FOCUS ON … PROUDLY PAKENHAM
Have it all at Ridgelea
In a new video promoting Ridgelea, a drone sweeps over former farmland at Pakenham East showing the extensive ground work now underway at Parklea’s most ambitious project to date.
Parklea general manager Corporate Jarod Mills said 2024 has been an exciting year for Ridgelea as the estate takes shape and the first lots are titled.
The state government has also completed construction of the suburb’s new train station, which opened in June and will connect residents to the CBD. VicRoads has also approved plans for an important intersection with the Princes Highway, with construction currently underway.
Parklea will offer 3000 lots at Ridgelea. The Botanical Precinct, encompassing one of the estate’s main entrance boulevards, is now selling.
When completed, the overall suburb will comprise 7,200 homes and feature a commercial town centre, two government primary schools, one non-government primary school, a government secondary school, three community centres and 44 hectares of parks and sporting reserves connected by pedestrian and cycling paths.
Sales consultant Laura Phillips says the beauty of Rideglea is that “everything you could possibly want for a high quality lifestyle is within reach“.
“With over 3,000 residential lots with a range of sizes, townhouse developments and a retirement village we have singles, couples, growing families and retirees covered,“ she said.
“Ridgelea is destined to become the heart of Pakenham East with the suburb’s town centre to be located right here in the estate. Residents will have easy access to supermarkets, specialty shops, a medical hub, food and entertainment outlets right at their door.
“At Ridgelea you will be living in natural surroundswith20percentcommittedtoopenspaces. Take in scenic views from the estate’s hilltop park or explore one of the many walkways and nature
trails towards the wetlands. There are also playgrounds, sporting facilities and community spaces throughout the state supporting a healthy lifestyle while also providing a habitat for local fauna.
“With a gradual rise to the Princes Highway, lots are mostly slope-free making it easy to select your preferred home design and builder.
“Meanwhile, Parklea’s practical design guidelines allow you to achieve your vision while the streetscapes remain pleasing to the eye. And if you’re planning to work from home, you can be rest assured you will have plenty of internet providers to select from with Ridgelea being an NBN connected community.“
Mr Mills said Ridgelea will carry on Parklea’s now 50-year commitment to sustainability, quality and a sense of community.
As with all Parklea estates, Ridgelea buyers
“With a modern approach to community and a village feel, chances are you’re going to love
will enjoy premium benefits such as Colorbond fencing to rear and corner lots, landscaping rebates and solar and security rebates.
Ridgelea,“ promised Mr Mills. With blocks
Parklea general manager Corporate Jarod Mills said 2024 has been an exciting year for Ridgelea as the estate takes shape and the first lots are titled.
FOCUS ON … PROUDLY PAKENHAM
Unmissable spectacle
Pakenham is set to experience a cultural renaissance this November with Euphoric, a groundbreaking modern-day variety show that promises to deliver an unforgettable entertainment experience. Slated for two spectacular shows on November 29 and 30, Euphoric is ready to dazzle audiences like never before.
But that’s not all! This year, Euphoric is expanding its reach with additional shows in Mornington and Brunswick, bringing the electrifying spectacle to even more fans.
Last year’s shows were such a resounding success that Euphoric is returning for more in 2024. The overwhelmingly positive response and demand from audiences have paved the way for another series of performances that are set to exceed expectations.
This isn’t just another night out; it’s an immersive spectacle blending comedy, burlesque, drag, dance, music, and more. Euphoric calls on attendees to embrace the extraordinary and leave political correctness at the door. This show is crafted for those who are open-minded, not easily offended, and ready to dive headfirst into a world of unbridled fun.
Don’t Miss Out!
Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to secure yours now! Embrace your sexy side, shake off the dust from your boa, and bring out those heels for a night that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Euphoric is back, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss!
Appearing at the Cardinia Cultural Centre,
Small businesses are the beating heart of Pakenham
It is my honour to celebrate the incredible contribution Pakenham’s small businesses make to creating a community to be proud of.
I believe our small business owners are everyday local heroes in plain sight. They have enough belief in our community and its future to invest money and time into pioneering a new venture. Whether it’s our favourite local cafe, hairdresser or boutique, our GP or childcare operator – we depend on local businesses to meet our needs and keep our communities thriving. The more local businesses that operate in a locality, the more jobs that are created, the more prosperity generated and the more opportunities available.
It should therefore go without saying that small businesses deserve all the support they can get from governments. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. After three terms of a Labor government in Victoria, small businesses are doing it tough.
Every year since 2020, we have seen an increasing rate of closure for businesses under 20 employees. Labor’s tax hikes have disproportionately harmed small businesses, making it harder for them to compete, grow and keep their doors open. With more than 53 new or increased taxes, businesses are now being taxed almost double what they were when Labor came into government in 2014.
When I speak to local business owners, they repeatedly raise the issue of tax and the endless maze of regulatory hurdles. While larger businesses have the resources to navigate the red tape, often small businesses do not, and they are forced to divert precious resources away from essential operations.
Despite these challenges, the resilient de-
termination of Pakenham’s small business owners shines through. They have shown incredible perseverance, finding creative solutions to keep their businesses afloat during tough times. This entrepreneurial spirit deserves recognition and respect.
As small businesses fight on, I will continue to represent those who hope for better, advocating for common-sense policy reform to cut the red tape and let small businesses thrive again.
Heath MP
Renee
51 John Street, Pakenham Ph: 5941 1112
Renee Heath MP.
Euphoric Is coming to Pakenham: An unmissable spectacle this November.
PAKENHAM
Little shop of treasures
Tara Field has been running small handmade businesses since she was 16 years of age.
Now you can find The Shop of Little Shops at 19 Treloar Lane in Pakenham, a collective emporium style shop featuring more than 120 small businesses showcasing local and handmade wares.
Tara said the shop acts as a showcase of a number of different locals and their talents and products.
“It allows small businesses to get their products into the retail space,“ she said.
“It’s an inclusive and accessible space for customers to see handmade items up close before purchasing.
“It’s like an indoor market, you can browse in comfort no matter the weather.“
Tara said her current handmade business which she has been running for eight years named Little Field Handmade was one of the many small ’shops’ running through the store.
“I have a passion for small business and a passion for handmade and I want to share the love of handmade with a wider audience,“ she said.
“I always encourage others to get creative, especially those who don’t think they have a creative bone in their body!
“I love supporting small business owners to follow their passion and share their talents with the world.“
Tara said the business was the first of its kind locally.
“Every shelf in our shop is full of products being sold by small businesses,“ she said.
“Business owners are in charge of their own pricing and choose what items to stock on their shelves.
“We’ve focused on keeping the store accessible for all - we can have multiple prams in the store with no issues and wheelchairs and walkers
can get around easily too.
Tara said she wanted the shop to become the creative hub of the local community.
“I want to create a community space where small businesses can share their knowledge and skills,“ she said.
“The idea for the shop came to me in March and I couldn’t shake it, so I made it happen and we were open within 6 weeks!
“It has been amazing to see the local small business community come together so quickly.“
Tara said she was grateful for the support she
had received from the community so far.
“I couldn’t have done it without the help of so many people coming together around this little idea including my best friend and my cousin and of course the wonderful talent of all of the stallholders who have filled the shop with their beautiful things,“ she said.
Tara said they were excited for what the rest of the year had in store.
“We are looking forward to our first Christmas season and being a one stop shop for gift giving,“ she said.
“We will be offering kids parties in our workshop space soon, including slime parties, paint & sip, bath bomb making and cookie decorating.”
“Our shelves are completely full already, something that I didn’t expect to happen until much further down the track.“
The Shop of Little Shops is open from 10am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.
For more information about The Shop of Little Shops, visit linktr.ee/theshopoflittleshops
Aleisha, Tara and Siobhan. (Stewart Chambers: 424319)
FOCUS ON … PROUDLY PAKENHAM
Shop local
The Heritage Shopping Centre is your local shopping centre servicing the daily needs of the Pakenham community.
Anchored by a Coles and featuring a Coles Express, Liquorland, Chemist Warehouse and over 20 specialty stores plus an abundance of free parking, your daily shopping needs are all here under one roof.
Now McGregor Road is open drop into the shopping centre to see what your great retailers have on offer.
Enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of the cafes.
Shop local to keep local shops.
Local wins Gift of music
JP Music Academy offers guitar, bass guitar and piano lessons for children and teens.
The business runs from a Pakenham studio near the Lakeside Square shops and in five schools in the Cardinia Shire area, with more than 100 students enrolled.
James Peden started JP Music Academy in 2017 to make some extra money.
“I’m passionate about teaching kids what I do best,” he said.
“I teach engaging material that keeps students interested and provide incentives and awards for their achievements.
“When we came out of lockdown I had maybe 30 students.
“I spent lots of time training to become a better music school owner and teacher and was able to get my music programs into more schools and grow the enrolments to over 100 students.
“The next phase is to get more music teachers and teach the program in more schools.”
James runs nine-level programs Guitar Ninjas and Keyboard Superstars, and he presents a Student of the Term Award.
“My goal is to train my students to become music teachers and performing artists,” he said.
“I am now offering work experience and training those that are interested.
“It has helped develop one of my assistant music teachers to be more confident, how to deal with kids, and become a great music teacher.”
James acknowledged there were many music schools out there. “I am in my late thirties and have been part of the music industry for many years. You will be taught by an experienced musician that is active in the music scene, has worked with many students over the years and works not only in the studio but in local schools.
“I am connected with other music schools
across the globe that train music teachers to run successful music schools.”
James is an electronic synth music artist signed with Pur Zynth Rekords. He creates video content for TikTok, Instagram and Facebook for the label and his own music. His music is available on streaming services, he has provided DJ services for kids’ parties, and he’s been a professional keyboard player for years after taking up the instrument at age 8. James is offering four lessons for $100 until the end of September.
“Financial times are tricky so we have set up a way to make music lessons affordable, by introducing the first month at a discount and then offering weekly regular payments from there,” he said.
JP Music Academy is at 3/1 Village Way, Pakenham, and is open by appointment only. Email admin@jpmusicacademy.com.au, call 0407 857 616 or visit www.jpmusicacademy.com.au/booklesson to book a lesson.
By Harriet Shing MP, Labor Member For Eastern Victoria Region
As your representative in Victoria’s Legislative Council, I represent the Cardinia Shirecommunityatthestatelevelandwork alongside the local community to achieve better outcomes and opportunities for everybody. I also serve Victoria as the Minister for Equality, Minister for Housing, and Minister for Water. Since I was first elected in 2014, this area has undergone an incredible amount of growth and development.
This state government has been working hard to support that growth by investing in roads, schools, transportation, and community facilities to ensure that Pakenham and the Cardinia Shire continues to be a great place to live and work. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to deliver for the community over the last four years:.
· Removing the Level Crossing at Cardinia Rd, Pakenham, with five more crossings to be removed between Berick and Pakenham by 2025.
· Built a new station in Pakenham East between Deep Creek and the Princes Freeway to improve service and remove bottlenecks.
· Secured $11.2 million in funding to support the Puffing Billy line and the Emerald Tourist Railway Board.
· Expanded the Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands to cover 508 hectares of parkland for locals to enjoy.
There’s always more work to be done to support our local communities as they continue to grow. If you have a local issue that you’d like to bring to my attention, contact my office on (03) 5134 8000 or email me at harriet.shing@parliament.vic.gov.au.
The Heritage Shopping Centre.
FOCUS ON … PROUDLY PAKENHAM
Top legal expertise
Principal solicitor Shawn Mendis mentioned, Shawn Mendis Lawyers offers services across a wide range of areas.
“At Shawn Mendis Lawyers, we are renowned for our expert representation in courts, tribunals, and mediation,“ he said.
“We offer comprehensive legal assistance across various areas including property law and conveyancing, wills and power of attorney, family law, business and commercial law, probate and deceased estates, and criminal and traffic law.“
Mr Mendis said Shawn Mendis Lawyers was founded as an offshoot of Mendis & Gibson Lawyers, which was founded in Niddrie in 2006.
“Shawn Mendis Lawyers has a rich history that dates back nearly two decades, rooted in the visionary partnership of Sidney Mendis and Anna Gibson,“ he said.
“To further extend their reach, especially into the southeastern suburbs of Victoria, Shawn Mendis Lawyers was founded as an integral part of M&G Lawyers.
“This expansion reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional legal services across the region.“
Mr Mendis said they were always striving to continue to provide personalised experience by prioritising their clients’ needs.
“Our vision motivates us to continuously enhance our approach, innovate our practices, and strive for excellence in every aspect of our work, with the ultimate aim of delivering outstanding results and building lasting trust.“
Mr Mendis said they aim to stay ahead with innovative solutions using AI and other IT solutions.
“We are excited to announce that our firm is expanding daily, assisting the local community
in Pakenham and beyond.“
Mr Mendis said they have recently signed a three-year contract with Officer Tennis Club as the main sponsor and legal partner.
“We look forward to seeing the junior and senior teams play with our logos on their jerseys,“ he said.
“Additionally, we are in talks with other sports clubs in our area to support local talent.
“This growth reflects our commitment to fostering community connections and promoting the development of local sports.“
Mr Mendis said they were proud of being selected as a finalist in the Partner of the year Law Awards in 2023 and 2024 in the Wills and Estate category.
“Competing among over 280 high-achieving professionals across 34 categories, we have consistently been recognized as a leading lawyer in the Wills & Estate category,“ he said.
“Additionally, we are proud to have signed a partnership agreement with the Cancer Council of Victoria to provide legal advice to their clients.
This partnership underscores our commitment to making a positive impact in the community by offering expert legal support to those in need.“
Mr Mendis said they were proud in their participation in the local community and maintaining gender and cultural diversity.
“We are passionate about giving back and making a positive impact both within the legal profession and beyond,“ he said.
“We have team members who speak several languages, including Hindi, Egyptian, Sinhalese, Kashmiri, Bengali, and Tamil, ensuring we can effectively communicate and connect with clients from various backgrounds.“
Shawn Mendis Lawyers is located at 1/198 Henry Rd in Pakenham and open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
For more information, visit www.shawnmendislawyers.au, email contact@shawnmendislawyers.au or phone 03 8774 9663
Trusted advice
Family owned and operated for 21 years, Taylor & Moore provide nationwide business activity statements (BAS), bookkeeping and payroll services.
Their services include bookkeeping services, such as accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliation, expense and debtor management, data entry, EOFY preparation, and accountant journals; BAS agent services including BAS, IAS, SGC, STP, GST and PAYGW Registrations, FTC and TPAR; payroll services including payroll processing, workers compensation, payroll tax and superannuation; specialised reporting services including cash flow management, budgeting, board reports, file audits, EOM reporting; and Xero software integration and training services.
Taylor & Moore director Sharron Taylor said they are constantly updating their processes to stay up-to-date.
“We are driven by a commitment to accuracy and precision in our work, providing meticulous bookkeeping services to ensure that our clients have reliable financial data to make informed decisions,“ she said.
“The dynamic nature of accounting and bookkeeping means staying updated with the latest industry trends, regulations, and technologies enables us to provide superior services to our clients.“
Ms Taylor said the enthusiastic and dynamic team, which includes a number of senior staff members with more than 15 years’ experience, works hard to help clients achieve their goals.
“It is our mission to help our clients and to give them back their time and alleviate all the bookkeeping pressures and headaches so they can focus on all other aspects of their business,“ she said.
“We offer specialised bookkeeping services tailored to most industries including all trades, medical industry, investment properties and developers, retail, consulting, manufacturing, hairdressing, importer and exports, tourism, engineering, IT, entertainment, education, beauty and more.
For more information, visit taylormoore.com.au
Principal solicitor Shawn Mendis speaks to his team. (Supplied)
Taylor & Moore director Sharron Taylor.
FOCUS ON … PROUDLY PAKENHAM Batteries for everything
Batteries for everything are our promise to you, guaranteed.
The right battery at the right price, guaranteed!
We have batteries for everything; that’s our promise! Whether you need a battery for your car, truck, motorbike, scooter, caravan, golf cart, a personal device such as a phone, laptop, phone, camera, toy, or other pieces of equipment, we’ve got you covered with many products in our range. Standard and specialist batteries – cars, 4WDs, trucks, mobility scooters, caravans, boats, tractors, motorbikes, fridges, golf carts, phones, watches, computers, cameras, videos, hearing aids, toys and more.
Accessories and battery-related products –battery chargers, solar panel chargers, dual battery systems, UHF radios, remote controls (cars, gates), inverters and more.
Why customers choose us:
· Expertise – our staff are highly trained technicians for all battery types
· Choice – when we say we have batteries for everything, we mean it!
· Service – our friendly and caring staff provide prompt in-store service and full aftersales support
· Price – we’ll beat any online or written quote by 10% (Ts & Cs apply)
· Independent – we give you independent advice based on your needs and budget
· Value – FREE services include roadside assistance (Ts & Cs apply), battery testing, recycling, and in-store fitting
· We stock the following battery brands, and more: Century, Delkor, AC Delco, Neuton Power, Exide, Super Start, Drypower. Can’t find what you need? Call us on 59401364 today.
3/206 Princes Highway Pakenham Like us on Instagram BATTERYZONE.OZ
Your precious items are stored in safe hands
Store It Safe is the newest of several self-storage facilities in our local area. It is owned and operated by the Embrey family, who have a rich history of land development and investment in Pakenham.
Queensland-born Earle Embrey at first followed his father’s footsteps into coal mining before moving to Victoria in 1967. An entrepreneur at heart, once Earle settled in the South-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. In 1987, needing a factory to manufacture demolition equipment, Earle and his wife Ann bought 11 acres between Mary Street, Mulcahy Street and Purton Road in Pakenham. With very little industrial activity in the shire at the time, the local council were very excited and supportive of the endeavour. The site became home for an old Malcolm Moore crane factory which Earle relocated from South Melbourne.
The repurposed factory comprised of 44 semi-trailer loads of steel frame structures that were wire brushed and repainted before reassembly into four separate buildings and 72,000 square feet of factory space. Today, the complex houses Embrey Manufacturing and Country Truss.
In the late 1980s, Earle and Ann acquired a large parcel of industrial zoned land off Bald Hill Road along with residential land off Ahern Road. Earle created Embrey Court on the land complete with 18 factories that house local businesses today with the Ahern Road plot becoming a residential estate on Breyleigh Drive. The name ‘Brayleigh’ holds sentiment to the family, being a mixture of Embrey and Leigh; Leigh being Ann’s maiden name. Brayleigh is complete with a court named Earle Close.
After developing, subdividing and selling much of their land on the freeway side of Bald Hill Road, the family decided to build a premium state of the art self-storage facility, Store It Safe, on Hill Street in 2018. This was completed and opened in August 2023 and comprises 200 storage units ranging in size from 9.3 to 120 square meters.
What sets Store It Safe apart from our many competitors is our fully automated, 24/7 access, complete with keyless entry all via the touch of a button on your phone. Simple, easy, and extra secure! What’s more- all our units feature direct driveway access and a clearance of at least 2.8 meters high, making the unloading process doubled in ease and halved in time. To fully put your mind to peace, we have ensured our larger units over 20m2 are equipped with their own internal motion sensing security camera, available for personal access. Store it safe is located at 30 Hill Street, Pakenham.
The Battery Zone, Pakenham team - Liam, Mason and Brett.
The Store it Safe family Ann, Scott, Earle (front), David and Leighann.
All smooth riding
The Pakenham Level Crossing Removal Project has teamed up with Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia (RDA), recently donating 336 tonnes of gravel from the project’s temporary works to the volunteer group located just a few kilometres from the new East Pakenham Station.
RDA Australia has been supporting people with physical and intellectual disabilities to ride horses for 60 years, both in Australia and the UK, and operates 35 centres in Victoria. Pakenham RDA has 25 volunteers who support about a dozen participants to access horse riding each week.
When workers on the Pakenham project heard about muddy and wet conditions at Pakenham
RDA causing volunteers to regularly get their boots and wheelbarrows stuck in the mud, they quickly came up with a plan to use redundant temporary materials from the project to repair the laneways across the 25-acre site.
Using mini excavators, the project team set about spreading more than 300 tonnes of gravel to resurface and smooth out the muddy lanes.
Pakenham RDA president Mary Longden said the “fantastic” initiative would save staff and volunteers a lot of backbreaking work.
“It makes such a difference. This time last year we were pushing a wheelbarrow with the hay for the horses, losing our gumboots on the way, and
now we can drive,” she said.
Pakenham RDA houses nine horses and ponies. One of its more famous residents is 18-yearold former racehorse Thumbtacks, re-trained to “go slow” to support riders with additional needs.
Volunteer Ken Ellison said equine-assisted therapy for people with disabilities had many benefits.
“They say that for a person with a physical disability to ride a horse is akin to an able-bodied person walking. Their muscles they use on the horse are similar to someone who is walking,” he said.
Making the centre’s lanes more usable has
made the group’s goal of buying an off-road vehicle to move hay and equipment around the site more achievable, he said.
The level crossings at Main Street, McGregor Road and Racecourse Road in Pakenham have been removed by building a 2.5km section of elevated rail, and the new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham are now open.
The crossings were removed by building a rail bridge over the three roads, creating six MCGs’ worth of new community open space for locals to enjoy for generations to come. The open space will be ready for everyone to enjoy in Spring 2024.
Brooke at RDA Pakenham.
President Mary Longden with Thumbtacks.
Volunteers Ken and Sarah with Thumbtacks.
Education reform outcry
By Ethan Benedicto
The most recent NAPLAN results have sparked significant discussions within the local education community, with a local principal voicing the need for comprehensive education reform.
A recent release by the Media Centre for Education Research revealed that one in three Australian students are below literacy and numeracy benchmarks.
While another report by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority stated that the 2024 results were stable compared to 2023, the same statistics also revealed some ongoing demographic disparities, with students in remote areas, low socioeconomic status and Indigenous backgrounds at a disadvantage.
Henry Grossek, principal of Berwick Lodge Primary said that these statistics are part of a “tired old argument”, but also the most important factor when it comes to education.
“We need to fund public schools to a hundred per cent of their student resource standard,” Grossek said.
“Now if money didn’t matter, which is one of the arguments that some people use, then why are the non-government schools funded at 100 per cent or more of their SRS (schooling resource standard)?
“Because clearly they believe that money matters, well so do we.”
A lack of proper and extensive funding is what is lacking, according to Grossek, and the usual shift of blame to teaching methods, classroom discipline and or disengagement is not entirely accurate.
According to the ACARA report, overall national scores had 67 per cent of students achieving ‘Exceeding’ and ‘Strong Levels’ with performance increasing from Year 3 and 66.3 per cent to Year 5 with 71.4 per cent; this however drops in Year 7 with 67.3 per cent and Year 9 with 63 per cent.
As for the disparities between remote and urban students, only 24 per cent of students from very remote areas achieved ‘Strong’ and ‘Exceeding’ levels in reading, compared to 70.7 per cent of students from metropolitan schools.
Numeracy was in the same situation, with 22.4 per cent from very remote schools achieving ‘Strong’ and ‘Exceeding’ levels but 69.3 per cent from urban schools.
“A substantial part of the reason is that public schools are trying to do the job with not enough money, resources,” Grossek said.
“And by money, you buy programs, you buy training, so that’s clearly a number one issue.
“If we don’t do the funding properly, it doesn’t matter how much you train the teachers or how much you train the programs, you’re always going to be doing it under-resourced.”
The broader education community echoes the same sentiments from Grossek, with the MCERA release describing the situation as “deeply disheartening”.
Monash University senior lecturer for educa-
tional leadership, Dr. Fiona Longmuir said “it is clear that our school systems are failing students and teachers”.
“The simple rhetoric centred on teaching approaches implies that our hard-working teachers and schools are not doing enough, or not doing the ‘right’ things, with little attention to the deep inequity in Australian schooling, or to the challenging post-Covid condition including the dire teaching shortages,” she said.
Grossek is of the same mind, adding that “people are taking the simple way out by saying we need to do more phonics”.
“But to say that the answer is phonics is [not right], and it’s not a dichotomy between phonics and whole language.
“That’s not a panacea, and I do get sick and tired at times, like a lot of other educators, with when things aren’t going well, we read about teachers or schools that aren’t doing the right thing.
“Well when you don’t fund schools properly in the first place, and then you’re going to take another five years to fund them, how can you be blaming the teachers and the principals?” Grossek said.
Longmuir’s critique extended to the general public’s discourse on education, where she argued that it often oversimplifies the solutions, citing a recently retired school principal, Greg Lacy who said that NAPLAN results are “‘not a genuine
measure of a truly life-fulfilling education’”.
Rather, the results are “‘a score the politicians and others can hang their hat on without delving into what truly lies beneath’.”
Longmuir then added by saying that “there is no time to waste blaming teachers and arguing that narrow, standardised ways of teaching will solve the complex issues in our schools”.
Likewise, Grossek challenges the focus on NAPLAN as the only measure of widespread education success, and that while these results are certainly valuable, “they’re not the whole picture and the whole picture doesn’t depend on NAPLAN results alone”.
He calls the current period the “perfect storm” with Covid and its after-effects, essentially “exposing what [he] would argue is the lack of proper respect for what we need for the teaching profession”.
“I mean you’ve got a broad curriculum, so I’m not just worried about NAPLAN results, I’m more worried about how other programs are impacted by the current state of the profession,” Grossek said.
“The arts, the sciences, the sport and physical education, the lit is way beyond literacy and numeracy, but at the same time we’re more flatlined in NAPLAN than ‘going backwards’.”
To Grossek, he said that it was amazing that the overall results for NAPLAN have only been “stagnating”, considering the situation of the edu-
cational system and its much-needed improvements and reforms.
“Imagine if we addressed those issues, they wouldn’t be stagnating, and neither would other subjects that we don’t measure,” Grossek said.
A more cultural change of viewpoints in the way teachers are seen in current society is needed, he argued, where teachers should seen at a higher standard than their current societal position.
“People say it used to be that teaching was thought of as a calling, some higher mission, it’s a profession like medicine, architecture, law - it’s a professional career,” Grossek said.
“Why shouldn’t teachers and principals be paid commensurately? Why should we be trying to get them as cheaply as possible? We’re normal human beings like everybody else, and we have families, goals, and all those things - we’re doing it because it matters to us.
“We’re interested in that profession and we want to do some good,” he said.
As communities around the state continue to digest the NAPLAN data, voices of local educators such as Grossek and national experts are calling for a holistic approach to education reform.
To Grossek, “it’s the most important profession in the world because every other profession or job or career or citizenship depends in substantial part on the quality of a nation’s education system, and it’s really struggling at the moment.”
College’s nation-leading green school ambitions
Beaconhills College looks to be at the forefront of sustainability with its newest Green Report outlining a future of self-sufficiency.
The report provides a snapshot of the College’s work in the areas of resource use such as solar power, waste and water management, along with sustainable development of buildings and grounds.
The College has around 3000 students and 500 staff, with campuses in Berwick and Pakenham. It aims to break sustainable milestones to become one of the leading green schools in the nation.
Beaconhills is already one of Australia’s largest solar powered schools, with 1MW of solar panels across both campuses producing well over half of its energy needs.
With plans for more solar installations and battery storage systems underway, the College hopes to be off-grid within the next few years.
Business manager David Young said despite low rebates, the College receives $25,000 annually through electricity generated and fed into the grid.
“By harnessing all solar-generated power
through battery use, we estimate potential savings of $94,000 yearly on energy bills,” Mr Young said.
Other key achievements include:
· A new Years 7 and 8 Building designed from the ground-up with environmental features, including a 490-panel solar array, three underground water tanks storing 96,000 litres
and LED smart lighting systems enabling daylight dimming and automatic shut-off
· Eight vegetable gardens producing organic produce for the school canteens and food technology programs and educating students on food production, with surplus produce donated monthly to charity
· A large community vegetable garden with 10m greenhouse used for propagation
· A ban on single-use plastic items in canteens, replaced with paper straws, wooden cutlery and cardboard trays
· A procurement policy to purchase consumables from companies which highlight sustainability in their vision statement
· Indigenous plantings across both campuses to support local wildlife populations, such as the endangered Growling Grass Frog.
Mr Young said student involvement was an important part of the College’s green vision.
For example, senior students studying VCE Industry and Enterprise have helped build garden beds, while a ‘Clean Team’ of Year 2 students collect and sort rubbish at lunchtimes in
the school’s three-bin system; commingle recycling, compost and general waste.
“This demonstrates first-hand to students the effects of pollution in their own school and their personal contributions to responsible waste management,” Mr Young said.
‘Environment and sustainability’ is one of Beaconhills’ six key pillars of Learning That Matters.
“Our vision for sustainability is to embed programs and practices into students’ everyday lives to create lifelong sustainable values,” Mr Young said.
“Beaconhills College recognises the importance of becoming a sustainable school for the benefit of the Earth’s environmental health.
“We need to set an example to our students and the community to demonstrate that we are completely committed to protecting the opportunities and futures of our students.”
You can find the latest Green Report on the Environment and Sustainability page of the Beaconhills College website, beaconhills.vic. edu.au/learning/learning-that-matters/environment-sustainability/
Henry Grossek, the principal of Berwick Lodge Primary School remains outspoken that teachers and schools are not to blame, and system reform is what’s necessary. (Stewart Chambers: 206312)
Beaconhills College have released their latest Green Report. (Supplied)
Visit makes it official
Officer welcomed its brand-new childcare centre recently as Pakenham MP Emma Vulin officially opened Toun-nun Child and Family Centre.
Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik, Cr Tammy Radford and Cr Jeff Springfield joined the official opening on Monday 19 August with children beginning their early education in the first year of the new centre. Completed at the start of this year, the new centre was built to accommodate the many young families in the rapidly-growing Officer township.
With four kindergarten rooms as well as maternal child health and allied health services, the
centre provides 132 kinder placements.
Many of the little ones enjoying the facility now may go to Officer’s latest school, Kurmile Primary, which is just next door as they were both built together on Fairweather Parade.
Next year, Pakenham is set to welcome its latest childcare centre off Thewlis Road.
Recently named Boollam Boollam Child and Family Centre, the facility will accommodate the same number of kinder placements and will be complete at the same time and next door to the Pakenham North West Primary School.
Fire safety lessons on the timetable across
A number of school children across Cardinia have taken lessons on fire safety home with them, as part of a local CFA project.
The project involved all Grade 3 and 4 pupils within the participating schools to make sure they have a working tested smoke alarm and completed home fire escape plan in each home.
Once a school has completed the assignment and the teachers have marked them off, the local brigade has planned to attend and hand out a red ‘Leave Early’ backpack with a pencil case, ruler, pencil and drink bottle for them to keep.
Cardinia Fire Brigades Group community safety officer and brigade support officer Lisa Hicks commenced the project, so far involving 27 schools within Cardinia.
“It’s astounding that over 50 per cent of homes do not have a working smoke detector or home fire escape plan,” she said.
“Something so simple has proved to save lives.
“It is my goal to get as many Grade 3 and 4 students to jump on board and accomplish such an easy task to save their lives and the lives of their family.
“I am really passionate about this project, and I know it will take some time, including finding further funding to complete, however it is such a worthy project I will continue until I
have reached as many Grade 3s and 4s as I possibly can.”
For more information, contact Mrs Hicks at l.hicks@cfa.vic.gov.au
Officer CFA brigade’s Jonathan Ballard, Caleb Ratten, Roxy Thompson and Doru Babu visited Maranatha Christian School’s Officer campus.
A Maranatha Christian School Officer campus pupil tests out the Officer brigade’s hose.
Maranatha Christian School’s pupils celebrated receiving their ‘Leave Early’ backpacks. (Supplied)
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, Cr Tammy Radford, Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik and Cr Jeff Springfield.
Special prize for students
By Ethan Benedicto
Two local students from the City of Casey have been awarded the prestigious Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize for their contributions to commemorating the ANZAC legacy through what was described to be creative and heartfelt contributions.
Kylinda Zhang, a Year 11 student from Nossal High School and Mahdia Qasimi, a Year 10 student from Hampton Park Secondary College will be among the 12 secondary students who will embark on a 10-day international study tour to Turkey.
Kylinda curated a short story from the perspective of a Wadawurrung veteran who is struggling with PTSD and dives into their experiences while they worked on the Great Ocean Road Memorial.
“When I started researching I realised a lot of the Indigenous people at the time did not get the recognition after both wars (WW1 and WW2),” Kylinda said.
Research and accuracy were crucial to her, ensuring that there was a proper representation of firstly, a First Nations man, and secondly a Wadawurring man and their people’s culture.
To ensure cultural authenticity, Kylinda “paid attention to the language they used and made sure I didn’t use anything that wouldn’t have been appropriate”, she said.
Her short piece was commended as an “emotional story from First Nations perspective and demonstrated understanding of war history - [a] strong personal statement.”
Mahdia was one of the only two students who opted for a non-written medium to deliver their story, and was since applauded for her “firsthand experience of war”.
Her video focused on the absence of memorials and recognition for women in war and was inspired by her research as well as the personal connection of a close family member - who was her piece’s main subject - who experienced firsthand the impacts of war in Afghanistan.
“When I was researching the World Wars and ANZAC, I saw that women had important roles, from raising children to running businesses.
“So when I read about that, it felt like they have always been ignored like they haven’t been rec-
ognised - there aren’t many memorial places for women in war,” she said.
Both Mahdia and Kylinda were more than thrilled to have been chosen for the award, expressing their eagerness to be able to travel in the upcoming school holidays.
The students, who will be accompanied by three teachers, will visit various historical sites in Istanbul and Cannakkale, with the goal of learning about the courageous actions of those who fought and died during the Gallipoli campaign.
The Minister for Veterans, Natalie Suleyman said that the Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize is “an incredible opportunity for Victorian students to explore Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping history, and reflect on the precious freedoms we have today that we owe to the sacrifices of our veterans”.
“We are pleased to support the annual Prize
and winning students who will soon embark on an unforgettable journey to locations in Turkey that hold special significance in Australia’s wartime history,” she said.
While Kylinda is looking forward to experiencing new cultures in Turkey, she also said that the experience will “shape my understanding of ANZAC and my future perspective of war in general”.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and to see new things but most of all to really honour what the ANZACs did.
“It’ll be confronting to be exactly where they were and just to think of all these people, even those my age who went and fought,” she said.
Mahdia is on the same page, and while she is more than keen to be exposed to new experiences, being recognised for her efforts “is an honour”.
“I feel proud and thankful, especially because it shows the value of courage and sacrifice and
their importance,” she said.
For Kylinda, the challenges of writing the story extended beyond the realms of historical and cultural accuracy, with a proper sensitiveness needed when touching on PTSD.
Mahdia, who only came to Australia only three years ago spent sleepless nights researching the history of ANZAC and all things related; ultimately when she decided on her video piece, she also included a painting of her own women’s memorial.
Her passion for understanding and honouring the past has also played a hand in influencing her future aspirations, and while still uncertain, has expressed interest in joining the ADF.
Inspired by her experiences as a refugee and the kindness of ADF soldiers at a camp in Dubai, she said she wanted, one day, to “join the army, to help people as they helped us”.
Selfless educator recognised for empowering kids
By Ethan Benedicto
Being recognised for one’s work will always be a significant moment of acknowledgement and respect, and this rings true for Kyra Dawson, who was recently named a finalist for the Engaging Kids in School Award.
Although the ceremony for the winners is not until 3 September, Kyra is still “incredibly honoured” to have been picked as part of the few potential awardees.
Working as an engagement and inclusion coordinator at Berwick Secondary College for over 13 years, her impact on the lives of countless young people has not gone unnoticed.
“Personally, it gives me encouragement, it gives me confidence and it reinforces my core values of why I do the work I do.
“I leave home every day and I come to work, I don’t do it for the paycheck, I do it because I want to know that I’m doing something that has the potential to make a difference in the lives of the young people I’m surrounded by,” Kyra said.
The work is more than fulfilling for Kyra, something that she said she’d never grow tired of doing what it is that she does; for her, it’s work that keeps her “grounded and humble”.
“It inspired me every day as an individual person, I come to work and I get to sit with these young people, and I take away this sense of gratitude,” she said.
At a personal level, it has given Kyra a sense of purpose, worth and value and at the professional level has provided her with the understanding of relentless effort, especially when it comes to looking after students who have been entrusted to her care.
“I’ve never done this work to set out to glorify myself, it’s never been about me,” she said.
“It’s always been about the students and helping them recognise their worth, their strength and their purpose, helping them to be
the best versions of themselves.
“You know, behind some of these children are a team of people who are working really hard to help them, and we don’t always have the answers, we don’t always have an immediate solution, but we continue to show up and we continue to be a constant factor in the lives of these young people.”
Kyra’s journey into social welfare was of a deeply personal note, where growing up she faced her own challenges that fuelled her desire to be that pillar of support for others.
While she initially wanted to become a teacher, Kyra realised that she had this want, or inkling for well-being, to listen and hear someone’s story.
“It’s really important that a young person has someone to talk to in their life about their challenges and about their questions and
wonderings of the world, or even just trying to make sense of what might be going on in their space,” she said.
Kyra has a strong belief that education is the “most powerful weapon you can use to change an individual’s life”, and that it extends far beyond academic learning - it’s also about wellbeing, “it’s about being a part of a community”.
“It’s being part of positive connection, it’s being able to be around mentors and leaders, and people that care about you,” she said.
Building strong connections is something that Kyra emphasised when approaching students, listening and ensuring an “unconditional positive regard”.
Her method involves addressing the students’ immediate needs, whether that be someone to talk to, food, a uniform, or emotional support - “there is no judgment”.
“There is no stereotype or stigma that I place on young people, I choose to see that young person for who they are and not just the behaviours that I see or are outward.
“Giving them the power to share with someone who is actually going to take the time to listen,” she said.
Delving into the systems of a young person’s life is also important, according to Kyra, working through and with them which includes family, external relationships and school staff.
“I invest a lot of time building relationships with parents, with the external agencies that might be involved so we can all come together and we can go, ‘okay this is how the adults in the child’s life can work together to support the young person’.
“It might be anxiety, it might be mental health, it might be family challenges, or it might be all sorts of external factors that they feel like they just, can’t.
“Maybe they are in a state of fight or flight and they don’t feel safe, so maybe my job is
then to make this young person feel safe and feel calm so they can engage with their learning brain,” she said.
Of course, with any profession, there will always be risks involved, and for Kyra, while it may not necessarily be “life or death”, there could be a significant trajectory-altering factor that could lead the young person to be disengaged or more.
Building on her passion for the role, there is also that sense of responsibility and accountability, something that she promises to uphold.
With constant interaction from one person to another, through different topics, concerns and issues throughout different times of the day, a strong mental fortitude is key, but for Kyra working with children simply “recharges” her.
“I guess the working with the student part is easy for me, I haven’t burnt out yet,” she said.
“I surround myself with people who share the values I have, and we encourage each other and we’re able to listen and unpack, but also encourage each other to keep going.
“If I’m ever having a bad day or a day where it’s tough, the kids care as much too, when you show care to them, it’s amazing how much care they give back,” she said.
Looking out for the coming weeks leading to the announcement, Kyra’s dedication remains strong, with her passion for the role unwavering.
“I’ve always had this internal pursuit of wanting to give something back, to make a difference,” she said.
A testament to her work’s profound impact, Kyra remains steadfast in her role regardless of the award’s outcome.
“I want to be able to come alongside those who feel unvalued or unloved or unworthy and help them see that they are worthy and valued; that’s probably why I’ve done what I’ve done,” Kyra said.
Mahdia Qasimi holding her award next to Minister of Veterans, Natalie Suleyman. (Supplied) Kylinda Zhang with Natalie Suleyman after receiving her award.
Kyra Dawson, an engagement and inclusion coordinator from Berwick Secondary College has been named as a finalist for the Engaging Kids in School Award. (Supplied)
NEWS Policy puts club at risk
By Ethan Benedicto
The need for a fine line is a must for Tooradin and District Sports Club, as a newly endorsed policy by Casey Council could impact the club’s continued operation beyond its current lease.
Casey’s most recent Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, which looks to curb the impact of gambling harm will effectively deem the sports club inoperable after its lease ends in 2028 unless there are no electronic gaming machines (EGM) on-site.
According to Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM, the policy states that the council “will not support any new EGM-operating venues or organisations on council-owned or managed land”.
Nor will they renew existing EGM-operating venues or organisation leases on council-owned or managed land.
“The Tooradin and District Sports Club has a current, long-term lease agreement with council which will be honoured to its conclusion,” Ms Duff said.
Tooradin Ward council candidate, Anthony Tassone posted a video on Facebook recently calling for further conversations with the City of Casey, citing from the 16 July agenda that the new policy would impact the club’s “not-for-profit support of the local community”.
The City of Casey consistently ranks second in gambling losses amongst other Victorian LGAs, only behind the City of Brimbank; in the financial year of 2022/2023, Casey saw a record $159 million in player losses from EGMs alone, which exceeded the previous high of $139 million before the pandemic.
After the policy’s endorsement during the 20 July meeting, and corroborating Ms Duff’s statement, all administrators endorsed the policy’s cessation of support for new EGM-operating venues on council land, which the Toordin District and Sports Club happens to be.
Vice president of the sports club and former mayor of Casey, Colin Butler, said that if the club were to be closed down, their yearly community benefits of $360,000 would no longer continue.
“We pride this [place] on being a family club, I know we have [EGMs] down there but that’s still a legitimate form of entertainment.
“We keep our prices down, we support all the major sporting clubs around here, and not just Tooradin but surrounding areas as well.
“Kindergartens, schools – at the moment we’ve got an agricultural society convening in here, we’ve got three equestrians, two Lions clubs meeting here; they all meet for free,” Mr Butler said.
Tooradin Sports Club supports local sports avenues, including Tooradin Football Club, Netball Club, Tennis Club, Cricket Club and more.
The council emphasised the importance of its position on health prioritisation when it comes to gambling harm, however proper local collaboration was needed according to Mr Tassone.
In a letter to Star News, he elaborated that “governments at any level, including the local government at Casey get the best outcomes for those they serve when they consult with and listen to their community”.
“I call on the City of Casey to pause, consult and listen to the local community before making a decision on this important issue,” he said.
The policy outlines that the council’s stance on the matter is that all forms of gambling and associated arms are a public health issue “of significant and growing concern” due to the “countless ways” harm is experienced both directly and indirectly.
It also adds that the 13 EGM gaming venues across the municipality are unevenly distributed within lower socioeconomic communities, with five of the 13 in Cranbourne and smaller clusters in Hallam and Hampton Park.
Ms Duff emphasised that the policy is about “broader community harms that result from gambling activities in the municipality, which includes direct harm to the gamblers themselves”.
“As well as indirect harms to family and social networks and [the] community at large,” Ms Duff said.
Addressing concerns regarding community organisations, Ms Duff said that the policy “does not prevent community organisations from receiving support from gaming venues or the gambling industry”.
“Community organisations that receive funding or support from the gambling industry or gaming venues will still be able to use Council facilities with the understanding that no gambling industry/venue advertisements are visible on council land,” Ms Duff said.
Ms Duff added that the mentioned conditions would be fully applied by July 2026 and that the policy “provides for a transition period in a number of measures to allow time to adapt to the proposed changes”.
For Mr Butler, some form of middle ground needs to be met, taking into account that the club is on council land, they “should be considered in a different light to all the other clubs in the City of Casey”.
“We should have some negotiations with the City of Casey to continue to run this facility as it is with a long-term guarantee that we can, because of the money that we’ve put back into the community - it’s a unique situation,” he said.
Although Ms Duff said that community organisations that are “significantly impacted by the policy are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with council”, a larger council presence prior to the announcement of the policy should have been present in Tooradin and surrounding areas, according to Mr Butler, where proper engagement with the local community would have been beneficial.
“It’s almost as if they’ve forgotten about Tooradin in general, as the locals say, we’re at the butt end of Casey and they’re not interested in us,” Mr Butler said.
“A blanket policy where you’ve got private operators and you’ve got a not-for-profit organisation doesn’t work.”
The Tooradin Sports Club is the only venue with EGMs in the southern end of Casey, and if the club were to cease operations, “there aren’t any alternatives”.
Mr Butler said that if it were to go through, “you’ve lost 50-plus jobs and there’s nearly 2500 members here that come to enjoy this place.”
“They’re going to lose somewhere to go, to meet and you’re [also going] to lose 20 to 30 clubs that have their meetings here every month, that have their functions here.
“So the community would be lost, there would be a big hole in the community all of a sudden,” he said.
The Tooradin Sports Club, amongst all the gaming venues in Casey, recorded the lowest average player losses per EGM in 2021/2022, sitting at $48,059 with also the lowest amount of EGMs at 46.
The club recorded roughly $1.6 million in player losses in 2021/2022 and $2.2 million in player losses for the 2022/2023 period.
At the time of the document’s recording, the venue with the second-lowest number of machines was Cranbourne Silks with 50, and an average player loss rate of $65,881 per machine.
The biggest contributor is Berwick Springs Hotel, with 105 EGMs with $14.5 million in player losses in 2021/2022 and $21.5 million in 2022/2023; the average player loss per machine is $204,962.
In the near future, Mr Butler is looking to liaise with future Casey councillors for the middle ground he sought prior, while Ms Duff said that “exceptions to the policy will be rare”.
When the sports club’s lease ends in 2028, Mr Butler said that they’re hoping that they “can get some councillors [in office] that appreciate what we do for the community”.
“We’ve got to be diligent going into 2028, probably six months before it’s due we’ve got to start working on building rapport with councillors to ensure another six years.”
Mr Tassone acknowledged the harms of gambling, but said that “we need to consider whether the Tooradin community will actually be better off should the City of Casey adopt this policy”.
Cut the red-tape to free up investment: SEMMA
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A South East manufacturers group has slammed Victorian Government “tax grabs” and “redtape” after a secret survey on regulatory burden was revealed.
The NAB Regulatory Impact Analysis report for the state treasury was obtained under Freedom of Information by the Victorian Coalition.
The 2023 survey found Victorian businesses were hit hardest in the nation by State Government regulation and compliance costs – with manufacturers bearing the brunt.
South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) chief executive Honi Walker said manufacturing - “the engine room of Victoria’s economy” - was hurting.
Higher land and payroll taxes, WorkCover premiums and “over-zealous” reporting requirements were driving manufacturers out of the state, she said.
“The report is damning for the Victorian Government.
“Our state is in unprecedented debt levels and the burden of red tape and increased taxes on manufacturers means they will not invest in capital to grow their businesses.
“They will not be able to employ more skilled people or new apprentices.
“This report tells the truth of what’s happening in the real world – not the one where Treasurer Pallas lives.”
SEMMA represents Melbourne’s South-East manufacturing “heartland“, generating an estimated $54 billion in gross regional product and more than 230,000 jobs.
Walker also took aim at Federal Government “red-tape burdens”, listing the Modern Slavery Act, National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act and Workplace Gender Equality Act.
“(These) are supposedly for $100-millionplus businesses (but) are impacting SME’s as they send the unnecessary and burdensome compliance down the line.
“We are calling for a streamlining of these regulatory requirements.
“Reducing red tape will free-up manufacturers to do what they do best – create jobs, underwrite and grow Victoria’s economy.”
A State Government spokesperson said business investment in Victoria was almost 6 per cent higher than the rest of Australia in 2023.
“Deloitte Access Economics predicts that we will lead the nation in economic growth over the next five years.
“We’ve lifted the payroll tax-free threshold for small businesses, we are replacing stamp duty on commercial and industrial properties, and have started abolishing business insurance duty – saving Victorian businesses $900 million over the next four years.
“Our Economic Growth Statement will be released later this year and focus on making sure Victoria remains the best place in Australia to do business.“
Opposition finance spokesperson Jess Wilson said the NAB survey confirmed Victoria was the “red tape capital and the worst place in Australia to run a business”.
“Victoria must urgently slash red tape and transform our economy from the hardest to the easiest place to start, grow and run a business.”
SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker says manufacturers are being driven out of the state by red tape and tax grabs. (Stewart Chambers: 403587)
Colin Butler, vice president of the Tooradin Sports Club is looking for a middle ground with Casey’s new Gambling Harm Minimisation policy and its EGM changes. (Ethan Benedicto: 425337)
Cultures to shine on stage
The spectacular annual showcase of South East students’ cultures is back again at Bunjil Place. The 4C’s Showcase: Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities returns with an array of vibrant cultural performances from Year 7-12 students from more than 15 schools and student groups.
This year, it has expanded to three nights, plus a live stream on Bunjil Place’s outdoor screen.
Casey resident Laitini Matautia founded the initiative 17 years ago.
One of the aims is first and second-generation migrant students to express and re-connect to their cultural identities, as well as to learn more about their peers.
The opening night on Monday 26 August features Lyndhurst Secondary College, St Francis
Catholic College, Let Teine Dance Group, Lyndale Secondary College, Carrum Downs Secondary College and Cranbourne Secondary College.
On 2 September, Fountain Gate Secondary College, Craigieburn Secondary College, Roxborough Park Secondary College, Home Education in the West, Kapa Haka group, Hampton Park Secondary College and St Peter’s College will perform. The final concert on 9 September will feature Cranbourne East Secondary College, The Grange P-12 College, Unschooling in the SE, Narre Warren South P-12 College, Gleneagles Secondary College and Hallam Secondary College. The 4C’s Showcase is at Bunjil Place on Monday 26 August, 2 September and 9 September, 6pm-9pm. Bookings: bunjilplace.com.au/ events/4cs-showcase
The series is supported by VicHealth.
‘Caring girl with a kind heart’: Coat drive a success
By Ethan Benedicto
In a heart-warming display of compassion and initiative, seven-year-old Aanya has taken it upon herself to take the first step in making a difference for those less fortunate with winter’s biting cold.
Inspired by a trip to Melbourne CBD with her family, Aanya witnessed firsthand the reality of homelessness and these people’s struggles during the colder days.
Achini, Aanya’s mother said that she felt lucky to have “such a caring girl with a kind heart”.
“She’s always been like that, and to sort of see something and come up with an idea… of course, I had to find an organisation where we could do something.
“But just having that thought of helping others makes it really special and makes me really proud that I’ve raised a very caring girl with a kind heart,” she said.
The organisation the family decided to partner with, Off Your Back, focuses on ensur-
ing warmth for those most in need, with the focus on advocating for people to donate their pre-loved coats and jackets at selected loca-
tions across the state.
For Aanya and Achini, this just so happened to be her school at Hillcrest Christian College, where with the support of her family, friends and the school, a clothing drive was organised – aimed at collecting jackets and other warm items for the homeless.
The fundraiser, which collected over 100 jackets over the span of a few weeks, was recently donated to the Off Your Back Foundation in Elsternwick on Thursday, 15 August.
To Achini, she believes that raising awareness about homelessness, especially when it comes to the younger generation is crucial.
“I think it’s quite important in general to know that there are people struggling,” she said.
“Being able to see something here and having that compassionate feeling, it’s important for any child to be able to look at someone who is in need regardless whether they’re homeless or in a day-to-day environment.
“To be empathetic, sympathetic and to be able to look and help; it’s critical for the young-
er generation to develop that side.” Achini’s personal sentiments also have had an effect on her daughter, with her recalling that Aanya had previously donated her long hair for children with cancer when she was roughly five years old.
While she acknowledges that it has always been in Aanya’s nature to “look at someone –or when she’s heard about something – to do something to help”, that feeling of luck to have a daughter such as her still remains.
“She has always been someone with a very soft heart, I’m glad that she’s taking the steps to help people and doing things willingly.
“So she’s quite special, she’s always been like this it seems,” Achini said.
The Off Your Back coat drive is currently ongoing, with those with pre-loved jackets, coats and or warm clothing encouraged to donate them at the nearest drop off points before August 31.
For more information on Off Your Back and their collection points, visit offyourback.com. au/donate
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Thumbs up
To the five netball teams from Garfield Netball Club playing finals in WGFNC!
Thumbs up
The weather is again brilliant this Monday.
Thumbs up
To the best TV Week Logies - so funny. Well done to Larry Emdur for getting The Gold Logie.
Thumbs down
To the cost of essential medications. My wage is now gone before it’s even cleared.
4C’s Showcase returns across three nights, with an array of cultural performances from South East students. (Supplied)
4C’s Showcase returns across three nights, with an array of cultural performances from South East students.
Celebrating Book Week at Devon Meadows Primary School with balloons and a parade. (Stewart Chambers: 426443)
Aanya with some of the coats that were donated at Hillcrest Christian College. (Supplied)
Young learners against bullying
Young students from Quarters Primary School raised awareness in light of the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, driving the message that ‘everyone belongs’.
Held on Friday 16 August, the young children recognised the day by encouraging everyone to “take a stand together” against bullying and violence in school, the classroom and beyond.
“We are in our second year, and this gives QuartersPrimarySchool’scommunitythechance to promote the important work we do throughout the year to counter bullying and violence,” a member of the school’s well-being team said.
As part of the school’s social and emotional curriculum, the young learners discussed what bullying is and how they can prevent it, a topic that was covered throughout the week.
“Learners at QPS were very passionate about making a change and standing up for what is right,” the spokesperson said. “[Also] to create a sense of belonging in our community as our learners feel we all have a vital role [to play] in preventing bullying.”
The learners worked in groups and teams across Prep to Grade Six in creating a display in each year level that focuses on learning strategies on how to get help if they experience bullying.
“All the year levels created a beautiful mural to demonstrate their eagerness to stand up against bullying through spreading kindness,” the spokesperson said.
Moving forward, the students aim to implement these values learned into everyday life, from school to other settings, but always adhering to the theme of everyone having a right to belong.
Keeping it locked can deter crime
Victoria Police are noticing a sharp increase in aggravated burglaries in the past few years throughout the state with Casey feeling the effects.
This has been driven by child and youth offenders sneaking into homes, taking keys, and stealing cars.
Homes with luxury vehicles are key targets due to the prestige associated with these vehicles.
This issue has affected several suburbs across Melbourne and the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia areas are not immune.
According to Victoria Police, when arrested, offenders are telling them they will check multiple homes until they find one that is unlocked.
More than 70 per cent of all aggravated burglaries in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia this year were either through unlocked doors or windows.
A further 8 per cent were unsuccessful attempts when the offender found the property was locked.
An aggravated burglary occurs when the occupant of a property is home when the intruder enters.
However, confrontation during aggravated burglaries is very rare, with 95 per cent of aggravated burglaries involving no form of confrontation whatsoever, according to police.
Offenders are most commonly sneaking in during the early hours of the morning when people are sleeping to reduce the chance of confrontation.
In many instances, people are waking up in the morning to find their keys are gone and their vehicle has been stolen.
To tackle the issue, Victoria Police have been specifically targeting burglars and car thieves each night since March 2023.
Operation Trinity, which runs from dusk until dawn across Melbourne is Victoria Police’s most well-resourced policing operation at present.
Since March 2023, there has been 70 additional police including Dog Squad, Public Order Response and Air Wing rostered each night, on top of existing patrols.
As a result of this intense focus, police have made over 1400 arrests relating to burglaries and car thefts in the past 12 months – almost four arrests per day.
The Greater Dandenong Crime Reduction Team is also hounding the highestrisk offenders in the community – many of whom are repeat burglars and car thieves.
This includes bail compliance checks, patrols of locations where the person frequents and has offended previously, and referrals to support services to stop them from offending.
To keep yourself and family safe, police recommend locking all doors and windows as this dramatically reduces the chance of a burglary occurring. This includes internal garage doors that provide access to your home.
Where you keep your car keys and other valuables within your own home is your own decision.
However, police recommend keeping these items away from windows where they may be visible to opportunistic thieves.
While rare, if confronted, get to safety and call Triple Zero (000).
Do not confront the intruder - property can be replaced, however your life or the life of your loved ones cannot.
For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).
For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or an online report onlinereporting.police.vic.gov.au
From left to right: students Riley, Mason, Jorja, Liana in front of one of the displays which says “Bullying is Despicable“. (Stewart Chambers: 425483)
Grade 3/4 student Claire in front of the Kindness Tree. (Stewart Chambers: 425483)
Grade 5/6 students, Evie, Euan, Auriell, in front of the ’Everyone Belongs’ puzzle. (Stewart Chambers: 425483)
Grade 3/4 students in front of the Kindness Tree; from left to right: Sebastian, Jasmine, Claire, Guntaj, Mia. (Stewart Chambers: 425483)
NEWS Last lights for road upgrade
As a near-final milestone, the last set of traffic lights have been turned on for the Narre WarrenCranbourne Road project.
Major Road Projects Victoria program director Marc Peterson said it was the 10th and final intersection upgrade ahead of the completion of major works in coming weeks.
“Our last new traffic light was switched on last week, further increasing connections for Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Narre WarrenCranbourne Road.
“This will enable easier access for staff and visitors to make navigating the new-look precinct safe and simple. “
The project includes almost 10 kilometres of new lanes, providing two lanes in each direction from South Gippsland Highway to Heatherton Road.
Roundabouts were replaced with signalised intersections to ease congestion, with sequenced traffic lights to provide more reliable travel times as well as easier access for emergency services.
The upgrade provided more than nine kilometres of shared walking and cycling paths as well as traffic signal crossing points for a better connection to educational institutions, Casey Stadium, Casey RACE and the Cranbourne main street. New service roads were also built for safer access from local streets.
All aboard for the annual Variety Day on Puffing Billy
A party of 900 children, parents, teachers and carers hopped aboard Puffing Billy for the annual Variety Day on Tuesday 20 August.
With the help of more than 100 Variety volunteers, the guests enjoyed free scenic train rides and a shuttle service through the Dandenong Ranges.
A live DJ, a roving magician, scavenger hunt, chocolates, arts and crafts, and face painting were also on offer to provide joy for children experiencing disadvantage, disability and illness.
Variety childrens charity CEO Mandy Burns said the Variety Day was about “inclusion and kindness”.
“When 70 per cent of kids with disabilities report feeling excluded and kids experiencing disadvantage often feeling unable to afford excursions, the Variety Day at Puffing Billy Railway is important.”
Springvale Park Special Development School teacher said the event was a rare opportunity for the school.
“For many of our students, the event represents their first and only exposure to such incredible experiences.
“Our students come from low socio-economic backgrounds and would otherwise be unable to access these opportunities.”
Wade, Bryce, Shae, Kaylei, Asees, Rapunzel and Variety CEO Mandy Burns at Puffing Billy. (Stewart Chambers: 426628)
Geoff, Sophie and Michele from Montrose. (426628)
John (volunteer) with Tilly and Alexander. (426628)
Puffing Billy rolls into Emerald Lake station. (426628)Soujanya in the art and craft activity. (426628)
One of the roving entertainers at Emerald Lake. (426628)
Grace, Jo, Jacqueline and Glenn were fans of the steam-train rides. (426628)
The 10th and final intersection’s traffic lights are switched on as part of the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road upgrade. (Supplied)
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING Risk strategy
New research from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) suggests that high blood pressure treatment should be part of Alzheimer’s disease prevention strategies.
Hypertension is the most common risk factor for dementia, affecting an estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide, including over half of all people over the age of 65. Antihypertensive medication is known to help prevent strokes but up to this point there have been few studies investigating whether antihypertensive medication can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia.
Latest research published in the journal Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, and led by Dr Matthew Lennon from UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), looked at data from 31,250 individuals across 14 nations, to investigate whether previous hypertension or antihypertensive use modifies Alzheimer’s disease risk in those older than 60 years of age.
“Previous trials and longitudinal studies have indicated that ongoing antihypertensive use in late life reduces dementia risk, but the specific impact on Alzheimer’s disease and non-Alzheimer’s disease risk remained unclear,” said Dr Lennon.
“In our new study we found that those with untreated hypertension over the age of 60 had a 42% greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia compared to those with treated hypertension. However, if you had a diagnosis of hypertension and were receiving treatment, your risk for Alzheimer’s dementia was no different from those without hypertension.
“The findings of this study suggest that antihypertensive use should be part of any Alzheimer’s disease prevention strategy throughout later life,” said Dr Lennon.
The study also found that the effect of the antihypertensive medication did not significantly diminish in older participants.
“This is an important result as studies often
have difficulty including participants over the age of 80. Our study, incorporating a collaboration of researchers from all around the world and a large number of older participants, indicates that even as people enter their 80s there are still associations between antihypertensive use and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease,“ said Dr Lennon.
“Clinicians should consider this when balancing the risks and benefits of stopping medication in older patients.“
The study also found that the effect of antihypertensives for Alzheimer’s disease were not significantly different between males and females or those from different ethnic backgrounds. Populations in developing countries have been historically underrepresented in medical research and our study importantly included large numbers of participants from Nigeria and the Republic of Congo, amongst other diverse nations.
“The largest growth of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease cases over the next few decades is going to come from the developing world and as such it is important that we understand whether prevention strategies that are effective in one nationality or country are similarly effective in others,” said Dr Lennon.
This study is part of the research that has emanated from the international COSMIC consortium that currently comprises 57 cohort studies from 39 countries and is supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, USA.
Professor Perminder Sachdev of CHeBA, UNSW, who leads this consortium added: “Over the next 30 years the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease around the world is likely to more than double to over 130 million people. Hypertension, a common contributor for dementia, may be undiagnosed in over two thirds of patients with the disease.”
“Treating this often silent but deadly illness will be crucial in tackling the pressing crisis we are seeing with increasing rates of dementia,” said Professor Sachdev.
Teachers and students at Devon Meadows Primary School dressed up for Book Week on Monday 19 August, hosting a parade for everyone to show off their amazing creations.
Kids get into character
Cooper as SpongeBob. (Stewart Chambers: 422158)
Jordee dressed up as Grandpa from Up. (Stewart Chambers 422158)
Charlotte dressed up as Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web. (422158)
Shiloh as Cindy Lou Who behind her is Johnny White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. (422158)
Judges, teachers Teag, Leigh and acting principal Bec. (422158)
Skye as Belle from Beauty and the Beastand Tilly as Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. (422158)
Mila as a Princess. (422158)
MC Lisa dressed up as Anger interviews Madi the Mad Hatter. (422158)
Celebrating 60 years of endurance racing
As the iconic Sandown Raceway gears up to celebrate 60 years of thrilling endurance racing, motorsport enthusiasts and families alike are in for a treat this September.
From September 13 to 15, 2024, Sandown Raceway will host the first enduro race of the season - Penrite Oil Sandown 500, setting the stage as a crucial warm-up event for the prestigious Bathurst 1000.
Join us for a monumental celebration as we mark 60 years of endurance racing at the iconic Sandown Raceway.
This historic track has witnessed countless battles, bumps, and triumphs, and 2024 promises to deliver even more excitement.
Event Details:
* Date: September 13 – 15, 2024.
* Location: Sandown Raceway.
* Event: First enduro race of the 2024 season, a key warm-up for the Bathurst 1000 for drivers and co-drivers.
* Round: 9 of the Repco Supercars Championship.
* Special Offer: Kids 12 and under are free. Sandown Raceway welcomes Repco Supercars Championship welcomes families to join in the celebration, offering free entry for kids aged 12 and under.
It’s a perfect opportunity for young racing enthusiasts to witness history in the making and experience the thrill of motorsport up close. From
September 13 to 15, 2024, Sandown Raceway will host the first enduro race of the season - Penrite Oil Sandown 500.
Doors open at Fed Uni
Live music, food trucks, campus tours and interactive games highlighted the most recent open day at Federation University’s Berwick Campus, with nearly 900 people in attendance.
Held on Sunday 18 August from 9:30am to 2pm, the institution saw an eight per cent increase in visitors as compared to the same period in 2023, with vice-chancellor and president, Professor Duncan Bentley saying that “it was fantastic to see so many prospective students”.
“[As well] as their families and members of the community visiting our Berwick campus to soak up the vibrant festival atmosphere and gain valuable knowledge about everything Federation University has to offer,” he said.
The event included hands-on sessions in nursing, allied health and science, as well as a live theatre performance with family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo and various roaming entertainers.
Hundreds of courses were on display, from teaching, nursing, and engineering, but also included information on industry placement and extracurriculars.
Professor Duncan said the “open day is a wonderful opportunity to meet our staff, academics, current students and industry partners”, as well as setting future students on the path “of achieving their career dreams”.
The university’s co-operative education model was also a highlight of importance during the event, which involves getting students workready with paid placement opportunities with a range of courses, which will be embedded across all of their programs from 2026.
“We were excited to throw open our doors and showcase our beautiful campuses and worldclass regional facilities to the community on what was an exciting and informative day,” Professor Duncan said.
Birthday bonanza for community groups
South East community groups are invited to share in a bumper $125,000 in grants as part of a community bank’s 25th birthday celebration.
Community Bank Carrum Downs including its Marriott Waters branch have returned 80 per cent of their profits back in the community, totalling $4.7 million.
It’s supported causes such as equipment for SES units, petrol for a coastguard patrol, a new truck for Carrum Downs CFA and a transitional house for mothers and their children at risk of violence and/or homelessness.
The Anniversary grants coincide with the community bank’s 25th birthday on 9 October.
Business development manager Gary Rowe recalls helping to start the bank in 1999, back when he was the Cranbourne state MP.
At the time, NAB had just closed its branch at the Carrum Downs shopping centre, leaving businesses and residents without a local bank, he said.
Talks began with Bendigo Bank, which was filling the voids left behind by the ‘Big Four’ banks that were abandoning country towns en masse.
And the franchisee Community Bank was born – with a commitment to invest profits into local community groups.
Applications for the Anniversary Grants close on 20 September.
Forms at available at Carrum Downs and Marriott Waters bank branches or at bendigobank.com.au/branch/vic/community-bankcarrum-downs/
Things were looking up at Fed Uni with Stilt Walkers patrolling the halls. (Gary Sissons: 425484)
Ava Rose (left) and Katrina (right) in the Science area.
Ellie Griffiths at the Melbourne City FC stand.
Brittany Long was at the Student Engagement area.
Science Ambassadors (from left to right) Alyssa, Tess and Pamudi.
Large crowds gathered across the campus, with a majority congregating in the main hall with course stalls and finger foods.
Emma Bond, from Alkira Secondary College, holds a Black Headed Python at the Black Snake Production Stall.
Business development manager Gary Rowe, senior branch manager Len Barda and Christine and Gary Swanson at Community Bank Carrum Downs. (Stewart Chambers; 424086)
Teen cuts through for the win
By Ethan Benedicto
A Berwick Secondary College student brought home gold after winning in his category at the Haidong Gumdo World Championships in South Korea.
Held between 26-28 July at Jeju Island, 16-year-old Maxwell Montieth was part of the 22 Australian representatives among the 1500 participants, as the event marked the first championships since the pandemic.
Now known as one of the first Victorians to compete at the World Championships in Korea, Max was initially unsure of his performance, saying that there was never a moment “I actually thought I was going to win”.
“Even when I made it to the third round I was still thinking I was going to lose.
“But the support I had around me certainly helped, everyone was there to support me and even though I still had the thought [of losing] in the back of my head, I wanted to bring gold back to my family and I just kind of fell into that mindset,” he said.
Through excellent swordsmanship, grit and the echoes of his peers’ encouragements, Max advanced to the final round where he prevailed against the competition.
According to James Heenan, master of Heenan Taekwondo, Max, who belonged in the under18s brown belt category ranked first after the initial gumbup, or forms category.
After showcasing various cuts, strikes, blocks and stances, Max became the top-ranking competitor among 12 others and was set to take on the 12th-ranked individual in an elimination tourney.
“We’re very lucky because I mean, Australia came first, equal to South Korea which is a first time ever,” James said.
Preparation for the tournament was nothing short of strenuous for Max, with school still being a priority, practice usually happened during late nights, with special sessions with Grandmaster
Jung-Il Oh on Tuesdays.
The president of Haidong Gumdo Oceania, Grandmaster Jung-Il Oh visited Heenan Taekwondo to train the Australian competitors, something that Max took advantage of leading up to the championships.
His training paid off, and even as the gold medal weighs heavy on his neck, the feat to Max is still unbelievable; however, a new sense of confidence is within him.
James commended Max’s abilities during the two-day competition retreat, with the wooden swords, called bokken, used for sparring usually heavier with more drag compared to their steel counterparts.
“When you get a timber sword, it’s like picking up a tennis racket, you just have to make it work
Year 10 student strikes gold
A Hampton Park Secondary College student has struck gold after placing first at the MBW 2024 International Taekwondo Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Wida Hussaini, a Year 10 student represented Australia and competed in the 15-17yr old and 46-49kg weight division; staving off fierce competition from 16 other athletes to win it all.
Her competition pool included other athletes from Australia, China and Malaysia with a total of 25000 competitors; of the 32 that hailed from Australia, five were representing Wida’s club.
Sally Carruthers, the cultural diversity and community engagement representative said that Wida’s achievement is a “testament to her dedication and skill”.
“[It] was made possible through the sup-
port she received from her school council and the broader community,” she said.
Looking ahead, Wida has set ambitious goals for her Taekwondo career, but in the short terms she plans to compete in interstate competitions across Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne throughout the remainder of the year.
Her aspirations, however, extend far beyond that with her sights set on the Olympics, either in Los Angeles or Brisbane.
“With her dedication and the continued support of her school and community, Wida’s future in Taekwondo looks bright,” Ms Carruthers said.
“The college community will be watching as she continues to chase her dreams and inspire others with her journey.”
for you.
“If you get an official sword, which is assigned to you, it’s meant to suit you.
“You don’t get a sword until you’re a black belt so you have to make the sword work for you when you’re on the timber ones,” James said.
With no grips, no sheet or sheath, less balance, more weight and more air displacement, James was nothing short of impressed with Max’s performance.
As for the key tips he received during the leadup to the final match, keeping his breathing in check was of utmost importance, with Max taking long breaths to maintain focus.
Max, who has been training with the sword for just under two years, said that the experience of learning has been amazing, and much of it has to
do with the community around it.
“I think it teaches you discipline, perseverance and integrity, and I think others should dive in and give it a try,” he said.
Also a taekwondo practitioner, Max said he was looking forward of heading to Brisbane later this year to compete, saying “I have this newfound confidence”.
“I’ve only ever competed in interstate club tournaments, which is just a couple of clubs meeting and now I’m going to Brisbane Nationals.
“My parents said I should and since I’ve won gold in Haidong Gumdo, I’m going to do great,” he said.
The site benefits from the following
Maxwell Montieth with his trophy and medal after winning gold at the 2024 Haidong Gumdo World Championships. (Supplied).
From left; Master James Heenan, Maxwell Monteith, Marisa Rinaldi, Master Cassandra Heenan and Master Damian Grange represented Australia in South Korea during the Haidong Gumdo World Championships. (Arun Chitrakar: 420286)
Wida Hussaini, a Year 10 student from Hampton Park Secondary College won gold at the MBW 2024 International Taekwondo Championship. (Supplied)
Burning desire for growth
Families got their hands dirty, planting seedlings and habitat for wildlife at Dandenong Wetlands on Saturday 17 August.
Imbued with smoke from a Welcome for Country from Mark Brown, the green thumbs planted hundreds of native grasses and groundcovers behind Dandenong Stadium in Dandenong North.
As previously reported by Star Journal, Federation University is also conducting a pilot program monitoring thousands of new plants in the wetlands.
The aim is to assess how specially-selected native plants respond to predicted impacts of climate change.
Three plots are close to Dandenong Stadium with each plot covering at least 1250 square metres and housing 1760 plants.
Five different plant species collected over four different climate zones will be looked at during this pilot program.
The plants were selected from different locations, factoring in the predicted temperature changes from 2024 to 2050 and 2090.
(Gary Sissons)
Carmel D’Arcy and Babu Bhattarai plant native grasses. (Gary Sissons: 425644)
Archie, 3, from Dandenong North. (425644) A smoking ceremony prior to the planting behind Dandenong Stadium. (425644)
Greg and Rebecca Fletcher from Dandenong North. (425644)
Mark Brown performing Welcome to Country. (Gary Sissons; 425644)
Volunteers take part in a smoking ceremony prior to the planting. (425644)
Volunteers at the planting. (425644)
Carmel D’Arcy and Babu Bhattarai. (425644)
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
Paula means ’small or little’ and as I only reached a height of 149cm (4ft 10 and 3/4 inches) that’s a bit of a laugh, especially when my married name (which I never used!) was Short.
What do you love the most about volunteering with the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park?
Working alongside friendly, hardworking Friends and park staff who have positive attitudes and who are dedicated to the same goals. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A currawong that nests in Wilson Botanic Park. How wonderful it would be to soar over such a beautiful space every day and greet the visitors with welcoming song?
What was your most memorable moment at the Park?
Seeing a flock of flame robins fly right across the path in front me as I walked past the Soroptimist’s directional marker. The brilliant flash of those bright little birds just took my breath away. What were you like as a kid?
I was a bookworm who also liked exploring the outdoors.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
The landing of the Cranbourne meteorite at the end of the 1700s. It would have been spectacular. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
Baron Ferdinand von Mueller (for a few words about blackberries) Thomas Austin (for a few words about rabbits) Ellis Rowan (fearless traveller and botanical artist) Dava Sobel and Deborah Cadbury (fabulous writers of science and social history) and William Barak (artist and admired fighter for his people).
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Reliable, helpful, but somewhat impatient. What would you do on your perfect ’day off’?
with Paula Taylor
I’d pack a picnic lunch and spend the day with my son, his partner and my two adorable granddaughters at the games area of Wilson Park, kicking balls and flying Frisbees and kites followed by sipping chai latte from the Gather Cafe while the girls scoff strawberries as we rest on the picnic rug. Heaven!
Where is your happy place? Basalt Lake Wilson Botanic Park.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
I’d partner up with Pam who organises the Friends’ morning teas and take orders from her. She is so efficient and has great ideas - we’d win for sure!
Where is your dream holiday destination?
Tenting in the Tanami desert or on any isolated coastal beach.
THREE … small acts of kindness
1
Pick up some rubbish
As you’re walking around your neighbourhood, you may notice litter lying around. It’s easy to leave it and think it’s someone else’s job, but it’s a kind thing to do for the community and the environment to pick it up. Take a bag and some gloves with you. This could be a fun activity for young children too.
2
Pay it forward in the drive through Shout the person behind you on your Friday night takeaway run. Alternatively, support a local business and pay for the person standing in line behind you. This could make someone’s day.
3
Send a hamper
Put together a care package for someone you love such as a friend or family member and have it mailed to them. There’s something truly joyful about receiving something heartfelt in a time of mostly electronic communication.
MASSIVE SALE
Paula Taylor (middle), with friends Carolyn (left) and Lex (right) from the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park Berwick. (Ethan Benedicto: 402076)
WHAT’S ON
Gembrook Market
Free outdoor & Indoor Markets all year round. Everything from plants, crafts, cheese, flowers, clothing, footwear, cakes, jams, coffee, food trucks, music, artisan homemade clothing, artworks, soaps, crafts, jewellery and lots more.
•On Sunday 25 August from 9am - 2pm at Gembrook Railway Station - Puffing Billy Railway, Main St.
Ballroom Dancing Clyde
Social Ballroom Dancing at Clyde Public Hall, 30 Railway Road on Saturday 31 August from 8pm. Dancing to the Silhouettes. Tea & coffee provided, BYO food and drinks. Admission $15.
•Please phone Ingrid on 0432 594 630 Berwick Bridge Club
Enjoy playing cards and looking for some exercise for your brain that is both fun and challenging?
Berwick Bridge Club is looking for new members to join two free eight-week beginner’s courses at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House on Friday 30 August from 10am to noon and the second on Monday 2 September from 7pm to 9pm.
•To reserve your place, phone Maree on 9702 2348.
Tynong Car Show and Market
Come and show off your car or bike at the Tynong Car Show on Saturday 14 September. Trophies, raffles, prizes, food vans and more. Chat with Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik, who will be presenting trophies to the winners.
Browse the wide range of stalls or grab a coffee and a bite to eat.
Proudly sponsored by local businesses and Shannons Insurance.
Gold coin donation entry for visitors.
•For more information, phone or 5629 2500 or register your vehicle now via forms.office.com/r/ t6tU0dEQzX?origin=lprLink
U3A Casey
Did you know that U3A Casey now has 471 members and operates out of multiple venues across the Casey area?
It offers 65 different classes, ranging from exercise/movement/dance groups to literature, crafts, music, discussion groups and more.
Membership from July to December is $30 with no further costs.
•If you want to keep both your mind and body active after retirement, then visit u3acasey.org.au Yoga and meditation
Run by Heartfulness Yoga and Meditation, the sessions are conducted in a community environment to promote wellness.
Heartfulness is a simple and subtle practice of meditation which aims to connect all participants with the light and love in their hearts.
All are welcome to come and experience yoga and meditation on Sundays at Bunjil Place starting from 8.30am.
No previous experience is required.
Bring your own yoga mat.
Gold coin donation welcome.
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
NEWS
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, a chat, then afternoon tea.
Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate.
• For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
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.
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club is hosting a Scrabble Club every Friday 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 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.
Line dancing
The Berwick Senior Citizens Centre is hosting line dancing sessions from 10am to noon every Tuesday at 112 High Street in Berwick. First session is free, with a small fee for future classes.
Morning tea or coffee included.
Probus Club of Casey Combined
The Probus Club of Casey Combined is welcoming any new members to meet at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick from 9.45am to noon on the second Tuesday of each month.
After morning tea, the club hosts an interesting guest speaker, with members often meeting up for lunch at a local cafe after the meeting.
•For more information, contact Margaret Luxford on 0409 861 207 or Magda Michael on 0406 468 265.
Inner Wheel Club of Berwick
The Inner Wheel Club (IW) Berwick is a ladies international friendship club which raises funds to support local charities and other worthwhile causes.
Cardinia Casey Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch 2024
The Cardinia Casey Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch is back in 2024. This year back to Gumbuya World. Celebrating 10 years (2014-24), the blokes lunch want to take the fundraising total to $750,000. Currently at $680,000.
Guest speakers include former NBA basketballer and Olympian Chris Ansley, former AFL champion and media personality David Schwarz, along with MC and comedian Des Dowling.
On Friday 30 August 2024 11am - 4pm at Gumbuya World.
•Bookings are selling fast, tickets can be bought at trybooking.com/events/landing/1229178
They have a dinner meeting on the first Monday of the month and enjoy a range of activities including guest speakers, morning teas, book club and craft afternoons. Recently they enjoyed a group meeting with the IW clubs of Narre Warren, Pakenham and Cranbourne.
The guest speaker was a part owner of the champion race horse “Black Caviar”. The mare is now 18 years old and is a mother and grandmother. Club welcomes new members.
•Should you be interested to learn more, you may like to message them at their Facebook page ‘Inner Wheel Club of Berwick’ or send an email via iiw.au.berwick@gmail.com
Berwick Springs VIEW Club
Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.
The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.
The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.
Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.
The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.
•For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com
Probus Club of Pakenham East
The Probus Club of Pakenham East is encouraging new members to join.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, commencing at 10am. A short meeting is followed by morning tea and the opportunity to get to know members prior to the introduction of the guest speaker.
Various activities are held throughout the month.
•For more information, phone president Gary on 0428 255 178 or contact secretary Dorothy on probuspakenhameast@gmail.com
What do your staff think?
This might sound like a rhetorical question, but how do you know what your staff are actually thinking? According to Richard Branson:
“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
I tend to think he is right, so for this reason, understanding what matters to your staff (and hence what might be giving them cause for concern) is clearly important.
I have often thought that one of the most disappointing things for a manager to experience is a resignation letter from a valued employee when it comes out of the blue. The obvious questions are: ‘why did I not see this coming?’ and ‘what could I have done about it even if I knew?’ Sometimes this occurs simply because a staff member has been offered a fantastic opportunity that aligns with their career ambitions and is a role they could not refuse. In this case, there may be little that can be done other than to wish them the best of luck. However, this can often occur because the staff member is not happy
TAKING CARE
about what they are doing and does not know how to express this to their manager.
Regular one-to-one meetings between a manager and their direct report is an excellent way to uncover potential issues here since these meetings, if done properly, can build trust and rapport and actually create the space for concerns to be raised before they become major issues. However, if a leader has a significant number of direct reports or has managers reporting to them, then it becomes much more difficult to get to understand how each person in the overall team is feeling.
One way to overcome this is to undertake a
periodic staff survey. It was Bill Gates who said that:
“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning”
And the same can be applied to staff as with customers. A staff survey is not the sort of thing that should be done on a very regular basis as employees quickly tire of this, but doing a staff survey once a year can pay great dividends. It is said that people don’t leave companies, they leave managers so any staff survey worth its salt necessarily must include questions about management. A former boss of mine once said that “this is not the sort of thing you necessarily want to read from the top of a tall building” as you may not always like what you read, but if you are serious about improving things within the business, your most unhappy staff may well be “your greatest source of learning”.
There are three key things to bear in mind when undertaking a survey of this nature: The survey must be confidential so that no one in the management team can know who said
what. Without the provision of confidentiality, such an initiative is useless.
Undertaking a staff survey creates a ‘behavioural expectation’ within employees that something will get done. You do not need to address everything, but feedback of the results along with a high-level plan of action must be done in a timely manner otherwise the whole exercise gets thrown into disrepute and reflects poorly on management itself.
Look for key themes that emerge from the survey results. The 80/20 rule will typically apply here (80 per cent of the issues will be due to 20 per cent of the causes) so find which ones will give the biggest bang for the buck if addressed and develop remedial actions for these. Avoid the tall buildings but undertake a survey nevertheless.
Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions -
Billy Slater with John Barclay and Dave Emery at last year’s Cardinia Casey Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch. (File: 357231)
SPORT Alburey ready to be United
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham United Soccer Club is set to welcome long time club member Dean Alburey as coach for the 2025 season.
Alburey is regarded highly in south eastern soccer cirles, with his time in the game including a successful coaching stint at semi-professional club Dandenong City, which competes in the National Premier League (NPL).
His reputation opened up several coaching opportunities for him, but he has opted to take the role at Pakenham, a club he helped found in 2012.
The club is hopeful his arrival will herald a new chapter, having struggled on and off the field in recent seasons.
A bottom-three finish in the State League 5 men’s south competition for the fourth consecutive season appears all but certain, a product of high list turnover in recent years.
Alburey is insistent on lifting the club out of the doldrums and making it a place people want to come to.
“The first chat I had with the boys was to let them know we’re not worried about results at the moment,“ Alburey explained.
“Next season isn’t about results.
“I think we will improve the results but the main focus is finding the culture and behaviours we need to build a sustainable future.
“As with any change, there will be people who aren’t happy, so it’s about weeding that out and finding the right people to build around.
“Once we sort that out, people coming in will mesh to what the majority is doing so setting clear expectations is a big part of it.“
Hope, community and appreciation are three values Alburey wants to build the club on.
Part of that is partnering with organisations and charities to become a positive presence in the region.
The club has already committed to partnering with Have Hope, which works with at-risk people and is based in the Cardinia Shire.
Thursday night dinners will also be introduced next season as part of a generous donation from a club stalwart.
That will tighten the bonds among club people,
while Alburey is also keen to invite struggling families to enjoy a dinner supplied by the club.
“It’s important I drive community awareness to the boys,“ Alburey said.
“It’s our community and we can see it so as a community club, I feel we have a responibility to do what we can to help.“
Given the growth corridor that Pakenham is situated in, demographic of migrant families from soccer-playing nations and facilities, there is optimism for the long-term future of the club.
Participation rates remain healthy, but the level that the senior side competes in needs to improve to attract talent and retain juniors.
“I think on the pitch, we can agree we’re struggling,“ Alburey said.
“I took my first training (two weeks ago) and the boys tried their hearts out but were undercooked so some of the decision-making wasn’t as sharp as it could have been.
“There’s a lot that can be done to improve the culture of the club.
“We have some of the best facilities in the state so it’s about showing people there’s something a bit different going on and hoping they come down and have a look.“
Alburey has a handy list of players and football people he’s worked alongside during his time involved in the game which he’ll draw on as he seeks to elevate Pakenham.
While he’s coming back from a higher level of coaching, he will maintain a strong philosophy
which drove much of the NPL success he experienced.
“I try to empower players,“ he said.
“It doesn’t matter what I know, if the boys don’t want to execute on the pitch, the knowledge is not worth knowing.
“It’s about giving players belief and I’m passionate about letting players be themselves and do their thing within a structure.
“I say to my players ’it’s your team, I’m just here to guide you.’
“It’s about letting them enjoy the game as well - people can forget about that with seniors but it is so important to incorporate.“
Heartbreak as Warriors stumble at the very last hurdle
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Bereft of baskets and forlorn on the floor.
Pakenham’s seemingly inevitable charge towards a Youth League 2 men’s premiership was stunningly and joltingly halted on Saturday night by Westgate.
The Warriors were defeated 74-69 in a cruel encore of 2018 and 2022 grand final losses.
The pain of previous misfortune stalked and haunted with foreboding sting; the previous two YL Men’s flags displayed above the grandstand providing a constant reminder in 2024 of the season’s significance.
The sickening tension and inexorable sense of deja vu was broken at a packed out Cardinia Life by the final siren which confirmed onlookers’ fears.
An undefeated season ended in despair.
Players’ faces were etched with emotion: shattered and sombre.
Presented with their runners-up medallions, some forced faux smiles for photographers; others couldn’t, their glassy eyes an insight into their souls.
An opportunity lost.
A united group that has a lifetime of memories after a stupendous season but not the chip to validate their excellence.
The game never quite felt like Pakenham’s.
An early run from the Imperials put the hosts on the back foot and they never quite applied that same scoreboard pressure the other way.
A Westgate basket seven seconds into the game underwrote the confident start.
They led by as much as eight on multiple occasions in a first quarter where the visitors defended tighter and shot more efficiently.
The crowd rose to cheer early Aaron Small wizardry and settling Hayden Melsen baskets, but there was always an undercurrent of relief
to the excitement.
The expectation was that Pakenham would at some stage break away; Westgate fired a potent shot early and still couldn’t shake Pakenham.
It was even at the half, but Pakenham’s clumsy ball handling, concession of offensive rebound points and opponent James Avgerinos finding his radar were all watches.
After making two early triples, Pakenham endured a perilous third term where they struggled to shoot from the field but scrambled enough free throw points to stay in touching distance.
Underrated shooter Mason Fraser gave the Warriors a lift on three quarter time, trimming the deficit to seven with his second triple of the night.
The last quarter was packed with moments that mattered.
Riley Browne and Luke Rawiri made important early baskets to give Pakenham belief going
down the stretch.
Responding from a pair of missed freethrows earlier in the quarter, Kaleb Beveridge bucketed a clutch three and piercing layup to reduce the margin to a possession midway through the last quarter.
The stadium lifted as one when Aaron Small gave the Warriors the lead on a fast break.
Clearly Pakenham’s player of the finals series, he finished with 18 points and helped create repeated defensive stops in the grand final after playing a lead role last week.
But that play merely instituted greater anguish into Warriors’ hearts and minds given what proceeded.
When it mattered, Westgate executed better than Pakenham.
In the last five minutes with the game up for grabs, Pakenham went two from 11 from the field, forced to shoot deep in the shot clock
on several occasions.
Westgate went three from four.
A similar shooting issue plagued the Warriors in the preliminary final, but an impenetrable defence compensated.
On Saturday night, Westgate’s Avgerinos and captain Kurt Butler were able to give themselves good looks and go at 17/35 between them for the night.
Perhaps the most telling stat was Westgate shooting their twos at 52 per cent compared to Pakenham’s 37.
The stadium was in a flux of anticlimax as spectators were finally forced to grapple with the brutal reality.
It wasn’t supposed to end like this.
The fairytale season deserved a euphoric denouement.
Luke Rawiri and Jackson Grey’s reigns as captain deserved to be heralded by a premiership.
The hallmarks and storylines were written for a premiership but will instead be chronicled as a heartbreaking chance gone begging.
The mild silver-lining for the Warriors is that new Big V rules stipulate that next season’s promotion is determined by the winner of a play-in tournament in February.
The top four will battle it out for the chance to play in Youth League 1 in 2025, with only those eligible to play Youth League next year allowed to play.
It follows multiple teams struggling following promotion after key players ageing out from the premiership year.
Pakenham will lose its two skippers and Riley Browne so will be on the lookout for some size; but have shown their tenacity as an undersized unit throughout 2024.
In Beveridge, Cooper Lanting, the Small brothers and Fraser, the core of a strong unit will remain next season.
Kaleb Beveridge crestfallen after the loss. (Stewart Chambers: 425710)
Dean Alburey is bullish about what lies ahead. (Stewart Chambers: 424432)
Lions stalking flag
By David Nagel
Pakenham will look to put the ultimate exclamation mark on a roller-coaster seven-year journey when the Lions meet Healesville in the Outer East Women’s Division One grand final at Kilsyth on Sunday.
Since club stalwarts Nicole Muley and Amanda Sidebottom came up with the idea of having a women’s team prior to the 2018 season, the Lions have been climbing towards the top of the mountain.
Their first win came in round nine 2018, ending the season with a 3-11 record; before rapidly improving in 2019.
The Lions lost one game during the homeand-away season but lost the grand final to Karingal by 24 points that year.
A post-Covid move to Outer East in 2021 saw the Lions lose at the semi-final stage in ‘22, before an upset semi-final win over Upwey-Tecoma saw progression to last year’s title decider.
The Lions were outclassed by Olinda Ferny Creek, losing by 43 points; but a strong platform had been built by coach Rick Stalker.
Pakenham finished top of the ladder this year and earned a direct passage to the big dance with a 19-point victory over Healesville in the second semi-final.
This is a new-look Pakenham team this season.
Only one player, skipper Chloe Nagel, remains from Pakenham’s first game back on May 4, 2018, with current-teammate Bec Domotor playing three games that year.
None of the 12 players who debuted in 2019 remain, with only Bianca Moody, Emily Devine and Annalise Ryan still around from the 2021 list of inclusions.
Vice-captain Courtney Stephens, along with Sarah Connelly and Courtney Karayannis, joined the cause in 2022; leaving 20 of the current 28-player squad to join the team over the last two years.
Brianna Menere, Aliya Daniel, Tanya Stafford, Tiannah Vandesteeg, Pippa Simon and ruck Sarah Ventura were all recruited in 2023.
The Lions’ list has got massively stronger this year.
Aiesha Kolaritsch, Abbey McKenzie, Emily Johnston, Kate Green, Kayla Wilson and Rielle Menere played their first games for the club in round one, while Beth Quadara became the 100th Lions player with her initial outing in round two.
Exciting talents Matilda Argoon and Charli Jones have added to the playing list during the second half of the season, while Gippsland Power players Ava Deszcz, Abby Hobson, Ash Perkins, Jayda Tannahill and Bonnie Williams have added a touch of class as well.
Stalker openly jokes that he is good at only two things in life; driving trucks and bringing football teams together as a unit.
He has molded these Lions into a true team, and no stone has been left unturned as he looks to reap the rewards of his three-year journey at the footy club.
Kolaritsch leads the league goal-kicking with 46 majors for the season, while Deszcz, Hobson, Vandesteeg, Moody and Nagel are others who can do some serious damage up forward.
The battle between Ventura and Healesville ruck Paula Pavic will be pivotal to the final outcome, with both players aggressive at the contest and important figures around the ground.
Reigning league best and fairest winner Scarlett Potter, along with Paisley Stock, Ishka-Belle Stock and key-forward Danielle Carrucan are Healesville players to watch for Stalker and his coaching team.
This one should be a beauty, with both teams
evenly matched across the ground.
But it’s the Lions’ time; with coach and captain to hold aloft the premiership cup after a nail-biting three-point victory.
In Division Two, Monbulk will test its fresh legs against Woori Yallock after the Tigers defeated Warburton-Wesburn in a tight preliminary final on Saturday.
The Burra started the better, leading by seven points at the first two change of ends, before goals to India James and Adele Ormsby gave the Tigers a six-point lead at the final break.
A goal to Emily Spicer appeared to make life comfortable for the Tigers, before a late goal to the Burra put things up for grabs with two minutes left on the clock.
The great play of Sky Wilson across half back saw the Tigers progress to the big dance with a 3.3(21) to 2.4(16) victory.
Both grand finals will be played at the Kilsyth Centre of Excellence; home of the Eastern Ranges, this Sunday.
The Division Two decider will take place between Monbulk and Woori Yallock at 10.30am before Pakenham and Healesville battle it out for the Division One premiership at 12.40pm.
Sensational Storm lock in top spot
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cardinia Storm has locked in promotion for next season after its 4-0 victory over Collegians-X on Saturday guaranteed top spot in the Men’s Metro 2 South Competition.
The Storm have lost just one game in 2024, the men’s inaugural season, and set promotion as a key goal of the season, with their cohesiveness and talent helping forge a pre-eminent season.
“It was a really successful day for the club,” coach Peter Turner said.
“We wanted to make a statement and push for the higher grades – the team has clicked really well and we’ve been lucky we have similar goals.”
The win on Saturday was set up by an Adam Welcome defensive masterclass, allowing the halves to provide overlap run, while Jean Francois-Blignaut scored a double.
“Our field goal scoring recently has been really promising which has been good to see,” Turner said.
Cardinia will have the luxury of resting players for the last round of the home and away season before finals kick off.
Meanwhile, the women had a 1-0 loss to Croydon despite dominating their match, which leaves them needing to win their last home and away match and other results to fall their way in order to qualify for finals.
Pakenham in the hot seat ahead of Outer East final round
By Marcus Uhe
The combination of an insecure ladder and a shotgun start on Saturday afternoon will make for a thrilling conclusion to the home and away season of the Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) Premier Division.
Heading into the final week, five of the 12 places are locked away – Narre Warren (first), Upwey Tecoma (fourth), Olinda Ferny Creek (fifth), Mt Evelyn (sixth) and Berwick Springs (twelfth).
Much of the intrigue, however, lies in the bottom half of the table, with a potential three-way tie for 11th, which in effect, becomes last, given the departure of Berwick Springs from the competition in 2025, and carries relegation connotations
Currently Emerald is in the hot seat, one game back from Gembrook Cockatoo and Pakenham, but with a favourable final game against Berwick Springs in round 18, the Bombers appear likely to join the other two on 20 points.
For their parts, the Brookers head to Upwey Tecoma and Pakenham welcomes Woori Yallock to Toomuc Reserve, both tough contests against sides priming for a finals run.
Woori Yallock in particular have the greatest motivation, needing a win to keep third-placed Wandin at bay and secure a top-two finish, which carries with it the all-important double chance, while Pakenham’s Jordan Stewart will likely sit the contest out due to suspension.
Should the Bombers win and a three-way tie on 20 points eventuates, it will be Pakenham packing its bags for Division One in 2025, on the back of OEFN’s tiebreaker system.
Given the 12-team competition makes for an uneven fixture, OEFN by-laws state percentage cannot be used as a tiebreaker.
Instead, the differentiating factor will be the best winning percentage of games played among tied teams.
With two wins and one loss in this bracket, the Brookers lead the way with winning percentage of 66 per cent, followed by Emerald on 50 per cent, and Pakenham on 33.
It would be disastrous for Pakenham, which set its sights on a top-three finish at the beginning of the year.
Should Emerald and Pakenham tie on 20 points, Emerald will be relegated, due to Pakenham having the greatest winning margin in the contests between the two sides, by a miserly two
points, while Gembrook Cockatoo will be sent packing if it ties with Emerald.
Emerald definitely has the wood over the Titans, with the Division One grand final triumph of 2023 still fresh in everyone’s mind.
Elsewhere, a 13-point win will see Officer leapfrog Monbulk and finish in seventh, potentially finishing one back from qualifying for the top six, and casting further confusion around the Kangaroos’ decision to part ways with Daniel Charles.
A Wandin win over Olinda Ferny Creek will keep it in the hunt for second, but needs Pakenham to do it a favour to keep the door ajar – a big ask, given the circumstances.
All this makes Narre Warren’s clash with Mt Evelyn a ‘dead rubber’, with neither side able to move from its current ladder position.
How both sides approach the contest will be intriguing, with health surely to be front of mind.
TIPS: MONBULK v Officer, NARRE WARREN v Mt Evelyn, Olinda Ferny Creek v WANDIN, UPWEY TECOMA v Gembrook Cockatoo, Pakenham v WOORI YALLOCK, EMERALD v Berwick Springs. THERELEGATIONPICTURE
• EMERALD WIN, GEMBROOK COCKATOO LOSE, PAKENHAM LOSE: Pakenham will be relegated.
• EMERALD WIN, GEMBROOK COCKATOO LOSE, PAKENHAM WIN: Gembrook Cockatoo will be relegated.
• EMERALD WIN, GEMBROOK COCKATOO WIN, PAKENHAM LOSE: Emerald will be relegated.
• EMERALD LOSE – Emerald will be relegated.
LIKELY FIRST WEEK OF FINALS: Wandin (third) v Mt Evelyn (sixth), Upwey Tecoma (fourth) v Olinda Ferny Creek
Narre Warren
Woori
(second) – Bye.
Cardinia Storm has had a near-flawless season. (Stewart Chambers: 400966)
(fifth).
(first),
Yallock
Emerald needs to defeat Berwick Springs to keep prospects of staying in Premier Division alive. (Rob Carew: 413413)
Abbey McKenzie will be a key component of the Pakenham backline when the Lions take on Healesville in Sunday’s Outer East Division One grand final at Kilsyth. (Stewart Chambers: 402285)
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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
