto: BusinessLeaderjodie. chapman3@education. vic.gov.au

Tenderscloseat5pm on19thJuly,2024. Atendersitevisitcan berequestedbycontactingtheschool.

WHAT’S ON

St John of God Auxiliary luncheon

The St John of God Berwick Hospital Auxiliary group is welcoming any further donations or any attendees for its annual luncheon. This year’s main fundraiser will be held on Wednesday 24 July from noon onwards at the Holm Park Reserve in Beaconsfield, celebrating Christmas in July. For more information on the auxiliary or to purchase tickets at $65 a head,

· Contact Anne Crockett on 9707 3425.

Bunyip’s Biggest Morning Tea

Bunyip’s Biggest Morning Tea event will be held at the Longwarry North Public Hall on 199 Princes Way, Longwarry from 10am on Saturday 29 June.

· All ages welcome, no BYO, no pets and absolutely no glass.

Woodworkers expo

The Berwick District Woodworkers Club is hosting its annual open weekend and expo from Friday 12 July to Sunday 14 July at the clubrooms at the Old Cheese Factory at 34 Homestead Road in Berwick. The free event will include demonstrations of wood turning, band sawing, scroll sawing, Dremel toy making, routing, pyrography and wood carving. Various works produced by members on display with a selection of items for sale.

· For more information, contact John McMahon on 0437 096 840 or bdwwcsec@outlook.com.

Line dancing

The Berwick Senior Citizens Centre is hosting line dancing sessions from 10am to noon every Tuesday at 112 High Street in Berwick. First session is free, with a small fee for future classes.

· Morning tea or coffee included.

Scrabble Club

Berwick Activities Club is starting a Scrabble Club on Friday 14 June and every Friday thereafter from 1pm to 3.30pm. It will be both competitive and social on a one-to-one basis. Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.

· Contact David on 0433 566 456. New Vogue dancing

If you love dancing and would like to learn New Vogue, Berwick Activities Club is offering a short seven-week course for beginners. The course is held over one-hour classes

each Friday, commencing on Friday 5 July at 7pm in the Timbarra Community Centre. Dancing is a great way to make new friends and at the completion of the course you may join the weekly dance held on Thursday evenings. Booking is essential as numbers are limited.

· For more information, contact Bruce on 0447 554 475.

Probus Club of Casey Combined

The Probus Club of Casey Combined is welcoming any new members to meet at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick from 9.45am to noon on the second Tuesday of each month.

After morning tea, the club hosts an interesting guest speaker, with members often meeting up for lunch at a local cafe after the meeting.

· For more information, contact Margaret Luxford on 0409 861 207 or Magda Michael on 0406 468 265.

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

Antiques and Collectable Fair

On Saturday 20 July, the Rotary Club of Casey will be running the 19th annual Antiques and Collectable Fair at the Cardinia Cultural Centre at Lakeside. The event will showcase wares from antique, collectible and curiosity dealers from all over Victoria and is expected to be attended by more than 1000 eager buyers and collectors. Melbournebased antique valuer David Freeman will be in attendance from noon to 3.30pm to value items at $5 per item. The fair will be open to the public from 9am to 3.30pm, with a $5 entry fee for browsers, collectors and shoppers. Pictured is Heather Gem wearing a variety of rings at last year’s event.

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

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 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, whaere 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 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

Your holiday includes Full-Board Cruise

• 11 night full-board cruise on board Hurtigruten’s MS Kong Harald

• Complimentary Polar Outside Limited View to Polar Outside

• Visiting: Bergen, Florø, Molde, Kristiansand, Rørvik, Brønnøysund, Svolvær, Stokmarknes, Skjervøy, Øksfjord, Berlevag, Båtsfjord, Kirkenes, Berlevåg, Mehamn, Tromsø, Stamsund, Bodø, Rørvik, Trondheim, Ålesund, Bergen

Fully Escorted Tour

• 2 day Norway in a Nutshell Tour

Rail Journey

• Scenic rail journey on board

The Flåm Railway Hotel Stays

• Hotel stays in Oslo, Flåm Bergen and Copenhagen

• All hotel stays include breakfast

All Flights, Taxes and Transfers

• Overnight flights

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 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.

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 officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.

Cranbourne.

SPORT

Pakenham hurting badly

By Marcus Uhe

“The game was there to be won and we blew it, to be honest.”

Pakenham coach Paul Carbis said Saturday’s loss to Upwey Tecoma in round 10 of the Outer East Football Netball Premier Division football “probably hurt the most” of any of the Lions seven losses this season.

Having led by as many as 24 points in the first half, Pakenham was outscored 6.4 to 1.6 after half time to fall by nine points to the Tigers at Toomuc Reserve, 7.10 52 to 9.7 61.

A lack of composure, some poor discipline and a deviation from what brought them success in the first half of the contest were all contributing factors to the fade out, leading to a “sombre” mood in the rooms post game, and the losing streak reaching five games.

The Lions found success in playing a possession-style game and eliminating kicks to contests, but reverted to bad habits when the pressure came in the second half.

“In the first half, we executed exactly how we wanted and got the result we wanted, we were in front and played really well,” Carbis said.

“Sometimes it’s easy to go back to your old ways rather than continue on the new way.

“I think we took 73 marks in the first half and only took 68 for the whole game the week before, and in the last quarter we only took 14 marks.

“It’s just not enough - we need to keep the ball off them.

“They’re a good contest team and if you turn the ball over, they’re going to score.

“That’s what the good teams do and have done all year against us.

“We’ve got to be better with our decision making and composure with the footy.”

The game was within reach for much of the final term, with Matt Debruin restoring Pakenham’s lead early in the quarter.

Two goals in three minutes to Upwey Tecoma’s Daniel Waters as the clock ticked into time on, however, were the killer blows, putting the Tigers back up by 10 points.

Sam Kors, Jai Rout and James Harrison then all missed chances to cut the lead, the margin eventually settling on nine points.

Despite the result, Carbis said he will not dwell on the outcome, preferring to focus on the progress his side is making in its first year under its new coach.

“I said to the team after the game, ‘that one

really hurts but the positive signs are that we can compete with anyone; we’ve done it all year, we’ve just got to put four quarters together’.

“If we do that, the wins will come and everything else will take care of itself.

“It’s a fine line as a coach, you got through that it’s one that we let slip and it’s probably our fault, the way we went about it.

“On the same token, we’re thereabouts.

“Upwey was a game that we had to winokay, we lost it, but it’s gone and done now, so what are you going to do?

“You’ve got to move on, you can’t just sit around with your tail between your legs.

“I don’t think the guys felt the pressure, I think they’re more excited about what we can do, and a little frustrated like me that they couldn’t get it done in the last quarter.”

Debutant Rhiley Murphy kicked two goals in the first half and Zac Stewart made it through a second match unscathed in his return from a long-term ankle injury.

Jake Thompson, Joel Sarlo and Josh Haggar were among Pakenham’s best.

Gembrook Cockatoo’s winless run has reached seven matches after relinquishing a half time lead to the resurgent Monbulk on Saturday afternoon.

Michael Firrito’s side was outscored 6.6 to 3.4 in the second half to go down by 13 points at Monbulk, 10.12 72 to 9.5 59.

It’s a contest with connotations for 2025 front of mind, given both are fighting to avoid the bottom three.

The Brookers’ scoring woes came back to bite them once again, simply unable to kick a big enough score to down an opponent.

Myles Wareham, Josh Tilly and Matt Templeton each kicked two, and Michael Firrito was goalless, but a ceiling remains on the Brookers’ scoring output.

They average 53.8 points per game, the second-lowest only ahead of Berwick Springs, with only Wareham and Firrito in double figures for goals scored in 2024.

Ryan Hillard and Ben Schultze were among the Brookers’ best, as were Michael Bourne and Josh Tilly.

Officer responded to Daniel Charles’ stinging criticism last week with a much-needed 59-point win over Berwick Springs, keeping the Titans to a single goal in the second half.

Another side that has failed to put scores on the board, the Kangaroos reached triple figures for the first time in 2024, in the 15.10 100 to 6.5 41 result, holding the Titans to a single goal in the second half.

Mark Seedsman kicked four goals as one of the Officer’s six multiple goal kickers, including veteran Tory Tharle, who has forced his way back into the senior line up after 22 goals in 12 games last season.

Brent Moloney’s impressive year continues, as does Jeremy Monckton’s, who adds speed on the wing.

Berwick Springs debutant, Luca Sabbadin, kicked three for the Titans, with Michael Misso continuing to shoulder a heavy burden in the Titans midfield.

At Emerald, a goalless second quarter for the Bombers opened the door for Wandin to streak clear.

Goalless quarters have been an issue for Emerald and the second term was another of those, while allowing the reigning premiers to kick six for a 52-point lead at the half.

Four Bombers goals to seven in the second half saw the margin finish at 72 points, 18.12 120 to 7.6 48, thanks to seven goals toWandin’s Aaron Mullett.

Ewan Wadsworth, Steven Kapahnke and Jack McGough were all standouts for Emerald.

Five consecutive Olinda Ferny Creek goals in the second half, meanwhile, helped the Bloods to come from behind against Mt Evelyn in a 16-point win.

Late converted try sees Roosters slip away from Eels

By David Nagel

A late try has denied Pakenham Eels a threegame winning streak in NRLVictoria’s Second Grade Men’s competition with the Eels going down 20-16 to Altona Roosters on Saturday.

The Eels went in confident after back-toback wins over Sunshine Cowboys and Casey Warriors, but were soon put on the back foot as the Roosters went‘cock-a-doodle-do’ early in the round-10 encounter.

The home side put three tries on the board in the opening half, two to Tokerau Henry, before the Eels replied through Troy Pulupaki to keep themselves in the hunt at the interval.

The Eels came out humming in the second half, with converted tries to David JonassenHammond and Tulifau Asomua giving them a narrow margin in the shadows of full-time.

But a late try to Altona, in the last three minutes of play, saw the home side run out four-point winners.

The narrow loss sees the Eels locked in the middle rungs of the ladder, with eight points secured from nine games played.

The Eels hit the road for their fourth away game in five rounds when they take on ninthplaced North West Wolves on Saturday.

Pakenham must win to keep in touch with the top four.

It was round eight in juniors on the weekend, with all teams also on the road.

The Under-16 Boys took on Northern Thunder and despite scoring early were unable to capitalise, going down 34-22.

Thunder demonstrated a solid attack and broke through the Eels defensive line on numerous occasions to put points on the board.

The Under-14 Boys were defeated by Sunbury Tigers, 40-12, while the Under-14 Girls were also on the wrong side of the ledger, going down 60-12 to Waverley Panthers.

Under 16’s full-back Samu Afoa is off to the races on his way to one of two second-half tries. 415331

Pakenham seniors’ five-eighth Alan Leilua is stopped agonisingly short of the try-line in the first half against Altona Roosters. 415331 Pictures: MICHAEL WINTER

Pakenham coach Paul Carbis said his Lions “blew it” on Saturday against Upwey-Tecoma. 410426

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SPORT

Adams lifting Lions

By Marcus Uhe

Pakenham centre Jordyn Adams is forcing her way into the conversation as one of the most influential players in the Outer East Football Netball Premier Division A-Grade netball competition with another stellar performance for the Lions in Saturday’s 49-32 win over Upwey Tecoma at home.

In her first season at Toomuc Reserve, Adams has stepped into the pivotal centre roll with ease and given her Lions team an injection of quality that has them knocking on the door of the division’s ‘big three’.

It was a brilliant opening quarter from Pakenham that set up the victory, taking an 18-6 lead into the quarter time huddle.

Five of the first six goals ended in the Pakenham net, as did six of the final seven in an ominous display.

Kelly Cousins and Rose Laidlaw had height on their side against the Upwey Tecoma defenders, while Caitlin Cooke and Charlize Reid continue to solidify their defensive pairing at the other end of the court.

It was Adams in the centre, however, that got the Lions in motion.

Her tenacity on the defensive end and the energy she brings to the midcourt has been a game-changer for Pakenham, and her talent was on full display in Saturday’s contest.

A number of first-quarter intercepts left the Tigers’ shooters starved of opportunities and was a key factor in the huge quarter time lead.

Charlotte Hudolin offered a new threat in the goal circle in the second term to maintain the buffer on the Tigers, unable to make inroads into the Lions’ advantage.

Lax defending from the Tigers saw long balls into the Lions’ goal circle from the centre third on a number of occasions and Hudolin made them pay.

Pakenham scored six of the final seven goals of the half, and the first five of the second half to open up a 22-goal lead, before the Tigers fought back to hold them even for the remainder of the contest.

Pakenham won the first three quarters of the game before a late revival from Upwey Tecoma, and kept the Tigers to their lowest score of 2024, consolidating fourth place in the process.

Narre Warren returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 54-goal win over Woori Yallock at Kalora Park.

Speed on the ball was the key for the Magpies as they looked to exploit the height advantage they had in the goal circle through Grace Ioelu.

Chelsea Tonna deployed a number of deft ‘touch’ passes into her shooting partner in the first half, with a monstrous 24-7 second quarter enough to kill the contest.

Erin Bell played the majority of the second half, nailing 29 goals, and Piuti Laban added 19 in the 78-24 win.

Sophie Hennessey’s run from the back half was crucial in keeping the ball in motion for the Magpies and Julia Kaitani made an impact in just her second game at A-Grade level for 2024.

Kaitani and Abbey Barrientos forced Woori Yallock’s shooters to take long shots from away from the net, and were effective in rebounding the misses.

ROC’s up and down season continued with a comprehensive win over Berwick Springs, tallying its highest score of the season in a 7526 result.

ROC led the contest from start to finish and kept the Titans to single-figure scores in each term while piling the points on themselves, notably with a 22-7 third quarter.

The O’Shanassy’s, Kaelah and Isabella, scored 54 goals between them in the result, that keeps ROC in with a chance of sneaking

into the top six.

The Titans may have found a late-season discovery, however, with Daria HammondNorris scoring 19 goals.

Hammond-Norris played her first game of the season for the Titans and just the second A-Grade contest of her Titans career, with her only previous outing coming in 2022.

Emerald, however, has fallen out of the top five, replaced by the flying Monbulk Hawks, now on a four-game win streak.

One of the competition’s good stories in their adaptation to Premier Division, the Bombers received a reality check of where they need to reach in order to compete with the very best that the Division has to offer in a 20goal loss to Wandin.

48 goals is the Bombers’ second-lowest output on the season and Kaylah Loulanting was held to only 23 goals, the first time she’s shot less than 30 all season.

Monbulk, meanwhile, piled 90 on goals onto Gembrook Cockatoo in a 63-goal win.

Storm ends scoring woes

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cardinia Storm’s ladder-leading men’s side had an impressive 1-1 draw with Southern in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.

It’s the first time Cardinia has found the back of the net since Sunday 19 May, with two 0-0 draws, a league-wide bye and opposition forfeit all contributing the scoring drought.

With the Storm going through a lull, coach PeteTurner removed himself from the action to provide communication and direction from the sidelines which proved a masterstroke with Cardinia better organised than in previous weeks. His absence led to a different battery defending short corners, but they were able to keep out three of Southern’s four set plays.

Cardinia scored from a short corner of its own, Taylor Rae’s drag flick eluding the ‘keeper.

Nick Dzierbicki ran riot in the midfield, Harry Byron looked dangerous up forward while Rae showed his versatility. Cardinia still has a five point buffer on second-placed Southern, remaining undefeated more than halfway through the season.

Meanwhile, the women’s side had a disappointing 6-1 loss to the undefeated Mentone, which sees it fall to sixth position on the table.

Elizabeth Fricke was the lone goal scorer.

Depleted Lions show heart and soul to overcome the odds

By David Nagel

A well-timed week off awaits the Pakenham Women’s team after a depleted Lions outfit overcame a brave challenge from UpweyTecoma at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday.

Down to 17 fit players, the Lions suffered further injuries throughout the match; but kicked the last four goals of the contest on their way to a 6.2(38) to 3.2(20) triumph.

Impressive first-year player Beth Quadara opened the scoring for the Lions, before the dangerous Jess Occhipinti answered the call for the Tigers.

Aiesha Kolaritsch then gave Pakenham a five-point lead at quarter time before the Tigers came out firing in the second term.

Occhipinti put her scorching speed to good use to kick the second-quarter opener, before Bec Thompson gave the visitors a seven-point lead after five minutes of play.

Gun midfielder Courtney Stephens and dynamite forward Tianah Vandesteeg were both injured in the second term; forcing Lions’ coach Rick Stalker to make some serious alterations to his whiteboard.

Kolaritsch then cut the margin to a single point at half time.

Stephens, hampered and moved forward, then capped off some great play from Matilda

Argoon to give the Lions the lead by a straight kick at the final change.

Stalker then asked his team for the supreme effort, with goals to Kolaritsch - and a ripper from the boundary from Stephens - giving the top-of-the-table Lions their ninth-straight win

for the season.

Kate Green, Annalise Ryan, Courtney Karayannis and Aliya Daniel were tremendous for the Lions down back, while Quadara, Argoon and Bianca Moody were influential figures through a rejigged midfield.

Kolaritsch ended with three, and Stephens two, while midfielder Corinna White, and defenders Niamh Hunter-Clear and Ari Dousset were best for Upwey-Tecoma.

Pakenham has the bye this week while Upwey-Tecoma hosts Belgrave; who climbed off the bottom of the ladder with a 2.4(16) to 1.5(11) victory over Berwick Springs.

Star midfielder Francesca Alves was a driving force for the Magpies, who had Mel Kennedy and Alex Walsh kick their two goals.

Shelby Hauler, Amber Drummond and the consistent Lauren Sultana were other players to shine.

And second-placed Healesville has showed its class, thumping reigning-premiers Olinda Ferny Creek by 44 points at Olinda.

Ishka-Belle Stock slammed home three for the winners in a best-on-ground display.

In Division Two, Lauren Mercovich booted five goals in Officer’s 82-point win over Seville, while Emerald kept its finals hopes alive with a thrilling three-point win over Wandin.

Woori Yallock has joined Monbulk on 32 points after a four-point victory at Monbulk, while Madi Ward kicked three in WarburtonWesburn’s 82-point triumph over Seville.

The win saw Warburton leap-frog the Hawks into top place on the ladder.

Harry Byron looked likely for Cardinia. 400966 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Annalise Ryan was part of a united defensive effort from the Pakenham backline against UpweyTecoma on Saturday. 415175 Picture: EUAN POULTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Jordyn Adams is having a huge influence for Pakenham in Outer East A-Grade netball. 399539 Picture: ROB CAREW

ENROL NOW FOR 2025

Our faith leads to wisdom and courage.

This motto is the energising source of all that happens at St Clare's and is embedded in the ethos of the school, the curriculum we offer and the relationships we develop within our school and wider communities.

If you are reading this as a prospective student, parent, guardian or family, I invite you to visit us at St Clare's and discover this dynamic learning environment and start the beginning of, what I hope will be, a life-long learning partnership.

Helen Staindl School Principal