News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 11th July 2024

Living life to the fullest

Most people are defined by their employment, yet this past weekend showcased the passions and volunteering people dedicated themselves to in their spare time at Pakenham’s Live Life Expo.

Hosted by Lakeside Residents Group, it was held on Sunday 7 July at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.

The expo was dedicated to the variety of hobbies, lifestyles and volunteering the many people throughout Cardinia engage in.

No personal creation was locked away, but on full display for all to appreciate and connect with.

Attendees could engage with passionate people in cycling, quilting, Lego, music, scouting and much more.

“We were really thrilled for our inaugural expo, it was filled with people,” Lakeside Residents Group president Wendy Andrews said.

“Everyone could see all sorts of things they could do, there were many interactions and networking, making connections.”

A success for a first time event, the group is keen to make it an annual staple that inspires more people to get involved with the community.

$10k tools stolen

Remar Renovations was devastated after almost $10k worth of tools was stolen from their work ute recently.

A wide range of tools, which are vital to their everyday work, were stolen meaning it has impacted their current jobs and being able to take on more.

Remar is an organisation dedicated to helping those battling addiction with a residential rehabilitation centre in Nyora as well as an op shop and church in Pakenham.

All the profits from the renovation business are used towards the rehabilitation centre.

Fortunately, Remar has been able to replace some of the tools but they highlighted it would take some time to raise the funds to

completely replace them all.

Any donations are greatly appreciated to purchase new tools and are tax deductible.

To make a donation, contact Karina on 0419 436 687.

David Edwards from the Pakenham Bicycle Users Group. (Gary Sissons: 417635)

South East least affordable

By Corey Everitt

Pakenham and Dandenong are among the top ten least affordable suburbs for renters according to a new report by Suburbtrends.

The July report for their Rental Pain Index had Pakenham standing eighth and Dandenong fourth on the list of worst areas for renters inVictoria.

Pakenham achieved a full score of 100

in the index - among only two others in Victoria.

The index is derived from the average rate increase over the 12 months preceding, the average percentage of income servicing rent and the vacancy rate.

A 17 per cent average increase in rent was recorded for Pakenham while 35 per cent of income on average is going towards rent.

Dandenong had a rate increase of 22 pe rcent and has 37 per cent of income going to rent.

This follows Suburbtrends’ report in February which recorded a 13 per cent rate increase and rent taking 33 per cent of income.

Pakenham’s vacancy rate is at 0.62 per cent while Dandenong’s is 0.66.

This stands below Melbourne’s vacancy

rate which in March this year stood at 2.1 percent according to the State Government’s Rental Report.

In that same report, only 6.9 per cent of Cardinia’s dwellings were considered affordable. In Greater Dandenong, 3.9 per cent were affordable.

Melbourne’s number of affordable rentals was 11.7 per cent in March.

New $3.3 million school learning centre blessed

Kooweerup’s St John the Baptist Primary School community has celebrated the blessing and official opening of their new $3.3 million Learning and Discovery Centre building.

Parish priest Father Avinash George officially blessed and opened the new facilities recently.

School principal Chris Dortmans said the project involved the removal of the former library and four older classrooms to construct a purpose-build learning centre.

“The building comprises four new general learning and break out areas, a Discovery Centre incorporating a new library, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) area, student amenities, and outdoor learning areas,” he said.

“The school’s front entry was also refurbished, a new uniform shop added, outdoor shelter and landscaping works.

“This project has created wonderful spaces for staff and students to thrive.”

Mr Dortmans said while the project was completed in 2022, they had to delay the official blessing and opening due to Covid.

“It is wonderful to now come together as a school and parish community to formally celebrate these learning spaces and thank all those who supported the project,” he said.

Diocese of Sale director of Catholic education Paul Velten said the efforts of the project team, school and parish community were obvious to see.

“These new school facilities represent Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s (DOSCEL) ongoing commitment to providing high quality learning and teaching environments and investment in school communities,” he said.

“By creating modern, engaging learning areas and updating the facilities for students and staff, our Catholic schools are promoting excellence in learning where students can grow and thrive in a faithfilled learning environment.”

The building cost a total of $3.31 million, with support from a $2.64 Federal Government grant under the Capital Grants Program, a $570,000 loan from the Catholic Development Fund and the school community.

Student leaders Sebastian, Jessica, Hugh, Isla, Ava and Tianna enjoy the tree house in the new library. (Supplied)

Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited board director The Honourable Martin Dixon, school principal Chris Dortmans, Parish Priest Father Avinash George, DOSCEL director of Catholic education Paul Velten and school captains Isla and Hugh. (Supplied)

Parish priest Father Avinash George blesses the new Learning and Discovery Centre. (Supplied)

Milestone in roadworks

Major Road Projects Victoria has reopened Henry Road at McGregor Road with an upgraded intersection as part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade.

Monday morning 8 July marked the conclusion of works on the intersection, with project crews reopening Henry Road onto McGregor Road at 5am in time for the morning peak and school drop-offs.

Works were completed over the weekend to finish the new McGregor Road northbound lanes between the Princes Freeway and Henry Road as well as upgrading the intersection.

Working across the weekend, crews were able to complete the northbound lanes on McGregor Road as well as the McGregor Road/ Henry Road intersection and switch the concrete barriers to set up for the next stage of the project.

From 1 July to late September, the Pakenham Roads Upgrade team will work behind barriers on McGregor Road and Webster Way to complete the final stretch of major works to duplicate McGregor Road and upgrade the intersection of McGregor Road and Henry Road/ Webster Way.

During this time, works include:

- Rebuild the existing road to form the new southbound lanes on McGregor Road between Webster Way and the Princes Freeway

- Widen Webster Way to add extra lanes at the intersection

- Install centre medians and kerbs

- Install traffic signals, street signs, and permanent street lighting.

To complete these works safely, McGregor Road will be closed to southbound traffic between Webster Way and the Princes Freeway, and Webster Way will be closed between Honeyeater Way and the McGregor Road intersec-

McGregor and Henry Road intersection is now open. (Supplied)

tion until late September.

Detours will be in place via Park Boulevard, Honeyeater Way, Webster Way, Bald Hill Road and Healesville-Kooweerup Road to access the Princes Freeway.

During this time, access will be open to turn right from McGregor Road to access Henry Road and The Heritage Shopping Centre.

The Pakenham Roads Upgrade is part of a wider investment in improving transport infrastructure in Pakenham. This includes the removal of the level crossings at Racecourse Road, McGregor Road and Main Street, upgrades to the Pakenham train station and the development of a new train station at East Pakenham, and upgrades to Healesville-Kooweerup Road between Southeast Boulevard/Livestock Way and Manks Road.

The Pakenham SES unit helped more than 20 bus passengers evacuate a bus after it became stuck in wheel-deep water onTuesday 9 July.

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria members also attended the scene near the corner of McGregor Road and Greenhills Road at about 2pm, with 24 passengers safely exiting the bus with SES assistance or exited themselves.

No injuries were reported and the SES cleared the area by 2.30pm.

A VICSES spokesperson said drivers of any vehicle should not drive through floodwaters.

“It’s never worth the risk,” the spokesperson said.

In court after carjacking mob attacks interstate tourists

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Pakenham woman who was part of a mob that inflicted a violent, “sickening” carjacking on two young tourists in Narre Warren South has been sentenced.

Hannah Khat, 20, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to carjacking, intentionally causing injury and handling stolen goods as well as committing offences on bail.

The two female victims had driven from Adelaide to Melbourne in February 2023 to visit two males they had met on social media.

Upon picking up the males, the tourists were requested to drive them to a drinking session at a park near Casey Central shopping centre that night.

At Golden Grove Drive, Khat – who was 18

at the time - and about 10 others dragged the tourists out of the car.

The front passenger was hit in the face from behind, pulled by her hair and punched, stomped and kicked to the head and body multiple times on the ground by the mob.

Khat’s punches and kicks were recorded on a mobile phone camera.

The victim suffered a broken, dislocated nose, severe abrasions to her face, elbow, shoulders and knees as well as wounds from where her ear-rings were ripped from her ears.

During the fracas, the tourists’ car was stolen by an unknown offender.

Judge Kellie Blair, on sentencing in 3 July, told Khat she ought to be “ashamed” of her “deplorable” role against a pair of vulnerable

and outnumbered young women.

CCTV footage of the attack was “sickening to watch”, with Khat punching and kicking a cowering and defenceless victim and causing “considerable injury”.

At the time of offending, Khat was considerably drunk – and had been regularly drinking a vodka bottle a day.

Khat’s difficult family life, untreated grief and borderline personality disorder were noted. She had reportedly used alcohol to suppress her mental health issues, while worsening her conditions.

After her arrest, Khat had been in and out of remand and breached her bail conditions twice due to non-compliance.

Noting this, Judge Blair said Khat’s rehabili-

tation prospects were far from extinguished. Her age was the most compelling mitigating factor, Judge Blair said. Typically, young offenders were more impulsive, less insightful than older adults, as well as being more likely to make a positive change.

Jailing young offenders was more likely to hinder than improve their rehabilitation prospects, which in turn impacted on community safety, Judge Blair said.

Khat was convicted and jailed for 202 days –which had already been served on remand. She was released on a two-year community corrections order with 195 hours of unpaid work.

Khat’s defence lawyer had told the court that Khat was “not ready” to engage in mental health treatment as part of the order.

The bus became stuck on Greenhills Road in Pakenham on Tuesday 9 July. (Supplied)

Young voices in message

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Lyndhurst Secondary College students have helped mould a new crime-fighting campaign urging young people to ‘Share If You Care’.

Crime Stoppers Victoria used feedback from students to hone a message for youths to report crimes such as knife fights, car thefts, robberies and aggravated burglaries.

One key factor is that young people can remain unknown as they upload footage or snapshots on their phones to the Crime Stoppers website, chief executive Stella Smith said.

“Students told us that young people are

more likely to come forward if they don’t identify themselves.”

Students also made it clear that they care about their friends and family and don’t want to see anyone get hurt, such as by reporting on planned fights beforehand.

As part of the campaign, a video demonstrates how easy it is to report online and share footage and social media content to Crime Stoppers.

A student voice recorded for the campaign implores: “What if that was you?”, “What if that was your family?What if that was your friend?” and “Wouldn’t you like someone to do some-

thing about it?”

Ms Smith praised the “absolutely fantastic” contribution of Lyndhurst Secondary College “from the principal to the students”.

“Students have really driven the messaging such as Share If You Care.”

They also shaped some of the terminology, preferring the phrase that you can report crime and “stay unknown” rather than being “anonymous”.

“They know better than what we do about what young people.

“They’ve got the insights and the facts so that we can help to keep people safe.”

Students also told of the sorts of offences that they see and share on their social-media news feeds each day, but which weren’t being passed onto police or Crime Stoppers. Many of them had not been aware of Crime Stoppers as an option, Ms Smith said. Crime Stoppers will take the campaign to schools for students, parents and guardians to talk about youth violence.

According to official crime stats, serious and violent offences have soared among 14-to17-year olds over the past year across Victoria.

To report information, contact crimestoppersvic.com.au or 1800 333 000.

Reforms are underway for employment services

By Ethan Benedicto

A Narre Warren local has acknowledged the importance of the role employment services play when it comes to inclusion and diversity, after suffering a brain injury that impacted his physical and cognitive abilities.

The Federal Government endorsed The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services proposed reforms on employment services on 4 July, which called for changes to the foundations of the Commonwealth Employment Services System.

Committee chair and Bruce MP Julian Hill said back on 30 November 2023 that Australia no longer had “an effective, coherent national employment system”, after the final report with 75 recommendations over 600 pages was tabled on the same day.

A Federal Government response agreed that the reform is necessary but it will take time for such a large change to be designed and implemented.

For Chanthol, receiving a “helping hand” was all he needed to get back on his feet with the brain injury that he called himself“lucky” to still have his left eye.

“I was riding a motorbike and then I hit a trailer and crashed to the ground, half of my brain was fractured.”

Suffering a brain haemorrhage, Chanthol had difficulty with his physical and cognitive abilities, where it was common to see issues such as memory loss and longer times required when learning new processes.

“After the accident, I was a bit lost, you know?” he said.

The help he needed eventually came through MAX Solutions, an employment service that offered their support through a range of programs such as – but not limited to – Workforce Australia and Disability Employment Services.

Through a job coach, Chanthol was able to land and maintain employment as a cleaner and acquire the National Police Certificate and a Working with Children Check.

“They helped negotiate with the employer, for example, would it be possible to do one hour or two hours a day.

“After that, I could relax and then I could meet my requirements for counselling,” he said.

Key parts of the 75 recommendations made included a stronger and more involved role played by the Commonwealth government through the establishment of Employment Services Australia as a “rebuilt public sector core”, according to the document.

A different service model was also proposed, one that would implement a more individualised and flexible service model that acknowledges the different pathways to employment and moves away from the “onesize-fits-all” theme.

For Mr Hill, the government’s endorsement was “broadly in line with what [he] expected” and is a “positive response”.

“The government acknowledged the need for reform of the system and pointed towards the commitments that were in the May Budget on the urgent issues we identified.

“[Such as] reforms to mutual obligations, trials of social enterprise, community-based activities and improvement to the IT systems,” he said.

The committee initially suggested that

the government take appropriate time over 12 months or more to develop a roadmap of reform, which was also acknowledged by the Commonwealth’s response.

At the same time, Mr Hill was glad and surprised to see an in-depth, 23-page address of the committee’s summary of recommendations.

“I never expected in the initial response, a detailed response to every one of our 75 recommendations because that’s why we suggested the roadmap.

“I was pleased to see that the government has committed and is working on that [roadmap], I’d anticipate it to be out towards the end of the year or early next year,” he said.

All 75 recommendations were summarised into eight key points in the Commonwealth’s response, which agreed with moving away from the one-size-fits-all system, as well as the overemphasis on mutual obligation requirements which was criticised to be overly burdensome.

The establishment of regional hubs, strengthening of community engagement, localised and improvement of service delivery, development of professional and workforce conditions were some of the other factors agreed to by the Commonwealth.

The May 2024-25 Federal Budget outlined a $54 million commitment over five years to a new employment pathways package in partnership with employers across the country; which looks to focus on people with barriers to work who are also seeking to connect to job opportunities.

“What we demonstrated through the inquiry is a significant proportion of long-term unemployed people have some form of disability,” Mr Hill said.

Another initiative, called the Real Jobs, Real Wages sees an investment of $32.1 million to support those who are at risk of longterm unemployment, and instead secure work through a tapered wage subsidy over six months.

Furthermore, the WorkFoundations initiative will look to invest $29.1 million to assist people with more complex barriers to employment, as well as building their work readiness through funding for social enterprises and businesses to deliver paid employment placements.

Federation University professor of social work and human services, Jenny Martin said that the significance of effective employment services, especially for those with disabilities “are important”.

“It’s quite competitive in the workplace, and the preparation of a job, and preparing for the interview, writing your letter, your resume, even having clothes to wear and all the guidance around it.

“For people who may have some kind of disability, they may be lacking in confidence, and they may need that extra support and guidance, encouragement to apply for jobs and support through the process,” she said.

Other points agreed to by the Commonwealth include the reduction of fragmentation and competition, which would mean engaging fewer service providers in order

to minimise competitiveness and overlap, which could lead to more consistent and higher-quality services.

Building on the aspect of a more individualised and flexible service model, better coordination between employment services and the demands of employers and other industries was agreed to, and that “work is underway” to a system that employers “want to use”, according to the document.

“Employment is very important, it’s not just you’re getting an independent income, but you’ve also got all the social benefits and purpose, routine, making friends, all those things that come with a job,” Professor Martin said.

“I think that sometimes people [employers] can have lowered expectations and you know, using a deficit sort of model, think that people won’t be able to do certain things.

“To have a perspective around that sort of recovery paradigm of people being able to achieve their hopes and dreams, to really support them in achieving what they want to do without passing any judgment or imposing any external standards is important,” she said.

A new voluntary pre-employment service for parents was also agreed to, which the committee suggested the abolishment of the ParentsNext program.

The Commonwealth paused all compulsory participation requirements on May 2023, with a new pre-employment service entering discussion with stakeholders in July, and announced in December.

According to the government’s response, further details are to follow for the plans on employment services reforms, which at that point would include the phasing and priority for implementation.

Chanthol suffered a brain injury in 1990, and has high regard for the importance of employment services in assisting those with disabilities.

Bruce MP Julian Hill was head of The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services and was pleased to see the government’s response and agreement to the recommendations made. (Supplied)

Go nuclear, survey says

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

South East manufacturers are emphatically backing nuclear energy, according to a recent peak-body members survey.

Of more than 190 South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) surveyed members, 71 per cent were strongly in favour of including nuclear power into the energy mix.

Also, 61 per cent strongly agreed that nuclear was a cost-effective and reliable energy source for manufacturers, and 66 per cent had a “strongly positive” opinion of the energy source for industry.

About 14 per cent of members were strongly opposed to the propositions.

The results put SEMMA and its members firmly in favour of the federal Liberal-Nationals Coalition’s proposal for nuclear generators across the country, including the La Trobe Valley in Gippsland.

The idea has been strongly opposed by the Labor state and federal governments.

SEMMA president Peter Angelico said “the nuclear option has merit when we are talking about a long-term zero-emission consistent energy supply”.

“Globally, there are 32 countries using nuclear power (a total of 440 reactors) and many have successfully combined these energy inputs, solved waste concerns and ensured an efficient, consistent, cost-effective, safe and sustainable energy supply for everyone.

“Australia must move forward in our energy choices to remain globally competitive for the sake of our manufacturing industry that currently employs 803,000 nationally.”

SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said manufacturing needed a “consistent, reliable baseload energy supply”.

“That is in danger if policy makers ignore this fact”.

Ms Walker said there was not enough renewable energy in the current system to support manufacturing – or domestic users.

“Renewables can provide part of that supply, but it is an intermittent supply and batteries do not generate energy – they only store it.”

Gas needed to remain in the system for manufacturing during the transition, she said.

Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill said nuclear energy was “way too expensive and far too slow for Australia’s needs”.

“Multiple independent scientific reports have confirmed that even if anyone was crazy enough to decide to go down the risky nuclear

route, it would take almost two decades for nuclear power to come on in Australia, costing $25,000 or more per taxpayer.”

He said the Federal Government was delivering “cheaper, cleaner energy right now, utilising our abundant natural resources –literally the best renewable energy resources anywhere in the world”.

“In just two years, the government has ticked off new renewable energy supply equivalent to over eight expensive risky nuclear reactors.”

Mr Hill agreed that gas was needed in manufacturing for “high heat applications”.

“(It) will help us move up the value chain for growing industries like critical minerals.”

La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood, who for a long time opposed nuclear, now says it’s required “in the mix“ for Australia to reach netzero emissions by 2050.

He said when 90 per cent of coal power stations go off line over the next decade or so, a power combination of “wind and solar“ wasn’t reliable in all weather and all seasons.

“I fully support the solar and the wind (industries) but you have to have something humming along in the background when there’s no sun or wind.“

SEMMA president Peter Angelico says the nuclear option has merit. (Supplied)

SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker is calling for a reliable baseload power supply for manufacturers.

Trail complete

The remaining 1.3 kilometres of the path works for the second stage of the Casey Fields fitness trail is now complete, after the initial 2.8km was finished in 2022.

The 4.1-kilometre trail in Cranbourne East is now complete with solar lighting, seating, exercise stations, canopy trees, two fitness nodes, benches, water stations, lighting and additional signage.

City of Casey’s chair of administrators, Noelene Duff PSM and chief executive officer Glenn Patterson were joined by Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, the general manager at Casey Demons Peter Maynard and the general manager at Melbourne City Football Club Ian Wilson on Monday 8 July to celebrate the completion.

LENSCAPE

“Informal recreation opportunities such as walking and jogging are extremely popular and Casey Fields is an ideal location for these activities,” Ms Duff said.

“The creation of this fitness trail will become a regional drawcard, through its design appeal to runners and walkers, offering a soft surface, wide path and flat topography, in a safe and attractive setting.”

The fitness trail was initially addressed in the Casey Fields Master Plan, and was made possible through a $250,000 grant via Sport and Recreation Victoria’s 2021-22 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – Community Facilities Stream; council funded the remaining $960,732.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN OPINION

Join the Tiny Art Show

Connected Libraries has launched the 2024 Tiny Art Show.

Participants can collect a canvas for free from any Connected Library location at Bunjil Place, Cranbourne, Cranbourne West, Doveton, Endeavour Hills or Hampton Park Libraries, and create their masterpiece using any medium they like at home then return it for judging.

“The Tiny Art Show is a great way to fill in a few hours on these cold wintery days,” Courtney Rushton, Connected Libraries branch and adult program manager said.

“This competition is open to Connected Libraries members who are 16 and above and there are prizes to be won.

“TheTiny Art Show has drawn more than 80 entrants in past years and we are sure that 2024 will be just as successful, there is so much talent here in Casey!”

Entrants will automatically go into the draw to win an Art Pack hamper based on public voting.

Entries close on Friday 12 July. For more information, visit connectedlibraries.org.au/tinyartshow

Winter time at Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. (Stewart Chambers: 418405)

Thumbs down

To cost of living. Life is literally unaffordable. Those who work are indeed the working poor.

Thumbs down

To school holidays. They are testing my patience already.

Thumbs down To the road works on Pakenham Road that never have signage up for pedestrians stating there are disruptions. If you are elderly, disabled, and/or injured, there is zero signage stating you can’t use the footpath normally near Orchard Valley Avenue. It’s been like that for months.

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

As part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade project, the southbound lanes of McGregor Road closed will be closed to late September. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Daniele Ashley

When school holidays finish and kids go back to school, this is going to be an absolute nightmare on McGregor Road. Yes, there has been roadworks for the last few months but nothing this bad. Basically one way in and one way out from McGregor Road, Park Boulevard and Webster Way, this is a joke. I think they should’ve thought about this before closing every route. Absolutely ridiculous.

BJ Clifford

Why cant they have two lanes running through to the freeway like they did when they were doing the opposite side?

Michael Porter

This is why Racecourse Road is a nightmare in the mornings. Today it took 16 minutes to get on the freeway from the Henry Street lights.

Pam Cartledge

Found that out today. Signs on the highway said Webster Way and Henry Road closed so thought I’d be able to get through McGregor Road as I did last week. Got there only to find McGregor Road closed but Henry Road open so had to go round the

Thumbs down To ongoing work in Officer.

Thumbs down

To people stealing recyclables out of people’s bins. It’s illegal.

block, back up to the highway and down to Racecourse Road which was bumper to bumper all the way until over the freeway.

Wish they’d update their signs.

Lee Murphy

It’s becoming impossible to get around Pakenham right now. Kooweerup Road is a mess, I think Main Street still has closures and now this.

Wayne Parkin

Racecourse Road is a nightmare every morning at the moment.

Residents were met with an icy shock on Wednesday 3 July, with frost covering windscreens and grass as the mercury dropped to below zero in some areas. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Adele Prudames

Minus 1.9 in Pakky Upper. Crunchy grass and iced water for the animals.

Russell Jackson

Leaving for work this morning, driving down Seven Mile Road in Nar Nar Goon at 5.45am, car says negative four. Glad my car has a good heater and I can park in garage overnight.

Sarah Finlay

My kids were backyard camping in it, a little frost on their swags. She was a cold one! But as ex-Tasmanians nothing we aren’t used to.

Thumbs down To no work in Lang Lang.

Thumbs down To the lazy dog owners who can’t pick up their dog’s mess when walking them, drop em off at a pound if you’re that lazy

Brenton Potter (left) and Emma McDonald (right) from Connected Libraries are with some of the Tiny Art. (Gary Sissons: 417225)

From left to right: Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, Melbourne City Football Club GM Ian Wilson, City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM and Casey Demons GM Peter Maynard. (Supplied)

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. We’re also removing dangerous and congested level crossings and building the Metro Tunnel.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

27 to 28 July

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

Main Street, Pakenham

McGregor Road, Pakenham

Caulfield to Westall

Until 17 JulyAt the rail bridge

Until 17 July 16 August to late September

17 July to 16 August

Freeway bound between Webster Way and the Princes Freeway

Freeway bound between Livingstone Boulevard and the Princes Freeway

17 July to 16 AugustAt the rail bridge

Ballarto Road, Carrum Downs and Skye Until December

Boggy Creek to Flora Park Way between Lyrebird and Greenwood Drive Webster Way, Pakenham

South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne East

Princes Freeway, Pakenham

Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East

Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham

Until late SeptemberAt McGregor Road

7am to 6pm, 9 to 12 JulyIn sections near Cameron Street

7pm to 5am, 9 to 11 July 15 to 19 July

7pm, 12 July to 5am, 15 July

7am to 6pm, 9 to 12 July

7pm to 5am, 12 to 14 July

Between Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road freeway ramps

Citybound freeway ramps at Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road

Narre Warren bound between Linsell Boulevard and Kingdom Drive

Between the Princes Freeway and Southeast Boulevard in both directions

5am to 7pm, 13 and 14 July Pakenham bound between the Princes Freeway and Southeast Boulevard

Nashos keep on giving back

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The National Servicemen’s Association SouthEast branch has again come to the fore with its 21st annual Christmas toy drive.

On Saturday 6 July, the ‘nashos’ - many of them in their 80s - delivered thousands of toys to The Salvation Army depot in Doveton.

Over the drive’s history, they’ve collected up to 150,000 toys for underprivileged kids across Victoria.

“It’s been a big thing over 21 years – there’s been a lot of money raised for new toys and a lot of toys donated,” NSA president Mike Smith said.

“The rule is to give toys that any other kid would love to have.”

The toy drive had grown out of a desire to “give back” to the Salvos.

The Salvos were there for the branch members while they were young men out of home for the first time and stationed at bases such as Puckapunyal during their National Service last century.

Some of the raw recruits needed help to write a letter home or even to make a cup of tea.

“The biggest problem with this organisation is the members are getting older. Most of us are in our eighties,” Mr Smith said.

“Even though our National Service was in the 1950s and ’60s, we’re still serving our community.

“But who knows - this could be the last one.”

Conserving elms in winter

By Violet Li

Community organisation Friends of the Tulliallan Elms had its Quarterly Friends Gathering on Sunday 7 July, centring on tree conservation.

The crowd gathered at Tulliallan Avenue of Elms in the early morning mist in Clyde North, starting with educational training by president Raavenan Jayaraman.

“After the training, I divided them into two teams, one team to pick up the litter. I asked the other team to label the trees because in March we labelled the trees with laminated paper and with the rain and everything, they came out,” Raavenan said.

“This time I bought the copper plate.They have a special copper plate to label trees from Bunnings.”

Bill Cook, former manager of Tulliallan

Farm, and Kowan Ward candidates Kasuni Mendis and Joby George joined the conservation as special guests.

As the group’s last tree conservation program was in March this year, Raavenan talked about experiences with elm trees in seasonal changes.

“The trees have now lost all the leaves, so you can see the true structure of them.What’s more visible is you can see where the bird nest is situated in the tree.

“It’s a bit of a cold, dark kind of winter image when you look at the trees. Winter goes and then you get autumn and then you get spring again. This is the cycle of life.

“To think that the trees have stood there for 124 years. How many cycles have they gone through and standing there? That’s amazing.”

National Servicemen’s Association president Mike Smith delivers thousands of Christmas toys to Major Warren Elliott from The Salvation Army. (Stewart Chambers: 413364)

Top left Stefan Marzec, top right Akhil Vinodkannan, bottom left Shantanu Kulkarni, bottom right Samthiya R. (416068)

Group photo of all attending. (Gary Sissons: 416068)

Stefan Marzec is picking up litter in the bush. (416068)

Dawn Cartwright with her puppy seeing eye dog in training. The dog is a Golden Retriever called Nadia. (416068)

L-R Akhil Vinodkannan, Stefan Marzec, Shantanu Kulkarni and Samthiya R. (416068)

Celebrate NAIDOC Week

Families joined the celebrations of NAIDOC Week at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne on Tuesday 9 July, despite the heavy rain. Taungarang women and Aboriginal artist Sammy Trist offered a range of culture-based art activities, including ochre-painted leaves and clay coolamon making, using traditional materials, markings and symbols.

Another interactive workshop saw Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung and storyteller Jaeden Williams guiding young people to embody the spirit of the Boonwurrung. Participants walked in the footsteps of ancestors through the traditional six seasons of the Boonwurrung through costumes and interactive storytelling.

Get up close and personal with snakes, lizards and more

Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale opened a new Reptile Centre on Thursday 4 July.

The newest attraction features a collection of venomous snakes, pythons, a freshwater crocodile, green tree frogs, and a diverse array of lizards in purpose-built reptile habitats.

Each habitat in the new centre has been meticulously designed to cater to the specific needs of its inhabitants.

With precise requirements for temperature, humidity, water quality, and lighting, the custom-built facility features seven climate-controlled zones that provide basking, climbing, and camouflage areas for very particular residents.

The enclosures replicate Southeastern Bushland, Central Australia, and the scrubland of Western Australia.

Nicola Craddock, executive director of the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA), joined the official opening of the centre.

“Our Reptile Centre represents a significant milestone in our mission to inspire and educate our guests about the critical role amphibians and reptiles play in our ecosystems,” Michael Johnson, owner and director of Moonlit Sanctuary, said.

“This new space highlights some of Australia’s wildlife that don’t always receive a lot of love but are crucial to our ecosystems.

“It allows us to continue our mission of strengthening the bond between humans and wildlife by providing access and education around a great range of fascinating reptiles and fostering an appreciation for them.”

L-R, Lachie, Aboriginal artist Sammy Trist, Liz and Maddie are working with ochre-painted leaves. (Stewart Chambers: 417709)

Skylar with ochre-painted leaves. (417709)

Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung and storyteller Jaeden Williams is guiding young people to embody the spirit of the Boonwurrung. (418005)

Angus and Austin on the day. (418005)

Lachie with ochre-painted leaves. (417709)

A new reptile enclosure opened at Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale on 4 July. L-R Chris Mall, Nicola Craddock, Michael Johnson, Lisa Tuthill and James Small. (Gary Sissons: 417219)

Some of the people are enjoying the new exhibit. (417219)

Green Tree Frog in the new reptile centre. (417219)

Crocodile in the new reptile centre. (417219)

Tiger Snake in the new reptile centre. (417219)

FOCUS ON … FAMILY BUSINESS

Safe, sound

Store It Safe is the newest of several self-storage facilities in our local area. It is owned and operated by the Embrey family, who have a rich history of land development and investment in Pakenham.

Queensland-born Earle Embrey at first followed his father’s footsteps into coal mining before moving to Victoria in 1967. An entrepreneur at heart, once Earle settled in the South-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, he tried his hand at all manner of different investment opportunities including vegetable farming, ostrich breeding, demolition and even building two caravan parks in Port Fairy and Cann River.

In 1987, needing a factory to manufacture demolition equipment, Earle and his wife Ann bought 11 acres between Mary Street, Mulcahy Street and Purton Road in Pakenham. With very little industrial activity in the shire at the time, the local council were very excited and supportive of the endeavour.

The site became home for an old Malcolm Moore crane factory, which Earle relocated from South Melbourne. Today, the complex houses Embrey Manufacturing and Country Truss.

In the late 1980s, Earle and Ann acquired a large parcel of industrial zoned land off Bald Hill Road along with residential land off Ahern Road. Earle created Embrey Court on the Bald Hill Road land complete with 18 factories that house local businesses today with the Ahern Road plot becoming a residential estate on Breyleigh Drive. After developing, subdividing and selling much of their land on the freeway side of Bald Hill Road, the family decided to build a premium state of the art self-storage facility, Store It Safe, on Hill Street in 2018. This was completed and opened in August 2023 and comprises 200 storage units ranging in

size from 9.3 to 120 square metres.

Sadly, Earle suffered a major stroke in 2021 and Earle’s eldest son David now manages the factories while son Scott, granddaughter Kye, and grandson-In-law Matt take care of and manage Store It Safe. Earle and Ann’s daughter Leighann now takes care of them full time.

What sets Store It Safe apart from many competitors is its fully automated, 24/7 access, complete with keyless entry all via the touch of a button on your phone. Simple, easy, and extra secure! What’s more, all the units feature direct driveway access and a clearance of at least 2.8 metres high.

Security is well covered with a 15-foothigh concrete wall around the entire facility, 62 CCTV cameras covering every inch of the complex and automatic ram protection bollards protecting the main gate. Store it safe is located at 30 Hill Street, Pakenham.

Pakenham number one spot for blinds and screens

At Pakenham’s Clarks Blinds and Screens, they understand the importance of providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for their clients seeking the best in a wide range of interior blinds, outdoor blinds, curtains and drapes, shutters and security.

Located on 2 Tango Circuit, Clarks expert team provide a showroom experience, professional consultations and on-site measurement and quoting. They even have a team of installers to make the entire process seamless.

A trusted family-owned established that has been servicing the South East and the Gippsland area for over 25 years, Clarks thrives by offering and tailoring solutions via an extensive product range and years of experience.

With a reputation for quality, they are a market leader integrating innovative technology into our blinds and screens, guaranteeing unmatched durability and convenience. While their team is more like ’family’ providing exceptional customer care.

No job is too big or small, they work with private homeowners to commercial property developers right through to schools. Whether it’s for your forever home or just a new security door for your furry friend, Clarks is there to help.

The business is always evolving with new products on offer like external folding arm awnings, Carbolite patio covers, canopies, and retractable awnings. These will be on display at their showroom soon.

Glenn and Luke of Clarks Blinds and Screens.

The Store it Safe family Ann, Scott, Earle (front), David and Leighann.

FOCUS ON … FAMILY BUSINESS

A true family business

Van Steensel Timbers, a family-owned business, has been a cornerstone of the community since 1965.

Founded by Jan Van Steensel, the business was passed down to his four sons who continue to uphold the tradition of quality and service established by their father.

The company now operates from two locations: the original store in Officer and a second location in Grantville, which opened in 1995.

Van Steensel Timbers caters to both DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople, offering a wide range of products including structural timber, hardwoods, sleepers, retaining wall steel, decking materials, posts and fencing, wire and mesh, cement and concrete mixes, roofing materials, paint, hand tools, power tools, and wood machining services.

The staff at Van Steensel Timbers bring extensive experience in the building industry, providing expert advice, help, and support to customers for their building projects.

This commitment to service and quality has kept the business thriving for nearly six decades.

Visit Van Steensel Timbers at their Officer location, 421 Princes Highway.

They are open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 7am to 12pm. For more information, call 5943 2371.

Van Steensel Timbers is a family-owned business.

KNOW TIMBER WE KNOW HARDWARE WE KNOW BUILDING MATERIALS FOR QUOTES CALL:5943 2371

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 7:00AM - 4:30PM SATURDAY: 7:00AM - 12:00PM SUNDAY (GRANTVILLE

WHAT’S ON

Food drive for asylum seekers

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Foodbank at the Refugee Resource Hub in Dandenong is hosting a food drive on Saturday 27 July from 10am to 2pm.

The organisation provides food to people seeking asylum who do not receive government support, with donations of basmati rice, canned vegetables (corn, peas, carrot and tomato), tuna in oil, coconut cream/milk, olive oil, biscuits, razors, deodorant, jam, honey or peanut butter welcome.

The drop-off location is at the rear of 205 Thomas Street in Dandenong (enter via the Oldham Lane car park).

· For more information, please contact Kate Quin at kate.q@asrc.org.au

Free financial safety advice for multicultural women

Financial counsellor Tracey Blythe will be providing free financial safety advice on Thursday 25 July from 10am to 12.30pm at Living and Learning in Pakenham.

Topics will include financial stress, financial contracts and your rights, financial lenders, infringements and fines, scams, financial abuse and where to get help.

There will be a light lunch following the presentation which will give women a chance to continue the discussion.

· To register, contact Living and Learning on 5941 2389.

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 oneto-one basis.

Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.

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.

Christmas in July 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.

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.

Melbourne-based antique valuer David Freeman will be in attendance from noon to 3.30pm to value items at $5 per item, (excluding stamps, coins and jewellery). The fair will be open to the public from 9am to 3.30pm, with a $5 entry fee for browsers, collectors and shoppers.

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.

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 Cranbourne.

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

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

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, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.

Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.

The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.

· For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

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 ifyou want to tap your feet and great afternoonteas, day/short and long trips away via (coach/ flights), Weekly Morning Coffee Club, Monthly Saturday Country Pub Lunches, Monthly Evening Dineouts, Weekly Table Tennis Club, Walking Groups, Seasonal Daytime Musical Theatre Outings, and more.

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

· For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.

NEWS Managing your priorities

Probably one of the most common excuses that you will hear for things not getting done is “I did not have time” but this is never actually true. We all have 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week and 52 weeks in a year, so there is always time, the question is how we use it. As the great Albert Einstein once said: “Time is relative; its only worth depends upon what we do as it is passing.”

Think about some of the most effective people you know, and you may well wonder how they manage to achieve so much within a particular timeframe when we struggle just to complete the basics. The answer is that these people are typically excellent at managing priorities.The same is true of course in business –those companies that set the correct priorities

TAKING CARE

IAN ASH OF BUSINESS

for the company will do better than those that don’t. However, here there is an extra level of complexity since for this to work, the priorities of everyone in the business need to align; let me demonstrate by means of an example.

Picture two boats (A and B) each with the goal to reach the flag on the opposite bank of the river before the other. Boat A has an excel-

lent coxswain and four average rowers. Boat B has an ordinary coxswain but four good rowers. When the starting gun is fired, which boat will reach the flag first? The answer will be A since the good coxswain will prioritise their time to ensure that the boat is correctly configured, all rowers are clear on the objective and that they row in unison. By comparison, the ordinary coxswain will not have done the necessary preparation nor be good at directing their team. It’s a bit like the difference a great coach can make to a sporting team. Okay so if prioritisation is important, how can this be done simply and easily? The first step is to list all the tasks that need to be considered in planning your time over a given period. For each task, you determine how im-

portant this task is and allocate a score in the range 1 to 5 where 1 = not that important and 5 = extremely important. Then do the same thing regarding each task’s level of urgency where 1 = not urgent and 5 = very urgent. You will then end up with a pair of numbers which should be multiplied together and captured in the ‘Result’ column. The higher the result number, the greater the need to focus on it. It is important to remember that the end result provides a guide on the sequence or order in which things should be done, you still need to apply some common sense to the actions you take.

Ian

Ash

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

The South Eastern Contemporary Art Network has opened its July exhibition – The Thin Red Line. Eighteen local artists were given a canvas on which a red line was already visible. The challenge was to then create an artwork around this line using only red, black and white. The free exhibition will be open to visitors every weekend throughout July at the Gate 6 Gallery and Studio at Akoonah Park in Berwick. Ray Al Batinni’s Monkey See, Monkey Do and Janine Farinski-Ryan’s piece For Sure are part of the exhibition. (Picture: supplied)

Funding shortfall

By Violet Li

Casey Council has revealed inadequate funding for library services and social support programs by the State and Federal Governments.

The council made a submission to the State Government’s Inquiry into Local Government funding and services.

The inquiry will look into the effects of cost-shifting from the State and Federal governments to local councils, the ability of local governments to meet core service delivery objectives, local government’s revenue structure, as well as whether these structures are sustainable and appropriate, and alternative models of funding.

“Escalating demands and expectations from the community and other levels of government, coupled with inflation and rising costs, have exposed the inadequacy of current funding mechanisms,” City of Casey chief executive officer Glenn Patterson said in the submission.

“This situation poses a significant risk to the long-term financial sustainability of councils and their ability to deliver core services, and to maintain and upgrade infrastructure, in line with population growth and community expectations.”

The submission first highlighted a funding gap for Casey’s library services.

Currently, Casey Council provides 78 per cent of Connected Libraries’ ongoing funding per year, while the State Government’s contribution has remained static over recent years even with great population growth in Casey.

Council noted that the funding dropped by 6 per cent over the past two decades.

“In 1998, state funding sat at 28 per cent. Currently, state funding sits at 22 per cent,” the submission stated.

“If the percentage of funding was the same now as it was in the late 1990s, council would have approximately $600,000 more state funding in 2024- enough to fund another branch.”

Council has already identified a large demand for new library branches in the growth areas in Casey.

Connected Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino submitted a letter for additional funding before this year’s State Budget as part of the advocacy campaign by Public Libraries Victoria, the peak body for public libraries in Victoria.

Together with other public libraries across the state, Ms Luppino has been calling for an increase to the Public Libraries Funding Program of $15 million over three years.

“Victorians are looking for libraries to open for longer, expand online services, deliver more literacy sessions and education programs, and make more books and other resources available for loan,” she stated.

“ButVictorian Government funding for public libraries has been falling in real terms for years. It is not keeping pace with inflation nor this demand for library services, especially as our population grows.

“Giving people the opportunity of lifelong learning, access to the Internet, a sense of belonging and social connection, is only fair.”

The submission also highlighted an absence of State and Federal funding streams that en-

hance social cohesion.

The council estimated a shortfall of about $3.5 million in funding over 10 years. Council’s current Community Service Organisation (CSO) funding pool sits at $350,000. It provides the recipient organisation with up to $40,000 per year for three years.

Council noted that almost all applicants were seeking the maximum amount of funding each year just to maintain their program or service at current levels because other sources of operational funding had been unavailable.

“Casey’s community services sector is strong, capable, and resilient; however, is unable to meet not only the volume of service demand but also the diverse needs of emerging populations and the complexity of their needs,” the council stated in the submission.

“Increased demand is resulting in long waiting lists, service rationing, short-term solutions and the most vulnerable missing out.

“Council has more than 80 community facilities available for hire at subsidised community rates, but in a rapidly growing community with significant and diverse needs, it is not possible to provide facilities that suit every organisation,” City of Casey manager of active communities Angie Peresso pointed out.

“Council assists wherever possible to build capacity and partner with organisations that help address support service gaps and priorities and the recently endorsed CSO Growth and Attraction Framework endeavours to strengthen the community service sector in Casey.”

Fatal crash

A driver has been charged over a a fatal car crash in Tooradin, in which a Dandenong man died at the scene.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives charged a 38-year-old Clyde North man with dangerous driving causing death over the Saturday 6 July incident.

Police allege he lost control of a silver 2009 Jeep Wrangler travelling south on South Gippsland Highway just after 8.30pm.

The vehicle left the road at Baxter Tooradin Road before rolling.

A rear seat passenger, a 32-year-old Dandenong man, died at the scene.

The driver and a 34-year-old Officer man in the front passenger seat were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The charged man faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 July, and was bailed to reappear on 9 December.

Any information, CCTV or dashcam footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Millions flow

The WAYSS Casey Project has received a total approved funding amount of $5.7 million for the creation of 48 safe spaces to support women and children in the City of Casey.

Located in Narre Warren, the project is part of the Federal Government’s $100 million announcement in 2022 for the Safe Places Inclusion Round, in conjunction with the National Plan to EndViolence againstWomen and Children 2022-2032.

Bruce MP Julian Hill said that WAYYS does “excellent work assisting people who are homeless or at risk or experiencing family violence”.

“This new Commonwealth funding will allow them to continue their exemplary record of supporting the most vulnerable in our community,” he said.

The $5.7 million was announced on Tuesday 9 July by the minister for social services Amanda Rishworth, and is part of the overall 720 new safe spaces for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

It also builds on the $72.6 million that was previously allocated to the Safe Places Emergency Accomodation Program.

“Violence against women and children is without question a national crisis,” Mr Hill said.

“Too many women in Australia are living in fear, and too many are dying from violence.

“The government is determined to find solutions – including the Safe Places Emergency Program.”

Successful projects are expected to commence in the coming months, with all projects to be completed by June 2027.

Connected Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino submitted a letter for additional funding before this year’s State Budget. (Supplied)

City of Casey chief executive officer Glenn Patterson said escalating demands and expectations from the community and other levels of government, coupled with inflation and rising costs, have exposed the inadequacy of current funding mechanisms. (Gary Sissons: 206237)

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I’m a baker, and sometimes I come up with the most unique and unusual cake designs. I also write songs and poetry and quotes. Many of works have been published both in Australia and overseas.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love building children’s self-esteem and confidence. My relationship with the families is the core aspect of my job, as I believe parents are a child’s first teacher.

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

I would be a wolf. “A wolf’s strength lies not only in its powerful presence but in its unyielding spirit and the unwavering loyalty to its pack.”

What was your most memorable moment?

When I got married to the man of my dreams. What were you like as a kid?

I was creative and a dreamer. I dreamed big and imagined myself accomplishing many things as an adult.

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

I would love to witness the first moon landing in 1969. Watching humanity take its first steps on the lunar surface would be an awe-inspiring and monumental moment in history. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

· Leonardo da Vinci - To discuss his incredible inventions and artistic masterpieces.

· Marie Curie - To learn about her groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

· Maya Angelou - To be inspired by her poetry and wisdom.

· Albert Einstein - To explore his revolutionary ideas in physics.

· Jane Austen - To talk about her timeless novels and the society she lived in.

with Wida Tausif

Wida Tausif recently won the Victorian Afghan Association Network’s Refugee Award, and shared her story of battling discrimination through her books.

· Nelson Mandela - To hear about his journey and insights on leadership and resilience. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OCCUPY AND INVEST

An unrivalled location on the corner of Station Street and Rossiter Road in the heart of Koo Wee Rup. The site of 118m2, offers the unique opportunity to occupy one premises, while receiving an income from the other with an established tenancy in place.

The site benefits from the following features:

• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew

• Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises

• Prominent corner location

• Rear shared car park

Address: 275 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup Floor Area: 118m² | Category: Retail

For more information or an inspection, please contact:

Shannon Hynd | 0499 980 100

Commercial Department Manager

Todd McKenna | 0418 391 182

Managing Director

THREE … ways to contribute to

Creative, ambitious, and never give up. What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’? Long road trips with loud music.

NEWS

1

Reduce energy consumption: Simple actions such as turning off lights, devices and other appliances that consume electricity when not in use can make a significant impact in the long run, not just in terms of advocacy, but also as a form of saving.

2

Promote and participate in sustainable practices: Getting involved with local community projects such as tree planting, community gardens or local clean-up events is a good way to advocate for sustainability.

3

Adopt renewable energy sources: If possible, switching to an energy provider that offers renewable energy options is a good step forward, as well as installing solar panels and investing in home energy storage as a way to reduce your own carbon footprint.

New look for the reserve

Works have commenced at the Ray Bastin Reserve to transform it into a revitalised regional park, with upgrades to the existing playground equipment, skate park and BMX track.

The $3.1 million redevelopment project will also include a range of active and passive experiences, such as a fitness circuit and fitness equipment, including a dedicated area for older adults, and a multi-use court with both netball and basketball rings.

The City of Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said that the transformation of the reserve “reflects council’s commitment to providing amenities for the community to be active, healthy and connected”.

Other new amenities also include a barbecue, picnic space with shelters and seating and upgrades to the existing public toilets.

Minister for Planning and Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny said that “we’re investing in community wellbeing by supporting local councils to build new and improved facilities in our fastest growing suburbs”.

“We’re building better places for people to live, work and connect with one another and supporting thriving communities.”

The council received $1.6 million in funding from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, as well as $250,000 from Sports and Recreation through the Local Sport Infrastructure Fund; with the council contributing $1.495 million to the project.

Ms Duff added that the council “extensively engaged” with the community during its planning to ensure that the project met the locale’s requirements and suggestions.

This included talks with senior community

members who provided input into the exercise equipment, including discussions with Aboriginal Elder’s reference groups to assist with formulating the park’s connection to Country “which will be realised through native vegetation landscaping, play elements and reflection spaces”.

NarreWarren North MP BelindaWilson said that the upgrade will be a “fantastic asset” for the rapidly growing community, “providing safer and more inclusive outdoor spaces residents can enjoy for years to come”.

The overall Growing Suburbs Fund is a $440 million state government investment over 10 years that has since provided $1.3 billion of critical local infrastructure in LGAs like the City of Casey, with an additional $5 million from the 2024-25 state budget.

(Stewart Chambers: 416548)

Noelene Duff PSM (left) and Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson (right) stand beside a sign with details of the reserve’s upgrade. (Supplied)

Angler tributes flow

Community members gathered around Frankston Pier in the early morning on Saturday 6 July to pay tribute to an allegedly murdered Cranbourne North fisherman.

The 45-year-old Andres Pancha was found unresponsive at the pier and died at the scene on 29 June, following an alleged attack by 36-year-old Forrest Stevenson of no fixed address.

The bereaved family has launched a fundraising in memory of Mr Pancha.

“Andres was a kind and gentle soul, known for his love of nature and his passion for fishing. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives,” the fundraising page noted.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support and condolences from friends and community members during this incredibly difficult time.

Your kindness and prayers mean the world to us as we navigate this tragedy.

“In honour of Andres’ memory, we ask that you keep his spirit alive by cherishing your loved ones and spreading kindness wherever you go.”

To help, visit gofundme.com/f/andres-pancha

FOR KIDS 6 MONTHS & UP!

More than 100 community members showed up at the vigil. (417618)

Andres Pancha was remembered as a kind and gentle soul. (417618)

Vigil for Cranbourne North fisherman Andres Pancha. (Gary Sissons: 417618)

Newsroom comes to life

By Ethan Benedicto

The goal has always been integration, advocacy and most of all a helping hand, for people with disabilities with Umbrella Support, and the same notion stands with their new Hellow Media program set to begin on Thursday 18 July.

A team of the support group’s participants will take to the streets of Berwick and surrounds with the goal of interviewing local organisations and community groups, much akin to reporters’ news packages for the daily night-time news.

Most importantly however, according to the group’s director, Cindy Warren, Hellow Media is all about working on their participants’ “skill building and confidence, all while having fun”, and that is “the core”, not just of the program, but Umbrella Support as a whole.

“All 12 of our participants are person[s] living with a disability and they are going to be the ones that are going to shine in this news program.

“It’s important for anyone that lived with a disability, to, one, be treated equally and two, to be allowed to participate in an inclusive environment,” Ms Warren said.

The 12 participants, with the aid of support workers, will be piecing together an entire news program which will be uploaded to the group’s upcoming YouTube channel at a dedicated schedule, complete with video cameras, lights, backdrops and so on.

Modelled after a traditional newsroom, the group will also have their own studio complete with more cameras and a teleprompter, following the process of script-writing, allocating video packages, interviews and more.

“The idea came from my love of presenting and thinking to myself, these guys would be absolutely amazing doing this,” Ms Warren said.

“I know that they’re going to do so well and to watch them build those skills and confidence is going to be amazing.”

Ms Warren has been working on disability services for over 19 years, and prior to starting Umbrella Support, was managing a team in the NDISemploymentskillsandpreparationspace.

For her, Umbrella emphasises acknowledging the different paces of progress, with a tailored approach focusing on encouragement and celebrating wins no matter how small.

However, the first time for everything will always cause nervousness; nevertheless, Ms Warren is confident in the participants’ abilities, saying that “they just need someone with

them that understands their disability”.

“[Someone] that’s able to read the room and just say, ‘okay maybe we need to try this method instead’.”

The step of being uneasy and unfamiliar is a critical one, that“just being uncomfortable is a tick of a goal”.

“Just to maybe leave the classroom and then head out on a location can be that someone meeting their goal.

“Gradually what happens is the excitement builds within the group and someone that’s less confident might [initially] say ‘someone else go interview someone’, but then think ‘okay maybe I might just go along next time’,” she said.

The program, while “different”, retains the organisation’s overall initiative of promoting advocacy and integration of people with disabilities in society, this time through the delivery of community news.

The program aims to focus on local initiatives, with plans to reach out to groups such as the Berwick Neighbourhood Centre, the Cranbourne FoodTruck and other similar groups in the near future.

At the same time, there are plans to feature the participants themselves with what Ms Warren termed as their side hustles, from baking cookies to making hair products; light feature stories that allow them to ease into the process and once more, be confident with the camera and ultimately with themselves.

“I’m so excited about this, not only for Umbrella Support but more so for the participants who don’t realise yet how many skills they’re going to gain from this programme,” Ms Warren said.

Of course, it’s also about building stronger relationships with the support workers, “encouraging them to let them know that they’re in a safe environment with us”.

The team received up-to-date training from affiliated Channel 9 presenters, with Ms Warren herself undergoing media training from seasoned TV personality Shelly Horton to prepare for the project.

“It’s that feeling of excitement and accomplishment when they have actually done it that brings us so much joy because we watch them step up, and up and up.”

Currently, Umbrella Support runs a radio show every Thursday called Disability Matters, where they speak on the participants’ challenges, overcoming them and what it’s like living with a disability; moving forward, they hope to share similar messages through this new endeavour.

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Cindy Warren, director of Umbrella Support and alongside her team underwent extensive media training in preparation for the new project. (Supplied)

Slow starts cost lazy Lions

By Marcus Uhe

A slow jump out of the blocks cost Pakenham dearly in its Outer East Football Netball Premier Division football clash with Narre Warren on Saturday.

Sound familiar? You’re not mistaken.

A disappointing trend has developed for the Lions in 2024, with three of its most costly losses seeing a major deficit at the first change of ends.

They gave their neighbours Officer a 22-point head start in round three, Olinda Ferny Creek kicked five of the first six in round six, and on Saturday they regrouped after a goalless first term, having conceded five. And it was their own mistakes that cost them time and again.

A dropped mark from ruck Cooper Reilly in the middle of the ground that resulted in a turnover and goal to Will Howe.

A spoil back into play on the goal line for Sam Toner to double his own tally.

A 25-metre penalty that helped Narre Warren to move the ball the length of the ground without difficulty.

The Lions barely entered their forward 50 in the opening quarter, and didn’t look like disturbing the goal umpire when they did so.

It meant chasing tail for the remainder of the afternoon, a task they could not complete, going down 3.6 24 to 9.10 64.

“In the first term we let them get run off half back, their half-forwards pushed up high and got around the ball, but we didn’t counter that,” Carbis said.

“They’re a smart footy team and have been doing it for years.

“Our blokes took too long and before you know it, there are a few goals on the scoreboard.

“I think we were three goals down at one stage in the first quarter and thought ‘that’s not too bad,’ but then there were a couple of late ones and that costs you.”

While the remainder of the game was an even fight, an even fight was not sufficient in reeling in the lead.

They stuck diligently to their approach and intended game style of maintaining possession and switching the ball to the opposite wing, denying the Magpies possession and the chance to whisk the ball away with devastating effect.

The problem was that the Magpies were as aware of it as they were, and shifted their defence accordingly to counter the approach.

It forced the Lions to take risks in the corridor, with their skills not up to the task.

Howe kicked his second late in the term following a Jacob Mutimer intercept at half back, as the Magpies swung into counter attacking mode at the drop of a hat.

Jai Rout finally put Pakenham on the board in the shadows of half time, and for all of the

Magpies’ ascendency, it was only a five-goal lead at the break.

It was reward for a stoic effort from the Lions, and gave them a chance at mounting a comeback in the second half.

It could be argued that the game was on Pakenham’s terms, yet it was the Magpies in control.

The first goal of the half loomed large, and the Magpies struck first through Toner.

Hamish West in space makes for a dangerous combination, as his run down the wing and link with Jesse Davies resulted in the ball in the hands of the young star.

James Harrison answered back, following his kick from the prevailing centre clearance and earning a free kick for a high tackle, but Davies kicked another late in the quarter

Popular Sans set for 150 games for Pakky Warriors

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Pakenham’s Ebony Sans is set to bring up her 150th game in the Warriors’ triple header at Cardinia Life on Saturday.

Sans will be in action for the championship women at 8pm in a must-win game against Sherbrooke.

Coach Rob Dielemans praised her leadership ahead of the milestone.

“She’s a maturing player getting better all the time,” Dielemans said.

“She brings leadership and energy as well as her playing ability which are the things you really cherish.

“She brings the ability to score and to defend.

“She can defend three to five quite comfortably, plays off the bounce well and is generally in the right spots at the right times.

“People like to play with her which is a credit to her.

“She’s one of those people who will turn around and pick someone up, make sure they’re alright and that’s a classy person

“Hopefully we can play really well for Eb and honour what she brings to the clubshe’s also a fantastic young coach and gives back so much to the club.”

The youth men kick off the triple header with a fixture against Western Port at 4pm, followed by the women against Albury Wodonga at 6pm.

entry.

A family feud between the Stewarts and the Toners ignited deep in the final term, but that was the only semblance of spark on a chilly winter afternoon.

Carbis took positives from the ability to restrict Narre Warren after the first break, and credited his midfielders in making necessary adjustments.

But after seven losses in a row, it’s too late to be plucking positives, and not pocketing points.

“As a coach, we’ve got to look at, they could have won by 10 goals and then you’re really in the doldrums, so what you’ve got to take out of it is ‘we were in the game for three quarters against them’ so we’ve got take that positive.

“You’ve got to keep the boys up and look for the little wins, and I think they’ve seen that, so now we’ve got to start beating the teams around us.”

Resisting the temptation to make drastic changes, Carbis says he can see the wheel turning, and asked his players to maintain faith.

Validation isn’t coming in the form of victories, but being tough to play against is a start.

“We’re trying to play a certain way and I keep telling them that they need to stick to it, because sometimes we have it and Woori Yallock get hold of us.

“In the last quarter against Upwey Tecoma, we didn’t, and they beat us.

“That’s the challenge, and they’re starting to believe in it through vision.

“We’re getting there, and what are we going to do? Shut up shop and play a boring brand of footy, or go out there, try to win and play a good brand of footy we’ll enjoy? It’s a pretty easy one to answer.

“The thing that would normally happen especially against Narre Warren is that you would throw the towel in and they’d win by 12 goals.

thanks to some slick work from Kurt Murtimer.

West and Mutimer could hit the critical inside 50 kicks where Pakenham couldn’t, en route to easy scoring chances for their teammates and a 38-point three-quarter-time lead.

Pakenham strung together its best piece of play for the afternoon early in the final term, finally transitioning the ball the length of the ground after kick out in Narre Warren-esque fashion.

Sam Kors was the beneficiary, capitalising on a rare scoring chance given the ball lived in their back half for much of the quarter.

It only resulted in one goal - a second to Davies – as Jordan Stewart, Lochlan Menzel and Jaiden Camenzuli repelled entry after

“For us, not to happen today, that’s a sign of resilience and this team is starting to build that.”

Harrison’s return from a sprained ankle was a success, as was Stewart’s move behind the ball, who played one of his better games for the season.

Menzel and Rhys Clacy, meanwhile, held their own in head-to-head match ups with Sam Toner and Kurt Mutimer, respectively. For the Magpies, it was a return to winning ways, but bigger fish await for the black and white fryer.

A fortnight at home against Emerald and Officer is next on the schedule before the Split Round break, ahead of a mouth-watering clash with Wandin that could determine top two seeding.

West, Joel Zietsman and Corey Bader were among the Magpies’ bests.

Ebony Sans’ leadership and energy were praised by her coach. (Stewart Chambers: 413421)

Narre Warren’s Sam Toner gets the better of Lochlan Menzel in this aerial contest. (Stewart Chambers: 417442)

Lions push Magpies

By Marcus Uhe

A spirited effort from Pakenham against a competition heavyweight was not enough for the brave Lions to overcome the all-conquering Narre Warren at home in the Outer East Football Netball A Grade netball competition on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions fought hard for three quarters but lacked the shooting prowess and depth of talent across the court that the Magpies wield, going down 57-50 under grey skies at Toomuc Reserve.

Erin Bell returned to the starting lineup for the Magpies and it was clear that both sides had made her a focus.

With a height advantage over Caitlin Cooke, Chelsea Tonna and the remaining Magpies looked to find Bell with every opportunity close to the net, with the veteran displaying all her professional nous in a brilliant display of post-play in the goal circle.

Cooke looked to have her hands full, but received great support from further up the court in an effort to limit the number of passes into the goal circle, and Charlize Reid switched onto her when the opportunities came.

Tonna, meanwhile, was afforded space by the Pakenham defensive pair to shoot in an effort to keep the ball out of Bell’s hands

Jordyn Adams and Millicent Utber played critical roles in the midcourt, as Adams showed what is quickly become a trademark ability of hers to intercept opposition passes in flight.

Pakenham’s shooters, in Kelly Cousins and Charlotte Hudolin, lacked the supply of their counterparts in black and white, but took the chances when they came.

Pakenham led 16-14 at the first break before Narre Warren found their groove in an impressive second term.

Sophie Hennessey’s energy and height on the wings gave the Magpies a point of difference in a quarter where they outscored the hosts 15-10.

A six-minute period where Narre Warren scored nine of 10 goals flipped the score from 18-16 in Pakenham’s favour to a 20-27 Narre Warren lead, but Pakenham closed strong to make it just a three-goal margin at the long break.

The third term was a goal-for-goal affair, with Pakenham refusing to defer to the reigning champions despite their standing and status.

Pakenham coach Matthew Cooke moved Adams to goal defence and used the smaller but quicker Kaitlyn Jones in the middle.

Adams’ size helped to combat Bell and Grace Ioelu in the Narre Warren goal circle but not enough to make major inroads in the scoreline.

While the third quarter margin never stretched beyond five goals, Pakenham could not close the gap to smaller than two.

Narre Warren took a five goal lead into the final term, and did their best to shut the door on the prospect of an upset with a dominant opening to the fourth quarter.

Six of the quarters first seven goals went in the Magpies’ net as they raced out to a gamehigh 10-goal lead after six minutes.

The Lions fought the contest out to the end and outscored the Magpies in the quarter after the initial onslaught, but failed to reel the lead in, falling seven goals short.

While not the final result that the Lions would have wanted, the performance will no doubt fill Cooke and the coaching staff with confidence heading into the back half of the season with a favourable draw that does not feature contests with Wandin or Mt Evelyn.

Erin Bell finished with 32 goals for Narre Warren, with Hennessey and Brittany Mashado among the Magpies’ best.

One of the most significant contests of the season, however, took place at Mt Evelyn between the Rovers and Bulldogs, where the Rovers suffered a second consecutive loss.

With scores tied at 43-apiece between two of the competition’s best sides, Wandin scores four of the final six goals to reverse a threequarter-time deficit into a two-goal win.

Mt Evelyn led for much of the first half and even held a six-goal lead late in the first term,

but an even second half saw the lead change ownership a number of times in a tense battle.

Mt Evelyn dropped to third on the table as a result of the back-to-back losses, now a game and half now 1.5 games back from Wandin in second place.

Wandin and Narre Warren appear destined for a top-two finish and a first week off, barring a series of upsets in the closing six weeks of competition.

Pakenham’s loss and Monbulk’s low-scoring win over Upwey Tecoma sees the Hawks leapfrog Pakenham into fourth place, now two points clear of the Lions in fourth.

Elsewhere, a monster 56-goal haul from Kaylah Loulanting helped Emerald to a 70-44 win over Olinda Ferny Creek at home.

It’s the seventh-highest individual scoring haul from any A-Grade player in 2024 and the first score of 50 or more for Loulanting in what has been a stunning maiden year in Premier Division A-Grade that has her in contention for the leading goalscorer award come season’s end.

ROC’s finals chances took a major hit thanks to a 56-50 loss to Woori Yallock, leaving them now three games back from sixth-placed Emerald, and Gembrook Cockatoo secured a first win since round two in a 49-23 result over Berwick Springs.

Impressive youth team lock in top spot

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Pakenham has locked in top spot on the Big V youth league two ladder with a clinical 113-44 win over Southern Peninsula.

A 13-2 finish to the second quarter effectively iced the game, extending the margin to 33 as Pakenham’s experience and strength shone through from the outset.

Steals and dunks were themes of a dominant third quarter, which contained a 20-point run.

An Ethan Small steal started it off, with Kaleb Beveridge the beneficiary after an 11-point first half.

Then it was Hayden Melsen, with the steal, fast break and first dunk of his Big V career.

Aaron Small followed that up with a steal and layup and then the uber-reliable Beveridge got his second dunk of the quarter.

Overall, the Warriors finished with 16 steals to four, relentlessly punishing their inexperienced opponents’ clumsy ball handling.

Kaleb Beveridge led the scoring with 21 points, while Luke Rawiri scored 13 off the bench in his return game.

The size of the Warriors was also too much to handle as they finished with 54 rebounds to

30, and gave themselves 10 more repeat looks than their opposition.

A pair of Ethan Small threes late in the game capped off the clinical win.

No Steve, no worries Predators

By Marcus Uhe

The depth of the Predators is proving to be a scary prospect for fellow South West Gippsland Dart League sides on the home straight towards the looming finals campaign, not missing a beat despite the absence of their star player. With Steve not available for selection on Tuesday night, it was left to Jordan and Nathan to carry the load against former champions Just Social, a task they executed with aplomb.

Jordan threw eight tons to climb into fourth place on the tons leaderboard, taking his total for 2024 to 69, and Nathan contributed four as the Predators comfortably handled Just Social in a 11-4 win, a fifth in a row for the secondplaced Predators.

Remaining on top of the pile, however, remains Snipers, taking their unbeaten run to 15 matches with an 11-4 result over 26ers.

Mud Rats made it five wins in a row by getting the better of Bullseyes 10-5, but a two-win gap remains between the Rats and Cheers.

Cheers made it back-to-back shutouts, holding Generals scoreless in a 15-0 hammering, spearheaded by a second 180 for Ant in 2024.

Elsewhere, Gembrook’s up-anddown season continues, with round 16 offering an up, in the form of a narrow 8-7 win over Fore.

Seven tons for Doug was just the tonic for the Brookers, who climbed back to seventh place on the table, leapfrogging 26ers.

Results R16: Mus Rats 10 v Bullseyes 5, Dart Vaders 14 v Dart Attack 1, Gembrook 8 v Fore 7, Cheers 15 v Generals 0, Predators 11 v Just Social 4, Snipers 11 v 26ers 4, Railway 10 v Hoodies 5. Ladder: Snipers 64, Predators 60, Cheers 56, Mud Rats 48, Dart Vaders 44, Just Social 36, Gembrook 36, 26ers 32, Fore 20, Railway 20, Generals 16, Bullseyes 12, Dart Attack 4, Hoodies 0.

Fixture R17: Predators (2) v Bullseyes (12), Mud Rats (4) v Snipers (1), Just Social (6) v Dart Vaders (5), 26ers (8) v Hoodies (14), Dart Attack (13) v Gembrook (7), Railway (10) v Cheers (3), Fore (9) v Generals (11).

Undefeated 18 games into the season, Pakenham is set to face a sterner test againstWestern Port on Saturday, with Jarred Small likely to return from injury.

Luke Rawiri (left) returned seamlessly from injury, while Ethan Small (right) made two threes late in the game. (Stewart Chambers: 410429)

Jordan and Nathan from Predators had their eyes locked on the target on Tuesday night. (Supplied: 142598)

Erin Bell was the centre of attention in Narre Warren’s win over Pakenham. (Rob Carew: 399539)