News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 18th July 2024

Rainfall causes flooding

tions

and homes across Pakenham. A total of 15.2 millimetres of rain was recorded on Monday 15 July, followed by 41 millimetres recorded on Tuesday 16 July. Full story page3

Thefts increase

In just a year, thefts from vehicles have spiked by over 10 per cent throughout Cardinia with number plates being the primary target.

In the year ending March 2024, Cardinia recorded a 13 percent increase in reports of thefts from motor vehicles compared to the previous year. The number is still two per cent below pre-pandemic levels.

Number plates were the most common stolen item in reports, presenting renewed attention on residents getting their own secured.

These thefts are critical for police as number plates are primarily taken for offenders to avoid identification when committing serious offences, such as petrol thefts, drug trafficking and burglary.

Victoria Police and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria run their ‘The Great Safe Plates Blitz’ initiative to help residents secure their plates.

Last month they landed at Bunnings in Pakenham for a ‘safe plate day’.

The day was organised to help educate the community on the increase in theft of number plates and fit anti-theft screws to number plates.

At the safe plate day, 176 sets of number plates were fitted with anti-theft screws over a 4-hour period achieving a state record for that time period.

Anti-theft screws make it significantly harder to remove an item as it can only be done with a specific special tool.

As part of the blitz, free anti-theft screws are being given out by local police at Pakenham, Emerald, Bunyip and Kooweerup stations. They can also be purchased at hardware stores, petrol stations and automotive stores.

Police also advise parking a vehicle in secure and well-lit areas such as a locked garage or in a driveway with an active sensor light.

Residents can report stolen plates to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Cardinia Creek was flooded on the corner of Beaconsfield Avenue

Vale to Pakenham icons

tireless worker.

Ms Young died on Saturday 6 July at 99-years-old.

It’s hard to separate the Pakenham Football Club from Ms Young who served the club for a large chunk of its history - service that earned her a life membership.

She lived in Pakenham ever since she was eight-years-old when she resided within the old police station with her siblings, as their father Jim Marshall was the sole police officer for the town at the time.

She married Percy Young and would have three children Stanley, Rhonda and Daryl.

Her age never seemed to falter her sharpness and persistence, she was also an avid member of St James Anglican Church Guildalways up for the early Saturday morning bake sales.

In 1993, she received an award of appreciation from the Rotary Club of Pakenham for service to the community.

Her final birthday earlier this year was celebrated at The Railway Hotel, in the function room named after her son - the Stan Young Room.

ThelmaYoung is survived by children Rhonda, Stanley and Daryl. She has nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Her burial service will be held on Thursday 18 July from 10am at Pakenham Cemetery. Reflecting on a Pakenham pioneer Much of what modern Pakenham is now would not exist in the same way without Meryl Waterhouse, as her influence on the area can be seen far and wide.

The community has lost one of its greatest pioneers with the recent passing of Meryl at the age of 77.

Many people from across the area and members of her family have reflected on her tenacity and passion for volunteering and supporting others.

Meryl Waterhouse was born on 12 September 1946 in Bairnsdale.

Despite living next to each other for years in Pakenham, Meryl and Keith first met on a blind date before marrying in June 1967.

However, her life changed with the birth of her first child Bradley in 1971, then again with her daughter Jodie in 1974.

Meryl was also a key committee member with the Yakkerboo Festival from 1977 to 1990, even being named as ’MrsYakkerboo’ one year.

Meryl was one of the foundation members of the Pakenham Garden Club, as well as a convenor of the Cardinia Diabetes Awareness Group, a member of the Berwick-Pakenham Historical Society, president of the Deep Creek Landcare group from 2001 to 2011, and a member of the Cardinia Environmental Coalition.

She passed away peacefully after a long illness on Thursday 4 July.

She is survived by her loving husband Keith, daughter Jodie and her four grandchildren, Joshua, Bethany, Hannah and Matilda.

Mourning a sporting legend

The community is remembering the contribution of a local stalwart after the recent passing of Ian Bell.

Mr Bell died at the age of 71 in Barnawartha on Friday 5 July, near Wodonga where he and his wife Theresa retired several years ago.

Formerly of Pakenham, he is being remembered as a stalwart of Pakenham Football Club and Pakenham Bowls Club.

Even though he was known for loathing the cold, he and his wife had many early weekend

rises and weekday evenings spent for the winter sport.

His son Ryan Bell remembers him having the title of ‘King of the Barbecue’ for his mean egg and bacon sandwiches, something he was ‘pretty chuffed’ about.

He also coached some of the junior sides, bringing the under 14s to a premiership in 1999.

Easy to befriend, Mr Bell was always outgoing and social. His children tended to dislike going to shops as their father or mother would always bump into people that would inevitably extend to long chats.

When Mr Bell was 65 he would retire and move to Barnawartha with Theresa.

Ian Bell is survived by wife Theresa and children Ryan, Scott, Carly and Aaron.

Thelma Young with family at the Stan Young Rooms. From left: Daryl Young, Marnie Young, Stanley Hooper, Stan Young, Shirley Ferguson and Thelma Young. (File: 197113)

Meryl Waterhouse. (Supplied)

Ian Bell. (File: 13927)

NEWS Floods chaos hits region

The Pakenham State Emergency Service (SES) unit was kept busy earlier this week, as flood conditions impacted roads and homes across Pakenham.

A total of 15.2 millimetres of rain was recorded on Monday 15 July, followed by 41 millimetres recorded on Tuesday 16 July.

Pakenham SES unit network and partnerships manager Rachel Violi said the unit had received about 15 requests for assistance over Monday night and throughout Tuesday.

“There was a large tree blocking both lanes across Healesville-Kooweerup Road/Pakenham Road,“ she said.

“It took two crews to chop it up and remove it from the road and traffic had to be diverted.“

Ms Violi said other incidents included multiple callouts for water damage to homes, smaller trees down and over roads and incidents where people had attempted to drive through flood waters.

“VICSES Pakenham is always ready to help and support our local community when they need us most, not matter the time or day or the conditions,“ she said.

“Never drive through flood water during or after a storm, it’s not worth the risk.

“Volunteer and join us, there us a role for everyone at VICSES.“

Beaconsfield commuters were also disrupted due to flood conditions, with the rail underpass along Beaconsfield Avenue closed.

Other flood conditions impacted the level of the Bunyip River at Cora Lynn, whihc was at 4.24 metres onTuesday evening, exceeding the Minor Flood Level (3.10 metres).

Minor flooding in the Bunyip River catchment affected low-lying areas adjacent to the waterway, with the ford at Cora Lynn closed to traffic.

Members appreciate Pakenham’s new station

Members of Officer’s Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar (SGND) paid a special visit to Pakenham Station.

Last Monday 8 July, families toured the stations to appreciate the massive work put into the project as well as teach kids about the importance of public transport.

“Everyone should go and look at the beautiful station and the new East Pakenham Station, they are community assets and we should be proud of them,” member of SGND, Harpreet Kandra said.

The kids enjoyed the tour to understand aspects of project management, the materi-

als used, sustainability and safety dimensions of the new station.

While they were also taught to appreciate public transport and the importance of reducing car usage.

“A lot of people have been diverged because of this project, but once you see the result it is easy to see it was worth it,” Kandra said.

“I wanted to connect them to public transport and why we should use it as responsible citizens, if more of us used trains than our cars it would be better for the environment and mean less congestion on our roads.”

Members of Officer’s Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar at Pakenham Station. (Supplied)

The rail crossing along Beaconsfield Avenue was closed following the flooding. (Stewart Chambers: 419634)

Cardinia Creek at Soldiers Road. (Stewart Chambers: 419634)

A large tree fell, blocking both lanes across Healesville-Kooweerup Road and Pakenham Road. (Supplied)

Cardinia Creek. (Stewart Chambers: 419634)

Two crews helped remove the large tree. (Supplied)

Data breach affects locals

By Violet Li

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria’s external contact centre was hacked with thousands of customers’ information stolen, including those of Casey residents who reported odour pollution around the Hallam Road landfill and SBI landfill in the past several years.

EPA Victoria has been advised by the external service provider of its Contact Centre that data has been illegally removed from its internal systems by an unknown third party.

The stolen information was from October 2021, September 2022, and October 2022. EPA staff and about 2,800 members of the public have had some of their details hacked.

A combination of customers’ names, email addresses, residential addresses and phone numbers were illegally shared.

The environment regulatory advised the impacted public via email on Thursday 11 July.

“We have taken immediate action to rectify this as soon as becoming aware of the incident. We have written to those who have been impacted by this breach to personally inform them of the incident and what we have done to rectify it,” a spokesperson of EPA Victoria said.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our stakeholders, partners, employees and the community.

“We have worked closely with relevant government agencies and specialist security partners to remove the threat from our systems, with all sites purged of unauthorised access, resetting of passwords and other robust security measures.

“The data and privacy of our community, stakeholders, and employees are important to us.”

The spokesperson said EPA had a dedicated security incident response team in place coordinating activities focused on ensuring the privacy of the information they hold was protected and ensuring they could effectively continue to protect the Victorian community and our environment from the harms caused by pollution and waste.

“EPA is continuing to monitor the situation and ensure all data shared with us is secure and confidential,” they said.

A Casey resident, who reported the odour pollution before, said they had received the email last week notifying their data breach.

“I feel that the EPA, aVictorian Government agency, was careless in the handling of our personal information,” they said.

“How long have they known about this?

“The EPA obviously didn’t take effective steps to prevent this data breach.

“I am worried that the data breach may cause me future financial fraud at any time. It also makes me reluctant to report anything to the EPA in the future.”

Teen blasted for ‘ludicrous’ 171km/h in a 40 zone

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A P-plate teen has been admonished by a magistrate after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and speeding at a“ludicrous” 171 km/h in a 40 km/h zone in Clyde in February.

The then-18-year-old was also observed by police running a red-arrow traffic light at the corner of Smiths Lane and Thompsons Road, a police prosecutor told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

The teen – a P1 probationary driver – did not fix P-plates on his car.

The vehicle was also deemed to be illegal for P-plate drivers, and was unworthy due to its customised, tinted taillights, police told the court.

His car was seized and impounded for 30 days, his licence suspended on the spot of 12 months.

The teen, now 19, represented himself in court on 16 July.

“There’s nothing I can say. There’s no reason for me going that fast at all,” he said.

On 16 July, Magistrate Christina Windisch

told the man that the 171 km/h speed was “so dangerous” even putting aside the 40 km/h speed limit.

She told the teen that his mother – who was watching from the courtroom gallery –could have easily got a “knock on the door” because he’d been “wrapped around a tree”.

Or alternatively, he could have been put in custody for causing a fatal crash.

The teen responded that“if anyone knows it, it’s me Your Honour”, referring to friends being killed in a car crash a month after his

booking.

“I’m just amazed how people, and it’s mostly young men, do it and end up as fatalities,” Windisch said.

“It’s amazing how young men think you can get in a car and drive at those speeds. You’re not a race car driver.

“It’s ludicrous to think you can do this and be safe.”

The man was fined $800 without conviction, ordered to complete a safe-driving program and affirmed his 12-month licence loss.

Hoon fined $4K after car left driverless for 17 seconds

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Berwick hoon has been sentenced over seatswapping with a passenger while driving on Monash Freeway and other dangerous acts.

Subhanu Mittal, 20, had pleaded guilty to 15 charges including reckless conduct endangering life, driving with a suspended licence, dangerously losing traction and being a Pplater driving a prohibited vehicle.

Police had detailed Mittal’s 360-degree burnouts, fishtailing, 200-km/h drag racing on Monash Freeway as well as seat-swapping at high speeds on the freeway, in Domain Tunnel and on Princes Highway, Hallam over four months in 2023.

During the seat swaps, the high-powered BMW was left on cruise control and lane-assist while without a driver for up to 17 seconds. One of them was performed on the Monash on a Saturday afternoon.

With his licence suspended at the time, Mittal posted his Domain Tunnel seat-swapping video on social media with the label: “No licence, no worries”.

During the stunt in Hallam, Mittal swapped seats with a 17-year-old learner driver moving out from behind the wheel.

On a video of the incident, the L-plater exclaimed “that was crazy as s***” and that he wouldn’t do it again.

Mittal responded that it was “safe as”. There was no one in the driver’s seat for nine sec-

onds, the court heard.

In a sentence indication last month, Dandenong magistrate Julian Ayres rejected a prosecution submission for jail time, as well as a defence submission for a non-conviction.

He noted there was a need to protect the community from “potentially disastrous consequences”.

Leaving the driver’s seat was “almost at the highest end of reckless conduct”.

“It was a miracle there was no crash or collision. It’s extraordinary – thankfully – almost inconceivable that it didn’t happen.”

On the other hand, Mittal was “very young”

at the time and “obviously very impressionable” with a limited history of driving offences and no drug or alcohol issues.

“(I’m) not sending him to jail but it has to be a conviction. It’s too serious globally,” Mr Ayres said at the time.

In sentencing on 17 July, Mr Ayres said he doubled the 12-month minimum licence loss due to the multiple dangerous acts.

Mittal was convicted, fined $4000, disqualified from driving for two years and put on a two-year community corrections order.

The CCO includes supervision, mental health treatment and a likely road-trauma awareness course.

Victoria Police also applied to confiscate the high-powered BMW used for much of the offending.

The car was owned by the company of Mittal’s father. The father told the court he was seeking legal advice on whether to oppose the forfeiture.

The issue was set for a hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 21 October.

Mittal’s co-accused twin brother Sushant meanwhile is contesting up to 110 similar charges at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in July.

The twin had rejected a sentence indication in March that included a jail term if he pleaded guilty.

EPA Victoria. (File)

One opens and one closes

Main Street is back open with residents greeted to a brand new roundabout under the rail bridge while McGregor Road closes for almost a month.

The old train tracks are gone from Main Street with the street opening back up on Monday 15 July.

Traffic returned after a month-long closure since 12 June, where the road under the bridge was ripped up, repaved and landscaped around the large supporting column.

It fits within the ongoing works of Level Crossing Removal Project, the outbound side of Pakenham Station remains under construction and is expected to be complete by Spring

Works have now moved to mend the old rail line under McGregor Road.

The road closed at the rail bridge on Wednesday 17 July, it is expected to be reopened by Friday 16 August.

Henty Street and Rogers Street will also be closed at the intersection of McGregor Road.

Level Crossing Removal Project will remove the old rail track, build a new signalised pedestrian crossing, and resurface and line mark the road.

In the future, Racecourse Road will be addressed, as well as the construction of open space under the full stretch of the rail bridge.

Main Street/Bald Hill Road is back open. (Stewart Chambers: 419512)

Main Street was closed for approximately a month.

McGregor Road at the former rail crossing is now closed.

NEWS Santosh’s lifelong journey

By Violet Li

Misdiagnosis is like life playing a trick on you.

It opens a crack but allows lights in.

Clyde North’s author Santosh Nambiar was misdiagnosed with cancer two decades ago. His doctor said he would not survive a year. In those several months when he thought he was waiting to die, he started to wonder who he was, a good question in extremis.

“I started doing a lot of work on myself and understood this concept. I started practising a state of awareness for myself,” he recalled.

The false alarm brought out the second chapter of his life: a meditation and mindfulness journey. The biotech scientist carved out a new trail which eventually led to his latest breakthrough The Art of Conscious Balance. The book has recently won the Panorama International Literature Festival 2024 in Greece.

“I have been writing since around 2000 and I have published quite a few books, but this one has been a significant book in my writing career,” Santosh said.

“It’s almost two years now and it got some good reviews and people have actually accepted it.”

The book introduced two concepts of contrast: intellect and intelligence.

“Intellect is the knowledge that we have acquired during our upbringing. We store it in our brain in the form of memory which we can retrieve. The intellect is very limited in resources,” Santosh said.

“I am comparing that to a small flickering candlelight. If you are plugging into that intellect, the outcome is going to be very limited in terms and there is stress, burnout, anxiety, fear, confusion and everything that we are facing in this day and age.

“If you are able to plug into something bigger like what I call intelligence, you can use unlimited knowledge.

“You can elevate your life from a survival mode to that of thriving and flourishing and going beyond your limited potential and exploring more things in life.”

Having consciousness and awareness is what Santosh believes will allow intelligence to come in and there are techniques to achieve that, which is what The Art of Con-

LENSCAPE

scious Balance is all about.

“It is the nature of the mind to wander but it is our innate nature to be an observer of this mind wandering into the past or future, but we forget that,” he said.

“Now we need to remind ourselves to observe this mind wandering. There’s nothing you can do with mind wandering. You can’t just control it, but if you just observe it, it comes back.

“The observation is the awareness.”

The misdiagnosis interlude somehow elicited an epiphany for Santosh that he had lost that awareness for a long time.

“I got into one of the biggest multinational companies in the biotechnology indus-

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

The Healesville-Kooweerup Road upgrade is only mere weeks away from completion, a triumphant moment for community campaigners who rallied to address what was once Cardinia’s ‘death road’. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Teagan Bos

It’s a shame the bike path stops at the Manks Road roundabout and doesn’t connect up to the existing town bike path, with no plans to

do so. Poorly thought out. No one can toot a Pakenham to Kooweerup bike path when it doesn’t even go into town.

Sonya Boloski

The road will always move as it’s built on swamp land.

Renee Charlize Newbury Road surface already failing

Major Road Projects Victoria has reopened Henry Road at McGregor Road with an up-

try. I was climbing up the corporate ladder and trying to achieve quite a few things in life,” he recalled.

“I was constantly running with baggage, living out of a suitcase. One day, I’ll be here in Frankfurt. The other day, I’ll be probably in San Francisco.

“There were a lot of things happening, ego, arrogance, and materialistic things, and I want to achieve this, and I want to show people that I can do this. That created a lot of stress and anxiety.”

The cancer episode certainly put him through a lot of intense traumas, but realisation came through afterwards.

“In The Art of Consciousness, it was all

about how I bumped into this and my journey, and how this realization dawned on me. I’m talking about the balance and those kinds of things,” Santosh said.

A sequel is coming not in the long future.

“In the new book, it is all about the techniques to reach the awareness,” he said.

Running a biotech company, Santosh now shares much focus on meditation and mindfulness education. He writes books. He delivers workshops in the libraries. He flies to other countries to give lectures.

“I bumped into this in a traumatic way. I don’t want others to be in that,” he said.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To the nightmare of all the roadworks and the very long closures.

Thumbs down

To the absolute schmozzle the roadworks in Pakenham are and the impact it is having on locals to try and find detours to go about our everyday lives.

Thumbs down

To the rubbish thrown on our road. Should it be too much to ask to get a truck out to pick it up? How unsightly to see this on our roadways.

Thumbs up

To the Gippsland Umpires Association for all the great umpires keeping our great game going. Without umpires, there is no footy!

Thumbs down

To miserable winter rain.

Thumbs down

To so many train stations not having public toilets for use.

Thumbs down

To drivers doing 60 in an 80 zone.

graded intersection as part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Amy Fussell

School drop off will be a nightmare for months to come because Webster Way is closed up to McGregor, the old railway crossing is closing for a month meaning we can’t easily get up to schools that side of the railway. Plus we can’t access the freeway from

McGregor because that’s closed. Karl Imby Hallelujah. 10 years of Pakenham roadworks completed and another 10 years of Pakenham roadworks around the corner.

Sarah Krol

Yes, they opened it this week, just in time for them to close McGregor Road at the rail bridge for a month.

Ducks are enjoying some winter sunshine at Berwick Springs in Narre Warren South. (Stewart Chambers: 419103)

Clyde North author Santosh Nambiar with his latest book The Art of Conscious Balance. (Stewart Chambers: 418752)

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Measles, mpox Alert

Victorians planning overseas travel this winter are being urged to ensure their routine and travel vaccinations are up to date.

The call comes amid an increasing number of returned travellers to Victoria presenting with vaccine-preventable travel-related illnesses, such as measles and mpox.

Ten measles cases have been reported in Victoria this year, five of which were from returned overseas travellers, with a further five linked to those cases.

Meanwhile, there has been a local outbreak of mpox with cases reported in Victoria this year which were acquired from overseas travel.

Victorian chief health officer Dr Clare Looker said anyone planning travel overseas should seek advice from their doctor before booking.

“It’s best to see your doctor six to eight weeks before you travel to ensure you have the best protection,” Dr Looker said.

“This includes anyone travelling to visit friends and family, or people travelling to their countries of birth.”

Dr Looker said measles in people returning to Victoria from international travel was a significant source of Australian measles cases.

“Travellers should ensure they have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine.”

There has also been an increase in mpox cases at many popular travel destinations in the northern hemisphere.

Dr Looker said Victorians should take precautions when overseas to limit their risk of infection.

“Mpox infection remains a risk for Victorians travelling internationally, with case numbers in Victoria this year greater than the whole of last year,” she said.

Those planning travel to countries with active mpox outbreaks should make time to receive two doses of the vaccine, 28 days apart, for optimal protection, with those most at risk including men who have sex with men.

The mpox vaccine is free for those eligible and is available through more than 250 providers across Victoria.

GPs can advise on travel health and vaccine-preventable diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19, gastrointestinal illnesses, hepatitis A and typhoid as can pharmacists participating in the Community Pharmacy Prescribing Pilot.

Doctors can also advise if you need booster shots to catch-up on vaccines that have been missed.

“Being up to date with influenza and COVID-19 vaccination before travel is also important to protect yourself while travelling,” Dr Looker said.

“Any returned traveller who develops illness after returning home, such as a fever, new rash or diarrhoea, should seek medical advice immediately,” she said.

Bowel cancer screening now available to 45-49 year olds

Victorians aged 45-49, can now order a free bowel screening test.

The new eligibility comes due to significant changes to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Cancer Council Victoria’s head of prevention Craig Sinclair said the change was welcomed and urged those with access to the free screening program to take part.

“Bowel cancer is Victoria’s second leading cause of cancer-related death among men and the third among women. But it can also be prevented through participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program,” he said.

“The test, also known as the faecal occult blood test, can detect signs of bowel cancer before symptoms occur.”

Mr Sinclair said the opportunity could

be lifesaving, even for those who would not consider themselves at risk.

“Bowel cancer can develop with no symptoms or family history,“ he said. “This is why doing regular screening from the age of 45 is so important, even if you feel well and live a healthy lifestyle.”

Once someone signs up, they receive the test kit in the mail and can expect to receive it every two years after the completion of their first test.

Latest Victorian Cancer Registry data shows that 72Victorian men and 73Victorian women aged 45-49 were diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022.

People aged 50-74 will continue to receive a kit in the mail every two years. Details: cancervic.org.au/bowel

Victorians planning overseas travel this winter are being urged to ensure their routine and travel vaccinations are up to date.

Singer Renee Naccari. (418759) Qeeran performning. (418759)Ivy, 4,

(418759)

Casey’s Live and Local music Micro-festivals finally hit Cranbourne. A line-up of artists, including Renee Naccari, Qeeran, and JHM, staged Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre on Sunday 14 July, walking everyone through the magic of music in this winter season.

Festival serenades locals

New chapter begins for Narre’s family history group

By Ethan Benedicto

A new chapter for the Narre Warren and District Family History Group doesn’t necessarily mean a change in operations, with the drive to be the helping hand for those seeking to delve into their lineage remaining steadfast.

After celebrating 35 years earlier in May, the group is looking to hold a Brick Walls general meeting on Saturday 20 July, where they aim to solve personal history roadblocks through roundtable discussions.

This meeting will be held at their new location at 110 High Street, Berwick, after their Cranbourne Research Room permanently closed on 15 June.

While still in the moving process, secretary and a member since 2002, Eileen Durdin is keen and said that the group’s upcoming meeting is for those who have problems, “big or small on researching family history”.

With a vast collection of Casey and Cardinia items, as well as connections with Bunjil Library and the Cranbourne Library, Ms Durdin is more than confident in their resources and capabilities.

For her, the answer to why someone should dive into their family history is simple: it’s interesting.

“There’s probably a lot of interest because of those shows such as Who Do You Think You Are and even Ancestry, [but] I always say that coming to a local group like ourselves is [different].

“We’ve got volunteers that are keen to help and guide them over those brick walls that they may have,” she said.

Established in 1989, the group has since established a network for like-minded individuals to come together and explore their pasts, with the social aspect playing a big

part in the group’s identity.

The group operates like a library, but with expertise in history with a vast collection of books, records and online databases that members can utilise for their research.

Local community initiatives with events and collaboration with other history groups

are some ways the NWDFHG keeps the fire hot, but also through a range of projects and preservation of local history pieces, which can range from cemetery transcriptions and publications to indexation of documents.

“There are a lot of stories to hear and that’s where, with our collections, we like to hear from people and their experiences and get it out there – sharing that information with everyone is important,” Ms Durdin said.

Just like the age-old method of passing down history through word-of-mouth, the act of exploring the family’s past is about establishing that sense of connection with not just oneself, but with others as well.

The process of doing so, while it may vary, starts “with yourself and you work backwards”.

“But it’s also about what you want to do with that family history; do you want to find out all the birth dates, deaths, and marriage dates of all your ancestors? Do you want to find out where they lived?

“We’ve got some specific how-to books, and normally, being part of a group you do learn from others; you know someone may be a specialist in Scotland research, or someone may be a specialist in Tasmanian research,” Ms Durdin said.

Soon to be located in the heart of Berwick, Ms Durdin and others are looking forward of what’s to come, and are more than eager to keep their work going.

enjoyed dancing to the live music.

Singer Jessie from JHM. ((418759)

Addison, 2, and her dad from Cranbourne enjoying the live music while shopping. Addison enjoyed the song Butterfly sung by Renee Naccari. (Gary Sissons: 418759)

Singer Renee Naccari (right) and guitarist Zac White (left) performing together at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre. (418759)

Eileen Durdin, the History Group’s secretary is looking forward to the upcoming general meeting. (Ethan Benedicto: 419859)

Pedestrian injuries soar

By Ethan Benedicto

With shorter days and turbulent weather during the period of May to August, failure to give way from both pedestrians and vehicles was a major factor coined by Victoria Police in a recent release for Operation Aware.

With this release, the City of Casey was among one of the LGAs with the highest number of injury-inducing collisions, with 76 per cent of said collisions occurring in 40km/h to 60km/h speed zones.

Professor and deputy director of Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Jennifer Oxley said that a bigger push for speed reduction, further advocacy for safe driving as well as pedestrian awareness is paramount in the move to see a decline in incident numbers.

“I would say speed is really a major factor, [so] if we can get speed down in areas where there is a mix of vehicles and pedestrians, that’s probably the best thing we can do for pedestrian safety,” she said.

“40 km/h is the top speed that one should be going when having that real mix between pedestrians and vehicles; there’s motions to actually reduce that down to 30km/h.”

A comprehensive report by MUARC compiled in 2020, titled Understanding Pedestrian Crashes in Victoria highlights that for every 1km/h increase in mean speed, the number of crashes to cause injury will rise by around 3 per cent.

This means that an increase of 10km/h would therefore result in a 30 per cent increase, with the fatality risk being four to five times higher in collisions between a vehicle and a pedestrian at 50km/h compared to the same form of collisions at 30km/h.

Professor

and director of Monash

University Accident Research Centre, Jennifer Oxley, said that speed reduction, more traffic calming measures and advocacy are key in driving collision numbers down. (Supplied)

“Those sort of areas, those school zones, those mixed-use roads where you’ve got shopping centres and the like, not only is the speed a problem, but it’s really just a complex traffic environment,” Professor Oxley said.

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

While the MUARC report stated that winter months still had the higher crash rates, it added that across the year for the study period of 2009 to 2018, the majority of pedestrian collisions occurred in clear weather conditions, at 82.4 per cent compared to rainy conditions at 9.3 per cent.

Start of another journey begins for Opening Night

After an incredible journey of 10 years in business and 6 years at our Pakenham store, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of our beloved store.

Throughout our time together, we have experienced three versions of our store, each one reflecting our growth and the wonderful community we serve that includes you.

Thanks to our wonderful community, we grew quickly, extending our store twice to include a dedicated shoe-fitting area and a space for fabric and costume creation.

The business has allowed Melinda (owner) to quit her previous job and focus on this passion full-time to create something new. It has been a dream come true. The last 6 years have felt like anything but work.

In large part, because of our supportive community.

We’ve connected performance with life, shared laughs, and even embraced the challenging times together.

The decision to close our doors was not easy.

However, being pulled back home more, keeping my mum duties in mind, and recognising that my son will only be young for a few more years made it clear that this is the right choice.

This decision, though difficult, is actually a happy one. We are not closing the store because we’re not doing well; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. We’ve done so well, and now it’s time for the next chapter for my family and me. I’m excited about our future, including our next range of manufacturing costumes just around the corner, still working closely with some community partners, further extending our extensive online store and we will be revealing more about this soon.

To celebrate our time together and say goodbye, we will be holding a closing down sale on Saturday 20 July, from 9am to 4pm. Everything on the floor will be 40-60 per cent off.We invite you to come, grab some fantastic deals, and celebrate the amazing 6 years we’ve shared.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. We look forward to seeing you at our final event and reminiscing about the wonderful memories we’ve created together.

is

Furthermore, 63.6 per cent of crashes occurred in daylight hours, with 27.6 per cent when dark and 6.8 per cent at dusk or dawn.

Clearer weather tends to be linked with higher pedestrian activity in what Professor Oxley referred to as complex traffic environments, and with a higher volume of pedestrians mixed with vehicles, the probability of collision also increases.

“One of the major problems in these outer urban areas is the lack of good public transport, we find that there are more cars – since obviously, people need to use cars,” Professor Oxley said.

“The more cars we have on the roads, the more it’s going to affect pedestrian safety, so one thing councils could do is to advocate for better public transport.”

The professor also added that a high proportion of pedestrian injuries occur amongst older adults and that they are much more vulnerable when it comes to complex environments that involve multiple moving parties.

According to the report, the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit recorded the age groups of 15-34yrs and 35-64yrs with the highest percentage for hospital admissions, with, respectively, a frequency of 3485 at 32.1 per cent and a frequency of 3328 at 30.7 per cent.

Similarly, emergency department presentations were slightly higher for both age groups; with 15-34yrs at the frequency of 4367 at 37.7 per cent and 35-64yrs with the frequency of 3542 at 30.6 per cent.

Further endorsement of traffic calming measures was something the professor said would be valuable in mitigating the increasing numbers, adding that local councils such as Casey can be “vigilant in raising awareness”, and to investigate crash-prone areas.

Casey’s manager of city and asset planning, Keri New said that the safety of pedestrians is a “priority for council”.

“To reduce vehicle speeds and support pedestrian safety council implements a program of local traffic management deterrents, including speed humps, curb changes, roundabouts and signage here repeated safety issues are identified.

“Council also operated the Supervised School Crossing program, implements new pedestrian crossings and expands the footpath network annually to further support pedestrian connectivity and safety,” she said.

Speaking on a bigger push for re-education and constant reminders for traffic safety, Professor Oxley said that “everybody has a role to play in making sure they’re behaving in a safe way”.

“I think there’s always room for people to be aware of the rules, not only for drivers but also for pedestrians.

“We should be really thinking about getting the idea out there of driving at an appropriate speed, so if you’re in a speed zone of 40, but there’s a lot of pedestrians around, maybe an appropriate speed might be less than 40 kilometres an hour,” she said.

With essentially two sets of speed limits to always be kept in mind, the responsibility, the professor added, also falls on overall system design when it comes to road safety.

“We need to make sure that we’re all operating in an environment that is designed to be the safest environment we can [make],” she said.

Ms New also added that wherever possible, council sources external funding in order to further support road safety upgrades, which in turn complement the mentioned programs.

“As the population of Casey grows, council continues to provide improvement including new footpaths, shared user paths and priority crossing areas to further protect pedestrians across Casey,” she said.

ONE DAY INSTORE CLOSING DOWN SALE

20TH JULY 9 AM TO 4 PM

at

2/32

Opening Night

situated

Shop

Trelour Lane, Pakenham, 5941 5713.

Melinda Moutsos owner of the Opening Night shop in Pakenham.

Wellbeing support boost

By Matthew Sims

Cardinia Council has approved a total allocation of $125,429 across 63 community groups as part of its 2024-25Wellbeing Support Grants program.

During the council meeting on Monday 15 July, Toomuc Ward councillor Stephanie Davies moved an alternative motion calling for an additional $22,694 in funding via the grants program than initially recommended, approving 17 additional applications than those initially approved by council officers.

Applications for the 2024/25 Wellbeing and Support Grant round opened on Monday 15 January and closed on Friday 29 March.

Cardinia Council received 77 Wellbeing

Support Grant applications for the 2024-25 grant round totalling $189,976.

Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit, locally based and/or servicing Cardinia Shire residents, a Community Asset Committee of the council, or incorporated or operated by a Committee of Management, or an alternative formally recognised governance model.

Cr Davies said as all eligible applications would create a positive return on the council’s investment, she believed all eligible applications should be funded.

“Council’s Wellbeing Support Grant Program provides support for sustainable initiatives which improve health and wellbeing, support volunteer development, and build capacity of community organisations,” she said.

“This is incredible work done in our shire.

“I know our financial circumstances are incredibly tight.”

Cr Davies said she hoped the council would support her additional funding request.

“I will always support our volunteers,” she said.

“It’s an absolute eye-opener and humbling to see how much good will happens across our community.

“$22,000 is a drop in a bucket.”

Officer Ward councillor Tammy Radford foreshadowed to move the original motion if the alternative motion was lost.

“I don’t want to set a precedent,” she said.

“We have already endorsed the budget and

our operational budget is just as tight as our other budget.

“Should we be going over that when we’ve just endorsed it?”

Bunyip Ward councillor Graeme Moore spoke against the alternative motion.

“I know how much that funding means to these organisations that put these applications in, but I still think we need to stop somewhere,” he said.

“I’m a little bit amiss of how we’re going find this funding.”

The motion was narrowly won, with Crs Davies, Ross, Owen, Cameron and Springfield voting for the motion and Crs Radford, Ryan, Kowarzik and Moore voting against.

Come along and start crafting delights in Garfield

If you are a local creative, love knitting or need a good activity to just chat over then look no further than Garfield Uniting Church Craft & Friendship Group.

Meeting last Tuesday the group knits a range of items from small poppies, elaborate blankets to comforting scarfs.

The group has entered its 35th year and is still going strong dedicated to enriching themselves and the community with a shared love for unwinding yarns both literally and figuratively.

“Our projects consist of a mixture of organised projects, charity projects, DIY and outings,” member Margaret Dobson said.

“Each person can do as much or as little as they want to.”

They have made octopus toys to comfort kids at hospitals, raffle prizes for theTynong Fire Brigade, poppies for Anzac Day, bonnets for babies to jumpers for penguins.

Dedicated to good causes, the group is an ongoing meeting place for friends and open for all to join.

People can participate on any level they like, meetings are a place they can relax and be among friends.

“We all have a good relationship with each other and support one another through both good times and low times,” Dobson said.

“Surprising how many topics are brought up in general conversation, some serious, some very amusing and anything in between.”

There are also frequent outings to events including at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens and local craft shops.

Recent projects include making trauma teddies to be donated to local emergency services and knitting beanies for seasonal workers.

Each year is finished with a round of Kris Kringle gifts exchanged between members.

Next May, the group will be hosting their Festival of Scarves, Hats and Rugs to showcase the best of local knitting.

All are welcome to enter and sell their creations, the best will be pick out by judges and a people’s choice award.

The group meets around 10am each Tuesday at Garfield Uniting Church, 13 Garfield Road.

To enquire about the group or festival call Margaret Dobson on 5629 2318 or email margaret.dobson71@outlook.com

Heather Sartori, Margaret Dobson, Marlene Sherburn and Nellie Marsh with knitted penguin warmers.(Stewart Chambers: 416670)

Margaret Dobson and Heather Sartori.

Nellie Marsh, Heather Sartori, Margaret Dobson and Marlene Sherburn.

Heather Sartori with beanies.Margaret Dobson showcases her scarf and beanie.

Nellie Marsh with knitted poppies.Marlene Sherburn with a knitted penguin warmer she made.

Worksites put on notice

By Corey Everitt

Major worksites are on notice as the State Government calls for review and ‘if necessary’ termination of workplace agreements with one of the most powerful unions in the country after accusations of criminal and corrupt activity.

The Victorian Branch of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) faced a troublesome weekend after an investigation by Nine newspapers published findings alleging corruption and criminal links.

In response, Premier Allan has called for the Federal Government to ‘review and if necessary, terminate’ CFMEU enterprise agreements on Victorian sites to curb the activity.

The CFMEU is one of the country’s largest unions, drawing significant bargaining power from representing workplaces such as Victoria’s Big Build sites like Pakenham Roads Upgrade, Level Crossing Removal Project or the upcoming Clyde Road Upgrade.

Claims emerged from the investigation of people with links to organised crime being made delegates on State and Federal Government worksites.

The allegations prompted longtimeVictorian secretary John Setka to resign and on Monday morning, it was announced the branch will go into administration under the direct control of the national executive.

In response, Premier Jacinta Allen expressed ‘deep-felt disgust’ at the allegations and announced a sweep of actions to curb the union’s ‘rotten culture’.

“Unions protect workers,” Premier Allan said.

“But what we’ve seen isn’t unionism – it’s self-interested thuggery at its worst.

“I express my personal and deep-felt disgust at these activities and the people who

perpetuated them.”

Allan has requested the CFMEU be suspended from the Victorian Labor Party and referred the matters to Victoria Police and Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.

Industry and Unions are mostly under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, with the premier stating she will work with the Prime Minister to do ‘whatever needs to be done’ to curb the alleged behaviour.

The premier said she will toughen antibikie laws and initiate an independent review to ‘strengthen’ State Government departments linked to the construction industry.

Allan said it has been requested that the Federal Fair Work Act be exercised to review CFMEU enterprise agreements on Victorian sites.

The Federal Government is still processing its response which could include deregistering the union ‘if that’s what needs to be done’ according to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke as reported by The Guardian.

Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus does not support deregisteration but said subjects of the allegation must be stood down.

“I want to make this very clear, there’s no place, no place whatsoever, for criminal activity in unions,“ McManus said as reported by the ABC.

“As a union movement, we completely oppose this. We will resist it and we will stand up against it.“

CFMEU flags at the level crossing removal works in Pakenham. (File: 324564)

Horror road-toll spike prompts renewed police warning

Victoria Police is issuing an urgent road safety warning to all motorists following a horror period on Victorian roads.

Eight lives have been lost since Monday 8 July, bringing the total lives lost to 154, surpassing last year’s total of 152 at the same time last year.

Recent fatal collisions include a crash in Nathalia in the state’s north, with two lives lost in a two-vehicle collision.

Four lives were lost in separate, single-vehicle collisions in Bannockburn, Truganina, Allan’s Flat and Delahey.

Two drivers were both killed in a head on collision in Moriac.

The eight deaths means there was 14 lives lost in the first 11 days of July.

It marks the worst start to July since 2008, when 14 lives were lost in the first 11 days of that month.

While factors in these recent collisions are still under investigation, police are urging ev-

eryone to take extra care on the roads.

Motorists should consider slowing down and maintaining a safe braking distance, especially during periods of wet weather when roads are often slippery.

Poor visibility due to reduced daylight hours during winter can make it more difficult to see and be seen, so pay extra attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions, like mobile phones, while driving.

Avoid driving fatigued by taking regular breaks when travelling longer distances, and never get behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Police are determined to drive down the rising road trauma and will prioritise road policing enforcement across the state throughout the month.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website. (File)

Groovy get-together coming at Outlook

The team from the Outlook Community Centre in Pakenham are getting ready to boogie the evening away, as part of the inaugural Club Outlook disco event.

The centre will be transformed into a 70s wonderland, with people with disability of all ages and their support worker or family members encouraged to come along and enjoy dancing and socialising with Club Outlook participants from 5.30pm to 7pm on Friday 26 July.

The event would be one of the first social

events of the new Outlook Horizons group which aims to provide skill development, social support, work training and supported employment opportunities for its 70 participants.

Group senior program planner Jayden Harrison said the group will host a disco monthly and hopes to host a car meet soon as well.

“We want to have some community-based opportunities for people with disabilities,” he said.

“They can come down and have a boogie.”

“We are catering for a wide range of disabilities.”

The event will cost $5 per person, with soft drinks and snacks on offer throughout the evening.

A range of prizes will be up for grabs, with plenty of fun games set to be held during the event.

To register to attend, visit www.bit.ly/OutllookDiscoEOI or for more information, contact Jayden via jaydenh@outlookaust.org.au or 0423 022 045.

Who can support me with my business?

No matter how good you are at doing what you do in business, no one can be great at everything. Indeed, trying to do it all yourself is bound to be counter-productive since you won’t be as fast or as efficient as an expert in the space and will be taking away time that could be better spent on other things. I recall a business owner once proudly telling me that he personally entered every receipt into his accounting system so that he could “better understand the expenses in the business” but the reality was that he could not see the wood for the trees and effectively was wasting time (he was no wiser about his expenditure!). However, outsourcing everything apart from your core competency can be very expensive and so a balance needs to be struck. Below are some key roles that can pay handsome dividends if you engage people that are good at what they do and reasonably priced.

Accountants are essential if you operate your own business since there is so much that needs to be understood regarding financial compliance and tax – trying to do this yourself can be likened to “doing your own dentistry” and is much better left to the experts. Having said that, I personally see accountants as “tax minimisation experts” and since they are not cheap, they do not have to be involved in all matters financial in a business. Many things can be left to bookkeepers or other experts.

Bookkeepers are becoming increasing used by SMEs as good ones will provide reasonably priced services covering time-

Leading students honoured

Premier Jacinta Allan has celebrated a number of the state’s best students as this year’s Premier’s VCE Awards recipients.

This year’s awards were the first to feature the Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Student Award – following the Labor Government’s introduction of the dedicated vocational program within the certificate in 2023.

Winners included an aspiring young pilot from Gippsland who is now doing an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering apprenticeship at QANTAS and a talented pianist who has since commenced tertiary studies at the Victorian College of the Arts, pursuing her career dream of becoming a music teacher and professional performer.

A total of 310 students received 332 awards across 93 subjects, including 300 Study Awards, 23 Top All-Round VCE High Achiever Awards, six Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Students and three Top International Student Awards.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the winners exemplified how students can achieve great things with the support from their teachers, school communities, families and friends.

intensive activities such as: data entry of financial transactions, bank reconciliations, BAS and IAS submissions, financial reports and payroll functions. While bookkeepers are not business advisors, their knowledge of financial compliance and ATO requirements means that they can be extremely valuable in helping business owners understand their obligations. In addition, they may often liaise with accountants and the ATO thereby again saving the business valuable time.

Business Advisors or Business Mentors are also becoming increasingly used due to their wide knowledge of business and prior experience. Good advisors and mentors will typically have held senior positions (often C-level) in previous organisations and hence may well be familiar with business issues that arise. Their role is to provide advice, tools and techniques to business owners, leaders and managers to enable enhanced business performance at a strategic as well as practical level. It is important to note that there are no specific accreditations associated with being a Business Advisor or Mentor so it is important to choose wisely here.

Obtaining referrals from other business owners who have directly used their services

and been satisfied with the results is probably the best way to select one as there are no barriers to entry to anyone calling themselves a Business Advisor or Mentor.

Business Consultants are similar to advisors and mentors in that they will typically have had senior management and/or Board level experience, but they work with business owners and leaders to solve a very specific problem that the business has. For this reason, Consultants are generally specialists in key areas whereas advisors and mentors may be considered more as ‘generalists’.

Business Coaches are another breed again although the term ‘coach’ is often used interchangeably with ‘consultant’, ‘advisor’ or ‘mentor’ by those unclear of the distinction. Again, Business Coaches are becoming increasingly valued for their ability to work with clients to enable them to achieve improved (usually personal) performance. However, there are a few distinctions here. Professional coaches will be accredited and will have undergone training such as that provided by ICF (International Coaching Federation) and IECL (Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership).They are also specifically not allowed to give advice (as mentors, advisors and consultants do); they derive results by asking well structured questions that enable the client to reach their own conclusions.

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

“Today’s recipients demonstrated commitment and hard work throughout their final year at school – congratulations to each and every one of them,” she said.

Education Minister Ben Carroll said all recipients deserved high praise.

“It’s exciting to see such a diverse, talented group of young Victorians, particularly the outstanding achievers in theVCEVocational Major, who are being recognised at this prestigious event for the very first time,” he said.

To view a full list of the award recipients, visit vic.gov.au/premiers-vceawards

Man dies after crash

A pedestrian has died after being struck by a car in Eumemmerring last month.

The 30-year-old Dandenong man was hit while crossing Princes Highway about 7pm on 14 June.

He was taken to hospital with critical injuries. He died on 10 July.

The driver of the car, a 21-year-old Chadstone woman, stopped at the scene. Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol officers are investigating.

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

The Outlook Horizons group family are excited to welcome the broader community along for their inaugural disco event. (Matthew Sims)

Premier Jacinta Allan. (File: 371464)

Ex-mayor ejected

By Corey Everitt

Former mayor Bill Ronald was asked to leave council chambers during this week’s council meeting which was instigated for bringing a ‘prop’.

The latest council meeting on 15 June saw former shire mayor Bill Ronald attend to support his opposition against the council’s work to remove a majority of the original light fittings from Heritage Springs.

During community question time at the beginning of the meeting, as one of Mr Ronald’s very own questions was being read out, Mr Ronald brought into the council chambers one of the original fittings, which he required by salvaging it from council contractors.

After the question was answered, Mayor Jack Kowarzik interrupted proceedings to request Mr Ronald remove the item from the meeting - something the mayor referred to as a ‘prop’.

“He brought the light just so people could see what we were talking about, people don’t understand how big and interesting they are from on high,” Mr Ronald’s wife Jillian, who was also in attendance, said.

The Gazette spoke to multiple sources in attendance that evening, accounts say Ronald began to oblige with the request and others say he signalled his refusal to remove the prop.

Mayor Kowarzik then ordered Mr Ronald to remove himself from the meeting.

CEO transparency move gets a mixed response

By Matthew Sims

Toomuc Ward councillor Stephanie Davies has opened the door for all Cardinia councillors to attend future CEO Employment Matters Meetings.

During the council meeting on Monday 15 July, the council passed a notice of motion from Cr Davies to invite all councillors to observe all CEO Employment Matters Meetings effective immediately.

According to the motion, the change would allow for additional visibility and transparency outside of the provided meeting minutes, and increase the capacity of any councillors who are not the delegates to perform this role in future if required.

The motion prompted a debate between councillors on the validity of making the change via a notice of motion.

Retiring deputy mayor Graeme Moore said he would not support the motion as it was premature considering a new council would be inducted later in the year, while having all nine

councillors attend could cause confusion.

“The more the merrier can be more confusing,” he said.

“The opportunity to have all councillors at this meeting would only complicate the end result.”

CrDaviessaidherdecisioncameofftheback of the council refusing her request to attend the July CEO Employment Matters meeting.

“Me not having the same opportunity to witness the discussions means I don’t have the same transparency,” she said.

Cr Davies said she was “disappointed” in some of the councillors’ comments about the motion.

The CEO Employment Matters Committee’s aims included the recruitment of the CEO, determining the CEO’s Performance Plan, assessing the CEO’s performance against that plan and determining the remuneration of the CEO, with members being an independent chairperson, the current mayor and the previous two mayors.

to tackle weeds

The State Government is supporting rural and regional councils to reduce roadside weeds and prepare for the upcoming fire season.

This year, 45 councils across Victoria will receive up to $85,000 each through the Government’s Roadside Weeds and Pests.

Rural roadsides can provide a breeding ground for harmful weeds and pests and this funding allows councils to implement control measures that prevent their spread.

The funding will assist councils with a range of activities along their rural roadsides, including treating and preventing blackberry, boxthorn and serrated tussock weeds, as well as managing rabbit populations.

Local Government Victoria and Agriculture Victoria work closely with local councils to ensure plans to tackle weeds and pests are tailored to their local area.

Weeds and pests cost the Victorian economy over $900 million each year. Invasive plant and animal species threaten native biodiversity, can have a serious negative impact on agricultural production, and contribute to the spread of fires.

Since 2017, the Government has invested more than $22 million to help councils manage municipal rural roadsides.

More information on the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program can be found at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/fundingprograms.

$500,000

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

Former mayor Bill Ronald. (File: 149457)

Handcrafted success

By Ethan Benedicto

The Berwick District Woodworkers Club held their annual expo over the weekend, showcasing works from members of the group which ranged from pens to horses, bowls and more.

The expo, which was held at the Old Cheese Factory, began at 5pm on Friday 12 July and was opened with a speech from Jason Wood MP.

Current president of the club, John McMahon said that the group prides itself not just in their pieces and woodworking skills, but also the “camaraderie” that all members have with one another.

“Although we’re focused on woodwork, all the benefits that come from a men’s shedesque group exist here as well,” Mr McMahon said.

The group’s main focus for the expo has always been to showcase the members’ capabilities as well as acquire new members who might have shown interest, but to Secretary Don Buchanan, the social aspect also plays a big role.

“We try to encourage a community-based organisation, we’re all friendly towards one another, and it’s the social aspect as well which is

Farm house rejected

By Corey Everitt

The rejection of a house on agricultural land in Catani has been further upheld by VCAT who agreed the proposal was ‘not an acceptable one’ for the land’s zoning.

Cardinia Shire Council previously rejected the proposed single storey dwelling on a 24 hectares property along Scanlons Drain Road - citing that it was ‘inconsistent’ with planning parameters for the farming land.

The applicants took the matter before the tribunal to assert that it was ‘critical’ to the running of the farm as they neared ‘retirement age’.

Council rejected not on the basis of the building itself, but its use on land deemed ‘high agricultural quality’ that is protected against ‘encroachment of urban and rural’ developments.

The applicant owns two properties north of the site, which they use currently to manage the farming practices on the land.

important to us, and then it’s the woodworking,” he said.

“We do other social things during the year, we go out every quarter, we have luncheons around the area - a big part of [the group] as well is engaging with the community.”

The expo, in addition to Friday’s short viewing also ran on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July from 9am to 5pm with a wide range of demonstrations from wood turning, band sawing, scroll sawing, toy making, pyrography and more.

While some of the items were put up for display only, there were also various pieces that were for sale, as well as a raffle with prizes.

Growth was also a factor that many members have experienced, ever since the decision to run the expos in addition to the original goal of making roughly 800 to 1000 toys annually for donation to children in need during Christmas.

“It’s a two-way street, an opportunity for our members - if they want to - to put their pieces up for sale.

“The public display of the pieces has been encouraging our members to actually diversify [their work] and try new techniques, new technologies, the standard of work is improving as

well,” Mr McMahon said.

With the public’s interest now also set on other forms of work besides the toys, it has since given the group’s members “confidence in the quality of their work” and that they “learn from each other”.

Changes, not just in the work but also the demographic has been undergoing for some time, and is more than a welcome change from many of the group’s members.

Chris Drysdale said that in terms of woodworking itself, “there is a transition going on”.

“Instead of just coming and making a big car, with hammers and nails, the whole thing is evolving to wood art.

“Things like pyrography, and other different forms, it’s become broader and it’s reflected in our membership,” Mr Drysdale said.

With proceeds going to Variety Children’s Charity, Mr Drysdale also handcrafted wooden trophies for groups with the most money fundraised for the charity, shaped with the iconic heart and hat.

Through diversity in membership and expansion of new techniques, styles and pieces, the group is looking forward to the future with more projects underway.

The main issues considered by the tribunal were its consistency with Green Wedge and high quality agricultural zoning and the proposal’s waste management.

The tribunal said the applicant were ‘genuine and experienced farmers’, but the proposal infringed on the land’s agricultural directive.

“Dwelling use would result in a permanent change of land use and inevitably inflate the market value of the subject land,” the tribunal said.

“Permitting a dwelling would diminish rather than enhance the ability to sustain genuine and economically viable agricultural pursuits.”

The proposal’s addressing of waste water was not ‘sufficiently detailed’, the tribunal said on a site which had an inundation/flooding rating of ‘poor’.

“From a land capability perspective, we find that the proposal has not provided a sufficiently detailed and integrated response that demonstrates the site’s suitability for a dwelling use,” the tribunal said.

The council’s refusal was affirmed and no permit was granted.

MP Rachel Payne ready to serve community out of Chelsea BUSINESS PROFILE

She worked at Maccas to pay her way through high school, then danced professionally to finish a master’s degree. Rachel Payne was also employed by the Family Court and Centrelink before serving a ‘political apprenticeship’ with Fiona Patten. Now the Victorian MP has a Chelsea base – her electoral office officially opened on Thursday, May 23.

“I think more people with real life experiences are needed in politics,” said the Representative for South-East Melbourne.”

“You meet a lot of people in parliament from privileged backgrounds, who believe they were born to rule. I was educated in state schools, my parents were working people and I’ve always had to pay my way.”

Rachel was elected to the Victorian upper house as a member of the Legalise Cannabis Party.

“Surveys consistently show that most Australians want this plant legalised, the latest by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found more than 80 per cent of Australians believe that personal use of cannabis should no longer be a criminal offence, but while I’m passionate about this, my interests are in no way limited to just one reform.”

“I have a strong sense of justice and am particularly concerned about young people – those who are just finding their way. When governments invest in youth, they’re investing in the future and giving our young people real opportunities,” Rachel said.

“That’s why I believe in law making that has equity at its heart. Whether it be youth justice, anti-vilification, women’s health or housing - I want to see our state become a place where everyone has an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

“But as a south-east local, you are best placed to tell me what you need to live well and what changes are necessary.”

“I’m always keen to learn more about how I can support south-eastern residents from all walks of life, and the broader community. I’m on the lookout for service gaps and it’s also great to hear what is working well.”

Rachel was born in Newcastle, New South Wales and is the youngest of five.

“My Dad worked as a gyprock plasterer and Mum was a carer and did cleaning jobs. They also took in boarders to get by and were foster carers for a period. It was a busy home and not always a positive environment.”

“By the time I was 16, it was obvious I’d do better living independently. I couch-surfed for a while before renting a room in a share-house. I worked at McDonalds to pay the rent and finish school. It was a bit of a juggle. I was lucky to get into uni.”

“While studying at university, I worked in bars and as a burlesque dancer and came up with this cheeky stage character called Freckles Blue. I love performing and have danced in Paris and London.”

“But politics was my calling. I think it’s so important that our politicians look like our society – a kaleidoscope where we all feel represented.”

“I’m here to serve working people. Parliament should not be an echo chamber of the fortunate and financially blessed. We need to hear from people who have struggled and face cost of living pressures. That’s who I go to work for every day.”

Rachel’s office is located at 384a Nepean Highway Chelsea.

Rachel, who lives a short drive south of her electoral office with her partner, said she hoped locals would walk through the doors to meet her and the three electoral staff members based in Chelsea.

Members of the Berwick District Woodworker’s Club; from left to right: Bill Bradshaw, Martin VanDiemen, Don Buchanan, John McMahon, Chris Drysdale, Peter Ball and David Walker. (Ethan Benedicto)

Margaret Clayton with her Jewelry Box made with guidance from club member Simon King. (Rob Carew: 418961_01)

Leah Bolton with her “Cow Jumps Over the Moon“ night light. Having only been a member for 14 months, she admires the club’s culture of support, patience, knowledge and commitment. (Rob Carew: 418961_02)

Bill Bradshaw, considered to be a Master Craftsman, helped student Carol Goddard build this rocking horse over 4 months. It is being given back to the club for the future. (Rob Carew: 418961_05)

Victorian MP Rachel Payne has a new Chelsea base and wants South-East locals to visit.

NEWS Hope for vintage lighting

By Corey Everitt

Cardinia council and AusNet are investigating ways to retain what is left of the original Heritage Springs light fittings, though it is still ‘unclear’ whether a solution can be found.

Last month, residents of the Pakenham estate revolted against Cardinia Shire Council as they proceeded to replace the original custom lamp fittings amongst a program to update the lights to energy-efficient LEDs.

Local councillor Collin Ross put a halt to the process in the June council meeting, successfully passing a motion enforcing the council to find a solution which retained the fittings left.

In the latest meeting on Monday 15 July, councillors considered an update to the matter which showed solutions are being considered in collaboration with AusNet.

Councillors reported that the matter has caught the attention of other areas in the shire who wish to protect their unique lighting.

“I welcome this report, I think the most important thing is that AusNet are looking into the options that are available,” Cr Ross said.

“I do know there are other areas now that are talking about this and they want to keep their distinct value in their area too.”

375 lights and their fittings were changed over in Heritage Springs, the report said.

Those remaining are located at the entrance of Heritage Boulevard, the eastern part of Livingstone Boulevard and some associating streets, as well as a number of small streets just west of Henry Lawson Drive.

The council reports AusNet are reviewing a ‘retrofit LED Globe’ for the purpose of retaining the original light fitting which still remains.

Resident Jillian Ronald is glad the lights are being saved, but is angered by the fact that there were seemingly options to explore.

“They haven’t been very transparent, they got rid of 375 of these lights when there was

an alternative as AusNet are looking into,” she said.

“They decided there was no consultation because there were no other options, when there was.

“No one was aware this was happening, we didn’t get one of those letters about replacement, I would say a lot didn’t get them.”

This globe is still undergoing a process of approval by AusNet and the council has not received ‘formal confirmation’ that it can be used.

The report said these globes use ‘over twice’

the energy of those approved in the original program.

There are also‘spill’ and‘compliance’ issues with Australian standards that will affect AusNet’s decision to approve.

Despite these complexities raised in the report, Cr Ross thinks it shouldn’t be a ‘race to the bottom’.

“I don’t think Pakenham and Cardinia Shire should turn into a race to the bottom to see if we can put up the cheapest, most economic lights that we can,” Cr Ross.

“If we don’t do something to protect these

Mid-Year SALE

lights, why would a developer or anybody ever spend any money on doing anything better.”

Potential cost issues are at stake, the report says the council may lose AusNet’s financial support, while additional costs could arise from a replacement’s higher energy usage.

The council calculated the project could have as much as $177,000 added to the price tag.

If a replacement is approved the report said there will follow a new extensive consultation, matters like creating ‘logical groupings’ to not create an ‘uneven appearance’ will be considered.

Afterward, a further report providing an account of the consultation period for the program was given - instigated by Cr Davies last month.

“It was extremely concerning to hear that residents were saying, not only did we not like this, but we didn’t even know,” Cr Davies said.

“I know we have community engagement policies, what went wrong?”

The report said the council’s Communication and Engagement team determined ‘no opportunity’ for residents to ‘influence’ the matter and an ‘inform only approach’ was taken.

What followed was ‘consistent’ with policies where residents were informed through a ‘media release, mail outs, social media posts, connect and e-newsletter articles and leaflets’.

Cr Davies accepted the report, but still expressed concern over the matter.

“This is not an example of things going well, but processes have been followed,” Cr Davies said.

“I do hope that there is some community trust left because we have investigated this and sought answers.”

Both reports were supported by councillors and noted.

AusNet is exploring an option to retain Heritage Springs’ original lamp fittings. (File: 411849)

WHAT’S ON

Cardinia Diabetic Awareness Group

The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Pakenham Uniting Church meeting room at 10am.

The group would love to see people who have diabetes or live with someone who has diabetes attend or join.

The meeting consists of a short meeting and then a guest speaker dealing with diabetes.

· For more information, contact Lyn on 0149 116 972 or lestep12@people.net.au

BADFolk Club

Berwick and District Folk Club has been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 22 years.

The club meets on the third Friday of each month and every month features a different genre of music.

The club also welcomes spot acts. Doors now open from 6.30pm and the music runs from 7pm to 10pm, no bookings required, entry $15.

The kitchen sells sweet and savoury snack food and a variety of drinks – tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks.

· For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264. Narre Warren and District Family History Group

The July general meeting will have the theme of ’Brick Walls’ on Saturday 20 July from 2pm at the Lorraine Taylor Research Room at 110 High Street in Berwick, with an entry fee of $5. Knocking down family history brick walls can be daunting.

The group invites you to bring your problems along and learn ways to solve your roadblock.

· For more information, contact Eileen Durdin via secretary@nwfhg.org.au or 0439 720 557.

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,

Stallholders are encouraged to apply to showcase their wares or services. Join like minded people and friends in fur, feathers and

for a

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 one-toone basis.

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

Word lists and more will be available to increase

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

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.

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.

Casey Pet Expo

The Casey Pet Expo is returning for another year from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 14 September at Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick.

scales

great day out.

Meryl and her dog Ziggy with Ricci and her dog Archie. (Stewart Chambers: 354575)

SPORT Knowles has the know-how

By David Nagel

Winning back the trust of clubs and gaining their collective buy-in are items at the top of the list for new Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) President Ben Knowles.

Vice-president last season, the 35-year-old was interim president for 19 days after a majority of CCCA clubs voted in favour of passing a motion to declare the President’s position vacant; effectively ending the tenure of longtime administrator Rob Hansen.

Knowles was officially voted in by clubs last week, unopposed, at a Special General Meeting that was called specifically to fill the position.

Just days into the role, Knowles has a specific focus on working with the CCCA member clubs to ensure a collective strength and growth in the competition moving forward.

“The trust has definitely waivered over the last couple of years, so that’s the number-one thing, winning that back, and then putting important pillars in place for the future,” Knowles said.

“At the end of the day, we’re here for the clubs.

“The clubs elected to make this change because they were worried about the future of the association.

“They wanted change, they wanted to modernise it; and now I’m putting it back on them.

“The clubs got what they wanted, but where are we going from here?

“It’s okay to do what’s been done, but now we need a commitment to fill vacant positions or we’re no better off than what we were.

“The ball is now firmly in the court of the clubs; we now have the opportunity to build an association together that is attractive to

other clubs throughout Casey and Cardinia.

“We want extra clubs coming in; we want the association to grow.

“I asked every club at the meeting to have a minimum of one person on a sub-committee or board so we can grow the association together.”

Knowles fell in love with the game as soon as he could hold a bat, playing his junior and

senior cricket for Horndon-on-the-Hill in Essex.

He moved to Australia from England in 2013 and has had stints with DDCA club Narre North, Mildura Settlers, Bentleigh ANA in SECA, before buying a house locally and settling at Clyde in 2018.

He won a premiership at Clyde in his first year; has made an A Grade century, and won the Doug Round Medal for taking the most wickets at Clyde in a season.

He was secretary at Narre North for two seasons and for the last three years has held the same position at Clyde; a position he will now forgo as he takes on the CCCA’s top role.

“Those five years as secretary gave me a great grounding on how clubs work and the issues they face on a regular basis,” Knowles said.

“We’re here to serve the clubs, so if we know what the club’s problems are, then that has to help in some way.

“We also need to get our policies and procedures updated and made more relevant.

“I’m talking rules, by-laws, constitution; let’s modernise those, make them more relevant, and once we have that strong foundation we can build from there.”

Knowles has already reconnected with local council, with the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia being invited to his meeting in charge.

“For the first time in four or five years the two councils were both represented at the meeting, and why shouldn’t they be there; they’re our two biggest stakeholders and ground providers,” he said.

“Why would we not want to be hearing what they’re doing; what processes and procedures they’re bringing in, because they are

going to affect our clubs.

“Both councils were extremely receptive of being invited back to the board; extremely thankful and hoping it’s the beginning of a positive connection moving forward.

“The first agenda item at each meeting will be assigned to key stakeholders and council.”

Knowles, a self-confessed straight shooter, said clubs can expect an honest and consistent approach during his tenure as president.

“I’m honest, I tell you as it is, and I go by the rule book,” he said.

“I’ve been told I have a black and white personality, it either is or it isn’t, it’s either in the rule book or it’s not.

“But you also need compassion, to be able to put your arm around a club in a time of need.

“But honesty and communication are two of the main ones, it’s about honesty and communication with the clubs.

“I don’t need to bombard the clubs with 15 emails, when one detailed email will suffice.”

Knowles is excited about what the future might look like for the CCCA.

“There is no reason that on a Saturday, in the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia, that every single oval is not used for cricket,” he said.

“We already have one application for a club to potentially join us, and there are ovals going up left, right and centre, and others are being freed up.

“If we can get the pillars right, and get the clubs engaged and on-side, and get people talking about the CCCA in a positive light, then I can’t see why we don’t have five new clubs during the upcoming five-year plan.”

Knowles and the CCCA Board will look to soon fill the vacant positions ofVice-President; and Female and Junior Cricket Managers.

Tantalising trio of games to shape Outer East finals race

By Marcus Uhe

A split round in the Outer East Football Netball Premier Division leaves just three matches to be played this weekend, with each offering something unique to look for.

Pakenham is seeking consecutive wins for the first time since May, when it welcomes Emerald to Toomuc Reserve.

When the two faced off in round four, it was Jordan Stewart that did the damage with six goals in a dominant performance that prompted Paul Carbis to say that he wanted two of him.

Stewart’s versatility sees him suited to both ends of the ground wherever Pakenham need to fill a gap or can look to exploit their opponents, and last time against the Bombers it was up front where he thrived.

The weather forecast for Saturday is not expected to suit key position players, and with cavalry back for Pakenham in the form ofTom Gamble, there’ll be forward targets for the Lions to kick to along with Stewart.

It could offer Carbis the opportunity to swing him into defence, and help quell the threat of Emerald forward David Johnson.

Johnson will have plenty of options at ground level snaffling anything off his hands in what will be greasy conditions, and it will come down to taking those opportunities when presented.

Pakenham did not handle the wet conditions against Gembrook Cockatoo well at all in round 11, when its proclivity to switch the ball and utilise the space on offer brought them unstuck on a number of occasions.

By contrast, Gembrook Cockatoo moved the ball directly and maximised its time in possession, leading to more scoring chances. What they learned from that day will be telling, as every win from here will be vital in the Lions’ slim chances of making the finals. Emerald, meanwhile, are desperate to send Sein Clearihan off on a high, having announced his decision to step down as coach last week.

With finals out of the picture, it’s the fight

to avoid relegation that will sustain their motivation for the remainder of the year.

Officer will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the previous contest against Narre Warren, when they were taught a lesson in Premier Division football in round four.

Narre Warren picked Officer apart with ease in the 98-point thrashing, in one of the Kangaroos’ worst performances of the season.

After a bright opening half of the season when they claimed wins against three 2023 Premier Division sides in Pakenham, Gembrook Cockatoo and Mt Evelyn and looking likely to qualify for a finals place, winning form has deserted them in recent weeks, having claimed the points in just one of its last six contests.

And of all the sides you’d least like to face

when looking to end a run of bad form, Narre Warren is arguably top of the list.

It will conclude a brutal four-week period for the Kangaroos who will have played Woori Yallock, Wandin and Narre Warren in that period, and slipped to eighth on the ladder as a result.

Only one game separates the Kangaroos from sixth, but the clock is ticking to get back to winning ways.

Wandin and Woori Yallock’s clash, meanwhile, will play a key role in determining the outcome of the top two come season’s end, and the all-important double chance.

Long-time rivals of the old Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League, the two have played countless big battles over the years with the pride of the region at stake, and this will be no different.

Wandin has won nine straight, sinceWoori Yallock downed them at home in round four, to sit third on the table, while the Tigers have lost just once, to Narre Warren, and sit second.

2023 sawWandin snatch back ascendency in the battle for supremacy over their rival, but the Tigers can never be counted out as round four’s 11-point win showed.

With a percentage deficit onWooriYallock to eradicate too, this is simply a must-win for Wandin if it wants a top-two birth, with another clash against Narre Warren to come in round 15.

The Tigers, meanwhile, have a far-kinder run home and should be expected to win its final four games.

Tips: PAKENHAM v Emerald, Woori Yallock v WANDIN, NARRE WARREN v Officer.

Jake Gains and Hayden Dwyer will go head-to-head in the ruck again when Officer heads to Narre Warren on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 405141)

Ben Knowles is the new president of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association. (Supplied)

ROC slide now set in stone

By Marcus Uhe

The six combatants to contest the upcoming Outer East Football Netball A Grade netball finals series appear to be set with five weeks of competition remaining.

This follows ROC blowing a golden opportunity to apply pressure to the incumbent place-holders on Saturday afternoon.

Despite holding Mt Evelyn to its secondlowest score of the season in wet, slippery conditions at Officer Recreation Reserve, ROC threw-away a three-goal half time lead and with it, a potential major boilover in cold conditions was extinguished.

ROC scored just 12 goals after half time in the 36-28 loss, falling victim to the stringent defence applied by the Rovers that has made them a powerhouse in the competition over recent seasons.

Heavy rain fell in the second quarter as ROC’s Kaelah and Isabella O’Shanassy made a concerted effort to deny sharpshooter Rory Barr opportunities in the Rovers’ goal circle.

Conditions made handling the ball and staying on their feet a difficult task for both sides, but ROC appeared better suited, and took a three-goal lead into the long break.

Winning the one-percenters and making the important extra effort plays were celebrated by the ROC faithful huddled under the shelter at the netball courts, but the end of the rain saw a shift in momentum during the second half.

A six-goal ROC lead midway through the third quarter was wiped by the Rovers over the next six minutes of play, thanks to an unan-

swered seven-goal run.

11 of the final 13 goals of the quarter saw Mt Evelyn turn for home three goals ahead, and nine of the first 11 of the final term saw them stamp their authority on the contest, running

away with the eight-goal win.

It leaves ROC with a mountain of work in its final five games to climb into sixth position, needing at least two wins to tie on points Emerald, while hoping results do not go the Bombers’ way.

However, with remaining contests against Narre Warren, Pakenham and Monbulk, ROC needs to take every opportunity they can get.

Saturday’s win would have closed the gap to just four points, given Emerald’s 59-50 loss to Narre Warren.

The Magpies flew out of the gates with the first six goals against Emerald, and took a ninegoal lead into the first break, but was forced to fight off a late Bombers fightback in the last quarter.

Emerald cut four goals off Narre Warren’s lead heading into the final term, and cut the lead to two goals midway through the last quarter to give the Magpies a fright.

But the Magpies showed their championship winning qualities in the face of adversity by fighting off the Bombers’ charge, scoring five consecutive goals in a ruthless two-minute stretch to put the result beyond doubt.

Gabrielle Dwyer returned to the Narre Warren lineup for the first time since nine, as Grace Ioelu, Chelsea Tonna and Piuti Laban shared the scoring duties with Erin Bell not in the side.

Madison Taylor and Krista Tomlinson were among Emerald’s best players as Kaylah Loulanting shot 34 goals.

Narre Warren is now two games clear at the top of the table and is best-placed to secure

Conditions make it perfect to be an Eel

By David Nagel

A refreshed and revitalised Pakenham Eels have bounced back to the winner’s list in spectacular style with a season-defining 18-10 win against top-of-the-table Waverley Panthers on Saturday.

It was a special day for Rugby League across the State, with NRL Victoria celebrating NAIDOC Week; while the Eels and Panthers were playing for a lot more than just positions on the premiership ladder.

The senior men competed in the Hayden Butler Foundation Memorial Game which was named after Waverley player Hayden Butler and remembers players who had taken their own life.

The foundation focuses on mental health and well-being.

The Eels second-grade senior men’s team have come off the back of some difficult losses; but with the memorial game firmly in their focus they returned after the league-wide break with a determination to turn their season around.

It was a physically demanding match on both offence and defence, coming up against the top-placed team who always bring their ‘A Game’ for this match.

The Eels were able to put on a classic display in both offence and defence; keeping the Panthers at bay and holding on for a special victory.

VJ Sua was named man of the match for the Eels, while a try to second-rower Jharmez Royale – who pounced on a Panthers’ goal-line mistake – was a crucial moment in the contest.

The Eels are now sixth on the table; one spot behind fierce-rivals Casey Warriors, with a visit to Casey Fields this week set to be another defining moment of their season.

The Warriors will be fired up on their own deck, after the Eels won 24-14 at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve back in round nine.

The blockbuster clash begins at 2.15pm.

In other results on the weekend the Senior Women’s League Tag won their match against Werribee Bears 24 to 8, while the Eels three junior teams all suffered defeats; despite putting up a brave effort.

The Under 16 Boys were defeated 26-6 by Waverley Panthers, while the Under 14 Boys suffered a similar fate, going down 34-16.

And finally, the Under 14 Girls were defeated 58-18 by an impressive Frankston Raiders.

top spot, thanks to Wandin’s shock 53-48 loss to Monbulk.

The Hawks’ win made it seven in a row, leading at every change against the 2023 runners up and not looking back on their way to a huge result in the context of the season.

Narre Warren can all but secure top spot in round 15’s clash with Wandin at Wandin, should the Magpies defeat ROC next week.

The door also reopens for Mt Evelyn and Monbulk, meanwhile, to leapfrog Wandin and claim second place, now just two points adrift of the Bulldogs, while Pakenham continues to hover dangerously in fifth, trailing Wandin by just four points.

Pakenham continued Berwick Springs’ season of misery in a 80-5 demolition, the first instance a team has been held to single figures in A-Grade netball this season.

A seesawing battle at Olinda Ferny Creek saw the lead change hands five times in the second half as the Bloods chased down a fourgoal deficit in the final minutes to steal a remarkable win at home.

Trailing 40-44 with 5.40 remaining, Olinda Ferny Creek nailed the final seven goals of the afternoon to power home with a 47-44. At the time, four goals was the largest lead of the afternoon, and coming on the back of a five-goal run from Gembrook Cockatoo, the Brookers appeared on track for a second consecutive win, but the opportunity slipped through their fingertips in costly fashion.

Upwey Tecoma, meanwhile, downed Woori Yallock in a Tiger on Tiger contest.

Storm back to best in 6-3 triumph

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cardinia is back to its best, winning its Men’s Metro 2 South top-of-the-table clash against Glen Iris 6-3.

After conceding the first goal of the match, hard working skipper Scott Burnett hit back within two minutes to level the scores, which started a six-goal run for the hosts.

Ben Albrecht scored his first two goals of the season after creating for teammates repeatedly in the first half of the season, while GarethVentom also scored a double.

The Storm’s defensive intensity was relentless, led by playing-coach Peter Turner with the second placed side kept to just one goal until very late in the fourth quarter, by which time the result was sealed.

“Everyone was really hungry this week so we were able to execute the game plan really well,” Turner said.

“We knew what to expect playing Glen Iris so we came in with a plan and we had 16 guys train this week and we spent the whole week working on forward movement and running patterns and the result was scoring six goals.”

The result increases Cardinia’s stronghold on first place on the table, seven points clear of second place.

Cardinia was too good for Glen Eira in a huge top-of-the-table clash. (Stewart Chambers: 400966)

Pakenham Eels second-rower Jharmez Royale celebrates his crucial try after pouncing on a Waverley Panthers error. The Eels defeated the ladder leaders 18 to 10. (Michael Winter: 419414)

Isabella O’Shanassy was excellent for ROC against Mt Evelyn on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 409033)

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