News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 12th September 2024

Ascending to $7K

By Matthew Sims

Pakenham CFA Brigade members raised a total of $7283 for the 11th annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb

Seven members put their bodies on the line, climbing 28 floors at Crown Metropol on Saturday 7 September with 25 kilograms of equipment weighing them down during the climb, simulating the actions of a firefighter entering a burning high rise building.

Some participants wore full structural firefighting protective clothing, while others also wore Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) during the climb.

Operated by newly formed charity 000 Foundation, the event aimed to raise $750,000 towards Lifeline, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the 000 Foundation to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues like depression, post traumatic stress injury and suicide, especially for those within the emergency service and defence communities.

As of the time of publication, the current fundraising total was $792,248.

The Pakenham CFA brigade members joined 719 firefighters and emergency services first responders from Australia and New Zealand.

Representing Pakenham, Nicholas Raca, Natalie Morgan, Jarrod Mann, Adrian Rowe, Shymma Harris, Leesa McBurnie and Jack McCartney took to the climb, with Jarrod Mann setting the fastest time among the Pakenham members completing the climb in seven minutes and 47 seconds with Jack McCartney following close behind with a time of seven minutes and 49 seconds.

Other participating brigades included Emerald ($16,675), Bunyip ($3984), Beaconsfield ($3975), Kooweerup ($2380), Longwarry ($790), Toomuc ($600), Tooradin ($430), Lang Lang ($395) and Upper Beaconsfield ($365).

The event also honoured the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty during the September 11 2001 attacks in New York, with each climber including the name and photo of a New York City Fire Department firefighter on their bib. Emerald CFA second lieutenant and 000 Foundation director Chris May was the second highest individual fundraiser, raising $14,099 for the 000 Foundation.

“As part of the event management team, the day went off without a hitch and was conducted in a very efficient and safe manner thanks to our climb crew volunteers, many of whom come from

supporting brigades, most notably Pakenham CFA lieutenant Natalie Morgan and firefighter Jarrod Mann,” he said.

With 30 firefighters from the Cardinia LGA taking part, there was a good mix of firefighters from their respective brigades, he said.

Mr May said the climb represented a “mammoth physical challenge” for all participants, who had been training for the event for months.

“There are two categories, being Donned, where they just wear the Breathing Apparatus cylinder on their back for the weight, or Donned and Started, where the firefighter wears the mask and breaths air from the air cylinder,” he said.

Since the inaugural year in 2014, the event has raised more than $3.9 million for the Alfred Hospital Burns Unit, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Lifeline, the Black Dog Institute, 000Foundation and the Emergency Services Foundation.

For more information or to donate, visit firefighterclimb.org.au

The Bunyip CFA brigade crew raised a total of $3984. (Supplied)

The Pakenham CFA brigade crew raised a total of $7283 as part of the climb. (Supplied)

Emerald CFA second lieutenant Chris May with his 18-month old son Henry. (Supplied)

True gentleman remembered

Alan Leslie Dessent

16/10/1939 - 12/8/2024

Alan Dessent was a key part of the Pakenham business landscape, being one of the five local businessmen involved in building the Pakenham Arcade.

Alan was born at the Bunyip Bush Nursing Hospital, which was established by his greatgrandmother in the early 1900s for returning soldiers and pandemic patients.

He was a caring and sharing big brother to his little sister Dorothy.

However, this was not always the case as exemplified one Christmas day when Alan used the wheels from his sister’s new pram delivered by Santa for his new billy cart.

The family lived in Garfield for a year, before moving to Longwarry and transferring back to Garfield, where the family lived with Alan’s grandfather for about a year until their new home in Garfield was built.

Alan went to school at Longwarry State Primary School for five years, followed by a year at Garfield Primary School before attending Warragul High School and Warragul Technical School, during which he met his future wife Jean.

As a boy, he was a member of the Garfield Boy Scouts.

Alan wanted to be a carpenter and joiner after finishing school, but was informed that there was an oversupply of applications for carpentry apprenticeships, but there was a need for electrical apprentices.

At the age of 17, he started work for the Victorian railways as an electrical apprentice.

Alan worked for five years as an apprentice before he decided to resign and work for General Motors in Dandenong.

While his work took him into the city and the suburbs, his heart remained in Garfield, as a proud member of the Garfield Group or Garfield Gang, where he created lifelong friendships and enjoyed parties and outings.

Despite knowing each other at school, Alan and Jean officially started dating at the age of 21 in 1961 and got engaged in 1962.

Alan followed in the footsteps of his father as a volunteer CFA firefighter at the Pakenham Rural

Fire Brigade.

In 1962, Alan started work for an electrician in Pakenham, who was having trouble with surviving through the recession, consequently selling him the business, naming it AL & MJ DessentPakenham Electrics, a business which still operates under his son John.

Jean said Pakenham needed a reliable electrician in the town, with other business owners giving Alan and herself a leg up, including David Bourke.

“We have forever relied on the business peo-

ple in town,” she said.

“Alan employed apprentices who became fully trained.

“John now has many customers of ours, now in the second generation.”

Alan and Jean bought a block of land and built a home on Ahern Road in Pakenham in 1962.

The pair married at the Anglican church in Garfield on 30 March 1963, with their first child Nerida arriving in May 1965, followed by John in December 1966, Stephen in June 1968 and Grant in June 1971.

“He loved being a father,” Jean said.

In terms of sport, his interest was sporadic, only playing one game of football for Garfield, during which he broke his nose, quickly ending his football career, and playing tennis at Garfield Tennis Club as a young man.

Alan and his friends loved fishing and boating in the Omeo area and finishing the Bundara and Benn rivers.

Beyond remaining active with the Pakenham Rural Fire Brigade, Alan was a member of a number of school committees, Scout leader at Pakenham Scouts, an active fundraiser for the Pakenham Hospital, Millhaven Lodge and Pakenham kindergarten and worked for many years with the Pakenham Show committee in his role as an electrician.

Alan was also part of the foundation group which started a Junior Chamber International or Jaycees chapter in Pakenham in the mid 1960s, with Alan becoming becoming president in 1968.

“Our kids were very little when we started that and it was a great way to get to know other families,” Jean said.

Via the Pakenham Show, Alan and Jean also hosted exchange show girls with the Whakatane Show committee in New Zealand.

Alan also helped shape the face of modern Pakenham being one of five local businessmen who purchased land in the Pakenham shopping centre area to build the Pakenham Arcade.

In 1977, Alan and Jean bought a 17-acre property on Bessie Creek Road in Nar Nar Goon North, building a new home there and moving in 1979.

Ten years later, the pair bought a beach house in Phillip Island, which was a popular getaway for

the family.

John took over Pakenham Electrics in 2002, with Alan becoming semi-retired, with the pair deciding to travel the world, with stops including London, America, Canada, Europe and New Zealand.

They also went on a number of caravan trips around Australia, including with the Westenders Car Club.

“We always had great company,” Jean said.

“We had such a good time.”

Old cars were another passion for Alan, with his Holden Premier still in prime position in their garage in Bunyip.

In their later years, Alan and Jean became proud members of the Pakenham East Probus Club.

“The social aspect was terrific,” Jean said.

Jean said Alan was energetic in all of his endeavours as a community member, husband and father.

“He was committed to what we was involved in,” she said.

“He was a fantastic husband and dad.” Jean said while they worked behind the scenes across a number of community groups, they never worked for accolades or praise.

“We were never out in front,” she said.

Alan was also loved playing cards, with 500 being one of his favourite games, often taking his will to win to the extreme.

“It’s a dying art with our young ones,” Jean said.

The pair sold their property in Nar Nar Goon North in 2018, downsizing to a home in Bunyip, with Alan spending the last five months of his life at Hillview Bunyip Aged Care.

Jean said she would cherish all of her memories with Alan.

“We lasted pretty well considering we were in business together,” she said.

“We had a pretty good life.

“He was a wonderful companion.”

Alan is survived by his four children Nerida, John, Stephen and Grant, their families, his grandchildren and their families and his greatgrandchildren.

Connecting clients to work experience opportunities

Clients from Pakenham-based disability support service Outlook Australia have rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on with new skills as part of a phased rollout of supported work experience at the Outlook Resource Recovery Centre and Recycled Goods Shop in Hampton Park.

Over a two-week period, clients Nick, Januka and Alex would be joining the team, beginning with four hours per week and gradually increasing their hours based on their individual goals and needs.

On his first day, Nick was warmly welcomed by the staff, who were attentive to his needs and made him feel like a valued member of the team from the start.

Alex has also launched into work disassembling computer components to recover recyclable materials, ensuring nothing ends up in landfill unless it cannot be reused.

With guidance from site staff and a dedicated disability support worker, they would be gaining hands-on experience in resource recovery, customer service, sustainability, payments and cash handling, workplace safety, and more.

The group would also be exposed to other functions within the resources and sustainability sector, such as tool and equipment usage, work health and safety practices, teamwork, critical thinking, recycling and resource recovery.

Outlook senior program and support plan-

ners Jayden Harrison and Emily Walton have been working to build relationships and source opportunities for participants to engage in work training and skill development.

However, due to the barriers people with disabilities face in accessing work, the most effective solution was to create more opportunities within the organisation, with the organisation proud to announce 70 per cent of its social enterprise division staff come from priority workforce groups, including people with disabilities.

Casey Council have announced the Hampton Park site as a finalist in the Employment Diversity category of this year’s Casey Business awards.

Alan Dessent. (Supplied)

Nick gets to work with one of the Hampton Park site team members. (Supplied)

MP stays silent for cause

Pakenham MP Emma Vulin took a vow of silence for 12 hours straight on Wednesday 11 September, in support of MND Victoria’s Shut Up for MND fundraiser.

She had raised a total of $2890 at the time of publication, smashing through her $2500 target and becoming the second highest individual fundraising total.

Ms Vulin said the fundraiser was a way to give back to MND Victoria after all of the support she has received since she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in April.

“I am choosing to go without my voice in support of those who have lost theirs to MND,” she said.

“Personally being diagnosed in April this year with MND, I know what MND Vic does to support me and my family and I am grateful.

“For 43 years, MND Victoria has provided care and support services for those living with MND - from equipment, support groups, support coordinators, counselling service and more.”

Ms Vulin said her silence helped raise awareness of the communication challenges people with MND faced daily.

“I am participating in the challenge to raise funds that go towards providing direct care to all Victorians living with MND,” she said.

“This disease often takes away people’s ability to speak.

“I am sure today will throw some challenges but it’s the least I can do.”

For more information or to donate to Emma’s shutupformnd.org.au/fundraise/emma-shutsup-for-mnd

Grab your bills and find out the support on offer

Pakenham residents struggling to make ends meet are encouraged to attend the upcoming Bring Your Bills Day event.

A joint effort between Southeast Community Links (SECL) and Cardinia Council, the Bring Your Bills Day will take place on Tuesday 24 September from 11am to 3pm at the Pakenham Library, with lunch provided and no bookings required.

Whether it’s electricity, gas, water bills, or navigating tenancy and consumer rights, experts will be on hand to offer guidance and support.

Attendees can discuss various services, including consultations on fines, housing, utility

relief grants and concessions.

Southeast Community Links will have dedicated financial counsellors available to provide free and confidential advice, ensuring that individuals can access the financial support they need in a welcoming and supportive environment.

To support Cardinia Council’s diverse community, bi-lingual staff and interpreters will be available on the day to assist attendees, while children’s activities will be available to support families to attend.

For more information about Bring Your Bills Day, phone 9546 5255 or email info@secl. org.au

Rachna Madaan Bowen, Debra Welsh, Lydia Cheruiyot, Armita Abdollahyan and Kay Dilger from South East Community Links at a recent Pakenham Bring Your Bills Day event. (Stewart Chambers: 372491)

Pakenham MP Emma Vulin. (Rob Carew: 422695)

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us about yourself and your work.

I have only been with Lyndhurst Secondary College (LSC) for four months. I mainly do marketing/graphic design for the school but also fill in at reception. I have been designing for approx. 20 years and love every bit of it.

What has been your most memorable moment during your work?

Most memorable moment was seeing the sports banners completed and flying proudly on our Athletics day.

What do you love about your work?

I love the varied work I do, I really love working with the students and the people I work with are already feeling like a family to me.

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

I’d love to be an eagle.

What were you like as a kid?

I was born in Ireland, I didn’t like to get in trouble and I loved spending time with family. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

The time when Jesus walked the earth. Which dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

Jesus, Elvis, Trump, and my Grandparents. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Generous, fun, kind.

What would you do on your perfect ’day off’? Spending time with my family. Where is your happy place?

Home and church.

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

Where is your dream holiday destination? Belfast, Ireland.

with Sinead Fay from Lyndhurst Secondary College

THREE … ways to commemorate R U OK? Day 1

With R U OK? Day today (Thursday 12 September), here are three ways to commemorate the day.

Ask the question

Asking if someone is OK, is, as obvious as it may seem, the best way to commemorate the day. One must also ensure that they are asking with sincerity, and providing the asked person a place of respite and comfort to confide with you their concerns.

2 Events

Participating in awareness events is also another way to seize the day, where many workplaces, schools and community groups host events that raise awareness of mental health and how important it is to check in on others.

Social media

3

With most people online, spreading the word and sharing messages of support and advocation through sites such as Facebook and Instagram is a good way to let others know about what the day stands for.

City of Casey candidates on the fence with monitors

By Ethan Benedicto

Since council monitors were officially announced by the State Government earlier this month, Casey council candidates in the north-east of the city have expressed a mixed bag of emotions with the new initiative.

According to the media release on 2 September, these council monitors would also be appointed to Whittlsea City and Strathbogie Shire Councils to support the transition back to elected councillors and ensure good governance practices.

Mush Rahaman, council candidate for Akoonah Ward is on the fence about the decision, saying that the soon-to-be newly appointed councillors have “certain expectations” and a “vision” for the council.

“These new people, many coming from independent backgrounds, they have their certain ways that they would monitor things,” Rahaman said.

“They want to progress things, they have a vision, as long as these visions are not impacted by the [monitors] then it’s okay, it doesn’t hurt.

“But at the same time it would be an additional expense by the council as well, the ratepayers will be paying for this.”

However, Rahaman recognises the need for an overseeing body, that the new councillors could bear fruit from their presence, saying that “we can embrace and use it in a positive way”.

“We can coordinate and work together; if they are there to help and we can really get that and learn from them, and use that skill for future development of our council, then it’s a blessing.”

However, Grevillea Ward Candidate, Stephen Capon sees no benefits in having the monitors in place, saying that the argument made by the State Government’s media release that monitors will support the newly elected councillors to restore good governance “is nonsensical”.

“It should have already been restored by the administrators, similarly, given that the municipal monitors’ functions are to ‘monitor council governance and practices’, ‘advise the council

about the governance improvements’, and to make recommendations relating to council ‘governance matters’, their appointment shouldn’t be necessary.

“How exactly are they going to ‘help prevent recurrence of issues that led to each councillor’s dismissal’, when good governance should have already been restored and improved over the past four years?”

Capon added that the implementation of the monitors shows a “complete lack of faith” in the new Casey Council candidates and their “heart for their local community”.

Furthermore, he added that it would be additional stress for the ratepayers; as well as it remains unclear what they have to offer that “the new councillor training, code of conduct, and administrators’ governance fixes couldn’t do”.

Casuarina Ward candidate, Kim Ross is looking for balance, saying that while it may be a little “premature” to make any certainties without knowing the monitors’ powers she understands that “they don’t want a repeat of what’s happened in the past, none of us do”.

“None of us want a repeat of having four years without local representation because it’s really hard.

“However, I think that if they’re doing it for one council, they need to do it for all councils, because all councils have the potential for the wrong people to get elected for the wrong reasons.

“There is nothing to indicate that the new councillors for Casey are going to be more prone to doing the wrong things than any new councillor in any new council,” she said.

Ross stressed the comparison of the newer Casey councillors with other LGAs, further emphasising that the monitors’ presence could potentially spell a sense of uncertainty, where they’re saying “‘hey, we think you could potentially stuff up’”.

“This is a bit like shutting the door after the horse has bolted,” she said.

At the same time, if said monitors were to offer more support and guidance for councillors who need it, then that would be something she would easily get behind.

Akoonah Ward candidate, Samuel Dennison has “no issues” with the role of the monitors, agreeing that there are many who are concerned about “the past happening again”.

“I think it’s important that we want to show that we care about integrity, and obviously that is

number one, but also that we’re building back the reputation of the council and also the trust of the councillors,” he said.

The guidance of the monitors, as well as the mentioned lack of experience of some councillors, is, for Dennison, a boon for the new council.

“It’s about doing the right thing even when no one’s looking, as long as you’re not doing anything behind the scenes or doing anything that is not in the interest of the community, then you have nothing to worry about.

“I don’t preempt any negative outcomes from having additional scrutiny, I’m all about integrity so I really think that it makes me feel a little bit more comfortable as well,” Dennison said.

Grevillea Ward candidates, Stephen Matulec and John Ternel are both on board with the new monitors, with Ternel saying that the additional body would be a “good thing”, considering that the majority of the upcoming councillors will be treading new waters.

“A lot of new councillors are in new territory, so any help or assistance or advice is good as long as there are no political agendas that are introduced,” he said.

“Information is powerful, there are lessons that have been learned from things that have happened before and we can avoid making them again, so I’m all for it.”

Matulec is in agreement, taking into account that the City of Casey hadn’t had councillors for some time, the one-year period of monitoring would be “good for people to sort of just find their feet”.

“I think they [the monitors] should be available for the councillors to speak to, where the councillor says ‘Oh I’m not sure how this works’, or ‘I’m not sure if I need to say to declare this’.

“They should be there to support the councillors, and they shouldn’t be too hands-on with their business.”

Getting the balance

“right” is integral, according to Matulec, where a fine line must be drawn between ensuring good governance as well as transparency, and intervention.

North-eastern candidates for the upcoming City of Casey council elections are on the fence with the announcement of council monitors for the first year of elected representation. (Gary Sissons: 429633)

Sinead Fay from Lyndhurst Secondary College. (Stewart Chambers: 420809)

Jailed after ‘vicious’ attack

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A serial family-violence offender has been jailed after breaking into his wife’s home in Officer and sexually assaulting her in her bedroom.

The 39-year-old Pakenham father of three, who Star News has chosen not to name to protect his victim’s identity, pled guilty at the Victorian County Court to sexual assault, unlawful assault and persistently contravening a family-violence intervention order.

At the time of the assault, the man was subject to a community corrections order for previously threatening to kill the wife and children. He was also subject to a family violence in-

tervention order that banned him from contacting the family at the time, and a good-behaviour bond for breaching the same order.

About 10 weeks before the attack, he’d been summonsed to Dandenong Magistrates’ Court for breaching the order.

After that hearing, he falsely told the victim that the order was finalised and he was allowed to see the children.

During the attack on 11 June 2023, the man sneaked into the home through the garage.

He stood next to the victim’s bed as she emerged from showering in her en-suite bathroom.

Despite her requests for him to leave, the man

locked the bedroom door and attempted to have sex with her.

The man then fled the house with their son. He returned the child about two hours later.

The next day, he was intercepted by police after he’d taken another child from the home.

In a police interview, he denied he’d gone to the Officer home on 11 June, claiming he’d only been at home and a temple that evening.

In sentencing on 5 September, judge Anne Hassan said it was a serious example of family violence and a “vicious” sexual assault – which was a “gross breach” of his wife’s privacy and autonomy.

She noted his “inability to reform” despite re-

ceiving multiple court orders and taking part in a men’s rehabilitation course.

“You remain a continued risk to the safety of any future intimate partner.”

Being a non-citizen, the man was at risk of deportation and being forever estranged from his children.

In mitigation, the judge noted the man’s guilty plea after a sentence indication.

He was jailed for up to three years and three months, with a two-year-and-two-month nonparole period.

The man had already served 15 months in presentence detention.

Hitting the field in the name of kids in palliative care

By Ethan Benedicto

Football legends are set to take on the field this coming Saturday, as veterans from the A-League and the Victorian Premier League battle it out in a fundraiser for children in palliative care.

Scheduled to take place on 14 September at Frank Holohan Reserve in Endeavour Hills, two teams, one consisting of A-League all-stars and the other of Victorian Premier League vets will play in support of Very Special Kids, a notfor-profit organisation specialising in holistic palliative care for children and young people.

Steven Topalovic, recently retired Dandenong SC player and curator said that the VPL Legends match, which began in 2023, was, on one hand, a good way for him to stay in touch with the game, but more importantly, was a medium that allowed him and others to support a greater cause.

“I wanted to do something for the kids, I wanted to make sure that the money goes to a direct facility and to have someone be in direct contact with them,” Topalovic said.

“Like all the boys that I used to play soccer with, we’ve all got kids and stuff, so it’s something that we resonate with.

“[And] sports is just a good way to get people together; when I started organising it I realised how many contacts I still had from the game, the players and coaches.

“As soon as you make a phone call and explain to people what you’re doing, what you’re doing the game for, everyone’s basically on board,” he said.

Realising his close ties with the sport, its players and their love for the game, Topaovic saw it as an opportunity to bring attention to a cause he felt strongly for.

Garnering attention through the ties made with businesses, friends and family was instrumental, with Topalovic adding that soccer as a sport is a “big engine that can drive a lot of things”.

“Getting the guys to play for something that is as important as that, it’s easy man.

“Obviously, having a Legends game without having and organisation to run and to raise money, it’s not going to generate the same sort of interest from the general public.

“So this [the Legends game] was the way to branch out into that,” he said.

Very Special Kids CEO, Michael Wasley said that the cause is a great one, considering that the topic of palliative care is a difficult one to speak of, more so convey to the general public.

“People often find it difficult to talk about dying, particularly when it comes to children; but holistic paediatric palliative care is more about living, and living well, than it is dying,” Wasley said.

“Events like the VPL Legends match don’t

just provide vital funds; they also help us change the way society understands childhood life-limiting illnesses.

“Together we can make the world a better, more supportive and knowledgeable place for these children and their families.”

As a predominantly self-funded charity, VSK would not be able to provide its services, which are a range of comprehensive, tailored support programs for seriously ill children, were it not for the help of the wider community.

To Wasley, VSK wants to “ensure every Victorian child and family who needs us can access us”.

“This could be through counselling and emotional support, sibling support, community networking activities, bereavement support, family and holiday accommodation and/or respite, end-of-life care and after-death care.

“As a small charity, the public’s awareness of Very Special Kids isn’t universal, annually community events like the VPL Legends match can help us reach these families, plan ahead and support seriously ill children for years to come.”

Looking at this Saturday’s line-up, alongside Topalovic, VPL figureheads like Ivan Franjic, Carl Valeri, Nick Ward and Ersam Gulum will be some of the big names lacing up in sup-

port of the cause.

For Topalovic, he’s more than keen for the game to begin, saying “I’m definitely excited”.

“Let’s get the game happening and let’s get the people coming in, I’m excited to see everyone.”

The match is set to commence at 3pm on Saturday, and for more information on the match, visit footballvictoria.com.au/news/ he-inaugural-victorian-premier-league-vpllegends-match

For additional information on Very Special Kids and their palliative care services, and for ways to donate, visit vsk.org.au

Steven Topalovic, former VPL player known for his staunch defence will be donning a Very Special Kids jersey for the Legends match. (Rob Carew:

Approach hailed by study

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

It’s often said that it takes a village to raise a child.

A sports-based pilot program in the South East has been hailed for successfully taking this approach in engaging at-risk children at primary schools.

The Black Rhinos junior basketball program supported young African-Australians at two primary schools and in the community.

It was co-designed by Afri-Aus Care and RMIT University as a primary crime prevention tool.

And a recently-released report by RMIT found that it did just that - as well as improving children’s academic performance and their connections with teachers, students and their families.

“We worked with the community to co-design what a sports-based youth development program for African-Australians and their families would look like,” Associate Professor Ronnie Egan from RMIT Social Equity Research Centre said.

“As a result, we saw enhanced engagement with learning, leading to increased school attendance and better grades.

“By strengthening relationships and engagement with learning, we created a sense of belonging for a group of people who had long been denied that feeling.”

As a result, the program has secured three years of funding from the state education department and Brian M Davis Trust.

Black Rhinos was underpinned by an indigenous African philosophy called UBUNTU, which prioritises reciprocity, mutuality, participation and inclusion for collective wellbeing.

A success story was hiring African-Australian young people as role-models and mentors for selected students at Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School and Narre Warren South P-12.

They started basketball training and games during lunchtime, homework clubs, life-skills development activities and in-class support. They built trust, confidence and leadership in their students.

The mentors became respected members of school staff. They forged stronger connection and understanding between teachers and students.

“You can tell the students really look up to them,” a teacher told researchers.

“And when they’re here they seek them out, they’re excited to see them, they’re excited to tell them about their week or what’s happened since they were last here.”

Each Sunday, the students’ families further bonded during basketball, homework club and cook-up dinners from the ‘Mammas’ - biological mothers, aunties or female carers of African descent.

“It’s really important, everyone gets happy when they see food,” one of the Mammas said.

“Even our kids, as soon as they finish the home-

work, they’ll be running like is food ready? Like excitement, really excitement.

“They eat together. That is different than eating at home alone.”

Afri-Aus Care CEO and founder Selba-Gondoza Luka said many of the Mammas reported better relations with their children as a result.

She says a key to the Junior Black Rhino’s success was the involvement of the African-Australian community from the design phase.

“If you work with the community to develop the program, it will have a better impact,” she said.

“When you do these programs well, it creates excitement for young people and their parents. It reduces intergenerational conflict and trauma

Afri-Aus Care coordinator Anish Varghese said the aim was to intervene early, to prevent primary school students dropping out of school later in their lives.

Disengagement from school is often a gateway to getting in trouble with the justice system, he said.

“Not everyone excels in certain subjects. It’s about meeting them where they are, finding and working with their strengths.”

Thumbs down

To Cardinia Road roadworks. When is the one lane traffic light going to go? It appears making it two way again is not a priority.

Thumbs up

To the teams from Pakenham, Bunyip, Beaconsfield, Berwick, Upper Beaconsfield and Emerald Fire brigades that helped raise over $780,000 for the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb. Raising money for Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the 000 Foundation.

Thumbs down

To drivers who don’t know that road rules also apply in car parks.

Afri-Aus Care founder Selba Gondoza-Luka said key was the community’s involvement in the program’s co-design. (Rob Carew: 320078)

A student, Bang, gets to work with Junior Rhino maths tutor Jacob. (Sam Garang)

Three-on-three basketball at the launch of the Junior Rhinos program in Harmony Square last year. (Rob Carew: 320078)

Orchids a springtime delight

By Ethan Benedicto

Although colder weather is still biting through the populace’s clothes, spring has sprung and is well underway at the Berwick Orchids Club, as it readies itself for an end-of-month celebration and showcase of the best it has to offer.

Teeming with life and the yellow glitter of sunrise, the orchids have taken well to the weather, according to club president and event curator Murray Harding, with their current growth patterns looking promising for the 28-29 September spring show.

“I’m standing in my orchid house at the moment and I would suggest that I’m looking at over a thousand flower spikes,” Harding said.

“So if we can get to the end of the month while those things are still in that kind of condition, the show will be outstanding.”

The club itself grows a wide variety of plants, with orchids as the main focus; but the majority of these orchids originate further north in either New South Wales or Queensland - areas with warmer and more varied climates which tend to be better conditions for growth.

However, according to Harding, things are looking bright if spring and the coming summer are to be anything like the previous year, where the orchids matured early.

“Well, the thing is, you’re in the hands of the weather,” Harding said.

“Whether these plants will actually open and be at their best depends entirely on whether we get some warm weather or whether we go back to being cold again over the next few weeks.

“So, you’re in the lap of the gods, but the odds are in favour of an excellent show.”

Orchids are among the most prolific plant families in the globe, with over 25,000 species

spread across nearly every continent save Antarctica.

To Harding, this means that most families have some form of connection with orchids, from either a member owning one or simply being given one.

“There’s a story that goes with every orchid, and there are orchid clubs all over the world, and something around 40 in Victoria,” he said.

The love for orchids is widespread, with Harding emphasising the impact of its beauty and people’s appreciation for it through his experience at the 23rd World Orchid Conference in Taiwan,

which was held from February to March this year.

“I think there’s an orchid that speaks to everybody and will have a pretty serious number of different forms and so on.

“So having this space, such as the Berwick Orchids Club is important for these people,” he said.

The club, which roughly has 70 members sees a general attendance of around 40 every meeting has one main goal: to share their knowledge of the plants in order to get the best results.

Harding, who was first inspired by his father to grow orchids, currently houses over 10,000 orchids in his 12-metre by 18-metre orchid house

- and to him, it’s “not commercial, it’s a hobby”.

“I’m 80 now, and ever since I retired I’ve been working with and about orchids,” he said.

“And honestly, I think this is keeping me younger than I would have been if I was sitting around watching TV.”

Looking forward to a vibrant weekend, Harding is confident of not just his, but the club’s orchids and their beauty.

“If people even have the slightest interest in orchids, but [also] if they’re interested in knowing how to grow their own, this is just the place for them,” he said.

Push for faster accreditation for Filipino engineers

By Violet Li

A multicultural community organisation in Casey has been working towards a quicker professional assessment for Filipino engineers in Australia.

In partnership with the Society of Filipino Engineers in Australia (SFEA), Pinoy Casey Community Inc (PCCI) held the first information session on the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between engineering bodies of the Philippines and Australia on 25 August.

MRA recognises differences in chartered qualification standards and contributes to a simpler professional assessment process on the respective sides. Engineers Australia and the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) serve as the professional bodies on the two sides.

Engineers Australia currently has MRA with 15 countries worldwide, not including the Philippines.

The information session briefed the attendants on the progress of MRA and provided a networking opportunity.

President of PCCI Alfie Tilan and other Filipino engineers in Australia launched the nationwide SFEA in May this year after recognising the challenges faced by the cohort.

“I’m surprised because there are a lot of engineers who already could be working, like in Dubai or overseas, went to Australia, and then saying, how can we practice as engineers here?”

Mr Tilan said.

“Here, you cannot function as an engineer unless you have accreditation from Engineers Australia, or you’re formally appointed as an engineer in Australia through the MRA.”

During the information session, Mr Tilan reflected on his journey to be a chartered engineer in Australia, which took him six months after multiple tests and assessments.

He believed his process stage was among the fastest because of his extensive previous experience before coming to Australia in 2007.

“It was really a long process that the foreign engineers whose countries don’t have MRA had to go through,” he said.

“If we have MRA, many engineers don’t have to go through the same process as what I did when I became an engineer here.

“It will be like a shortcut.”

Mr Tilan said SFEA was established to speed up the process of MRA between the two countries.

“SFEA is the representative body of PTC in Australia,” he said.

“We have constant communication between the Philippines and Australia.

“If no one is pushing it here, we will have to wait for very long.”

Mr Tilan said SEFA and PCCI were confident about the timeline as the Philippines officially

became a signatory of the Washington Accord (WA) in June this year, which was believed to pave the way for MRA.

“It took Indonesia around one and a half years to finally have the MRA after the signatory with Washington Accord was met,” he said.

“We’re looking at a formal signing of MRA between the two countries in December 2025.”

Mr Tilan said MRA would be for the future generation.

“We are not doing this for ourselves because we are all chartered,” he said.

“We do this because of our passion, and we want to share our stories with those who are planning to become an engineer here.

“It could be a big inspiration for them because sometimes it gets to a point where most of them are about to give up.”

Berwick Orchid Club president Murray Harding with his father’s 44-year-old Dendrobium Speciosum that lives in a tree; he planted it there as that is where they naturally grow. (Rob Carew: 430835_01)

A fine example of a variant of a Dendrobium orchid. (430835)

The group shot of the day. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 427196)

Vice president of SFEA Alex Genota is speaking at the information session. (427196)

President of PCCI and SFEA Alfie Tilan is speaking at the information session. (427196)

L to R engineer Dennis Arcenas, director Victor Marzonia, public relations officer Jules Jusayan, president Alfie Tilan, vice president Alex Genota, treasurer Edrick Lim. (427196)

Vegetation is minister’s call

By Violet Li

A proposed commercial and industrial development in Cranbourne West has triggered Federal involvement due to its potential to disrupt the habitats of vulnerable and endangered species.

WPH Cranbourne Investments Pty Lty, related to Salta Properties, proposed to remove 0.512 hectares of native vegetation at 690 Western Port Highway for future development.

The company is both the landowner and the land developer.

Approximately 50 hectares of non-native vegetation is also proposed to be removed.

According to an environment assessment report by consultancy Nature Advisory, the proposed development land contains “potential habitats” for 15 fauna species listed under environment protection law, including the greyheaded flying-fox, critically endangered swift parrot, endangered Australian painted-snipe, and several migratory species.

Growling grass frog, endangered southern brown bandicoot, and endangered swamp skink are also considered to have the potential to occur in the area.

The report suggests field surveys failed to locate any of these three ground-dwelling species within the potential habitat.

The report also assesses the susceptibility of all the listed species and states that the proposed development is unlikely to have any significant impacts on them, given the species’ low level of reliance on the subject habitat resulted from the low quality of the land and the availability of other suitable habitats in the region.

The subject land is in a “relatively poor” environmental condition, according to the permit application submitted to the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Most of the land has been “heavily disturbed” by cattle grazing, and the vegetation now mainly

consists of introduced pasture grasses, the application writes.

The landowner highlights that it will retain a patch of native vegetation of high quality.

“The patch being removed is a low-quality patch and only comprised understorey species,” it states.

Professor of wildlife and ecology at Deakin University Euan Ritchie said threatened species needed connected landscapes to survive in and move through, no more so than in already highly modified and fragmented urban and peri-urban areas.

“Habitat quality and value isn’t simply a matter of size. Small patches of habitat can be disproportionately important for conserving some threatened species, and contribute to more connected, functional landscapes,” he said.

FOCUS ON … R U OK?

Supporting the help-giver

R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times. They encourage people to “invest more time in their personal relationships and building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues - to be alert to

those around them, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress or difficulty and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they’re in crisis”, their website says.

For help, contact Lifeline — call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au/ crisis-chat. There is also the Suicide Call Back Service — call 1300 659 467.

You are not alone: Heath

I’m pleased to write in support of R U OK?’s National Day of Action as it is a great reminder to all of us to check in on our friends, family, colleagues, and teammates, or even to ask for help ourselves.

And while R U OK? Day reminds us to reach out on a particular day, this year the theme, importantly, is to Ask R U OK? Any Day because as individuals we are dealing with so many issues throughout the entire year.

This year it feels as though there are more external factors affecting people beyond the personal problems that we would usually be dealing with such as relationship difficulties, health concerns or the trauma caused by previous issues we have confronted. External concerns such as employment uncertainty, personal safety, cost of living rises, and higher housing costs really add to our stress levels. These are legitimate reasons for you to check in with others or speak to a friend about your concerns.

If you plan to check on the welfare of your loved ones, I can highly recommend the resources at www.ruok.org.au, including manuals and tips for how to make the most out of any conversation.

Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath.

And to those who may be asked R U OK? I suggest you take the opportunity to really speak to your friend, partner, or neighbour about what you are facing. They may not have all the answers, but they care enough about you to ask, listen, and try to help. Most importantly, they want you to know you are not alone.

Renee Heath MP 51 James Street Pakenham 5941 1112

“Some threatened species, including southern brown bandicoots and swift parrots, are adaptable and live in or move through highly modified habitats.

“But there are limits. A patch of invasive weeds might provide a home for bandicoots, but concrete and buildings won’t.

“Continuing to destroy patches of habitat of threatened species is very much death by continuous cuts.”

A referral has been made to the Federal Environment Minister to decide upon the proposed native vegetation removal.

The referral is open for public comments until 19 September.

To submit comments, visit the EPBC Act Public Portal at epbcpublicportal.awe.gov.au

The land at 690 Western Port Highway is proposed for commercial and industrial development. (Rob Carew: 430981)

690 Western Port Highway from across the road. (Rob Carew: 430981)

Celebrating love of books

By Violet Li Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School

celebrated Book Week on 3 September with the highest involvement in recent years.

This year’s theme was Reading is Magic.

Principal Sally Webb said the day was a real celebration of literature.

“This year we had the most children involved and we never had that. Usually, you get younger children involved. But this year, I think everybody just really got into it. It was beautiful,” she said.

Students and teachers participated in workshops about books and stories, and they all dressed up as characters in the books.

“They were to choose a character from a book that they love or a series of books. Then they were meant to bring the book along as well,” Ms Webb recalled.

“It wasn’t a set genre. There wasn’t a set focus. It was about helping kids promote a book that they love and get other children interested in that.”

Ms Webb highlighted that about 63 per cent of students in the school came from a background where English was an additional language, so the school ran an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program.

“Children from EAL background focused on a book called Where’s the Green Sheep?” she said.

“We gave them a copy of that book. As English learners, they came away from that day being able to feel like they are understood and they’re included in Book Week because they got their own copy of a book that they could take home and read to their family.

“For many of them, they’ll be the first English speakers in the family. For us, a really exciting part of the day was that focus on everybody can read. Even if you’re just retelling a story by looking at the pictures, you’re reading.

“It’s not about the length of the book or the difficulty or the complexity. It’s about engaging with literature that inspires us.”

Cat Flaps is Kora. (429215)

Spiderman is Renzo. (429215)Thing 1 Thing 2 Evelynn and Hailey. (429215)Scarlett. (429215)

Rhianna. (429215)

Staff members Natasha, Mary, Penelope, Anna, and Maddy. (Stewart Chambers: 429215)

Staff member Penelope is Hungry Caterpillar on the day. (429215)

Cat in the Hat is Harlen. (429215)

Queen of Hearts is Isabelle. (429215)

Staff member Janelle on the day. (429215)

$1 million on offer for info

A $1 million reward has been offered over a fatal shooting linked to a torched 4WD in Endeavour Hills.

Homicide Squad detectives recently announced the reward for information over the shooting of Mohammed Keshtiar in South Yarra just over a year ago.

Keshtiar was shot a number of times in the upper body in a drive-by shooting while walking with a male associate along Almeida Crescent on Friday 4 August 2023, police say.

About 11.37pm, the pair was approached by a stolen grey Toyota Prado.

The vehicle slowed as it passed by the two men, before a passenger fired several shots in their direction.

Keshtiar was struck several times and collapsed to the ground.

His associate was not physically injured during the incident and managed to flee to safety.

The grey Prado then pulled up alongside Keshtiar, and a passenger wearing dark-coloured clothing exited the vehicle and fired further shots into the victim.

The 4WD was then captured on CCTV travelling north on Chapel Street and east on Alexandra Avenue.

Witnesses attempted to administer first aid before emergency services arrived. Keshtiar was conveyed to hospital where he later died.

On Saturday 5 August at 4.38am, the stolen Prado was located on fire in Churchill Park Drive in Endeavour Hills.

Investigators believe this was a planned, targeted execution with at least two individuals involved directly in the shooting, with support from a number more.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone with any knowledge on those responsible for the shooting and who were inside the stolen grey Prado.

“We know our victim had connections to a number of organised crime groups. This has added complexity to the investigation and our lines of enquiry, including determining a motive,” Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from the Homicide Squad said.

“We also know that there are multiple indi-

viduals in the wider community who will have inside knowledge of the planning and the identity of those who took part in the shooting. We are particularly keen to hear from those people.

“What is clear to us is that this was a deliberate, targeted organised crime hit. It was more than a simple street exchange – Mohammed’s murder involved a confronting level of public violence.”

A reward of up to $1 million will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Mohammed Keshtiar.

The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Defend the defence industry, says South East group

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A manufacturers’ group has called for wider policing powers to remove pro-Palestine activists blockading defence-industry factories in Dandenong South.

South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) chief executive Honi Walker said police were “hamstrung” by the State Government’s repeal of ‘move-on’ laws.

“These (repealing of) laws have hamstrung police during protests at member sites, impacting their employees accessing their sites and their right to conduct law-abiding business.”

This year, Dandenong South manufacturer AW Bell has been targeted by pro-Palestine protesters for producing parts for the Lockheed Martin F-35 joint fighter program.

The fighter jets were supplied by the US to Israel and reportedly deployed in the Gaza Strip conflict.

In July, Victoria Police deployed OC spray during a clash with up to 100 Weapons Out of NAARM protesters during a picket action at AW Bell.

Two protesters were arrested and charged for allegedly hindering police.

Walker said protests by “militant protest groups under the guise of anti-war propaganda” had deeply impacted “well established and well-respected employers”.

The actions included blockading access to workplaces, trespass, staff intimidation and harassment, theft and property damage, she said.

It had required an “enormous amount of public and private resources” for additional security personnel and security systems, police and fire brigade responses, road closures and extra reporting requirements for defence.

Amanda, an activist from Dandenong, defended the right to protest which “over-rided” move-on laws.

“We’re driven by something more tangible than profits, which is justice, fairness and stopping a genocide.

“People have free will, which they will exercise. It’s about stopping the war manufacturing.”

She said protesters were undeterred by the arrests and OC spray at the July action. They had

Another arrest in probe

A 20-year-old Dandenong man has been charged over alleged arson attacks on tobacco stores and vehicles.

Taskforce Lunar detectives arrested the man on 3 September over several incidents including an alleged arson on a tobacco store and a van in Glenroy on 17 August as well as a ram raid on a Wonthaggi tobacco store on 19 August.

He was also charged over the arson of a stolen Mazda 3 used to ram the latter business, police say.

The man was charged with three counts of arson as well as burglary and car theft.

He was scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 3 September.

It follows the arrest of a 20-year-old Endeavour Hills man on 22 August over the same incidents plus a fire at a Melton tobacco store and car fire last month.

He was charged with five counts of criminal damage by fire – two relating to buildings and three to vehicles – as well as three counts of car theft and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 November. The investigation remains ongoing. · Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

played a role in Australia’s supplying of “lethal parts” to the Gaza conflict.

“It’s now almost common knowledge how deeply entrenched the war industry is in the Australian economy.

“How about focusing on renewable industries or solving any number of crises that we’re facing as a society now?” SEMMA welcomed special police powers granted under federal counter-terrorism laws ahead of mass protests

expected at a defence trade expo LandForces 2024 in Melbourne’s CBD this week.

Walker said the reinstatement of state ‘move on’ laws along with the federal counter-terrorism powers “empowers police to maintain public safety by removing masked protesters who may pose security risks, ensuring law-abiding citizens can conduct their business peacefully and securely”. The State Government was contacted for comment.

Grow 2 Be is an organisation providing support to young people with disabilities to become empowered to achieve their goals. We will tailor-make a variety of programs (group and individual), focusing on capacity building, that takes into consideration each participant’s NDIS goals, interests and emerging skills. We equip our participants with the skills required to gain the confidence to live an independent and fulfilled life.

A line of Victoria Police officers blocks protesters from the entrance of AW Bell in July. (Sermet Kilic)

A $1 million reward is being offered by Victoria Police for information on who was inside a grey Toyota Prado linked to the fatal shooting of Mohammed Keshtiar in August 2023. (Victoria Police)

A 20-year-old Dandenong man is arrested by Taskforce Lunar detectives on 3 September. (Victoria Police)

Arts on show at school

By Violet Li

Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School has had a bustling September so far with its Art Festival in full swing.

The school celebrated the festival on Friday 6 September.

“It was important for us to highlight the incredible work that’s happening around the school in the arts area,” principal Sally Webb said.

She pointed out that the highlight of the day was the singing and dancing performance.

“They had their moment to shine, and they felt so proud. The audience really encouraged them,” she recalled.

“A lot of those children who performed are English as an Additional Language (EAL) students who don’t speak much English at all, but they were up there singing songs on their own.

“For me, that really highlights the culture that we’ve established in the school.”

Ms Webb said the festival was celebrating and putting arts at the forefront.

“Often arts is seen as an add-on to the core curriculum or a nice thing to have,” she said.

“Whereas we see it as equally important as English and Maths because it builds those creative thinking skills that are required to be effective learners.

“So it’s not just about painting a picture or filling in time.

“To be engaged in the creative arts used to support learning across all areas.”

Dragon eyes. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 430051)

Reath with his art works.

Art works.

Art works.

Some of the arts on the day.

Pink Sania in Grade 3 is singing.

The crowd on the day.

Performer Millie.

Art teacher Mrs Rochow.

Speaker Yanara.

Dragon.

Art works by students.

Low-cost pet vaccinations

RSPCA Victoria’s low-cost pet vaccination day is coming back to Cranbourne this year.

The organisation will offer services with upcoming clinics at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre on Thursday 26 September and Wednesday 23 October.

The clinics, run by an RSPCA Victoria vet, are aimed at making veterinary care more accessible for people and their pets.

Speaking about the clinics, Rebecca Cook, head of prevention for RSPCA Victoria, said they were looking forward to visiting new locations and returning to familiar communities in Melbourne’s south-east.

“At our last clinic in Bentleigh, we saw 25 pets from 23 local families, and we can’t wait to hit the road again and meet more furry friends,” Ms Cook said.

“RSPCA Victoria has run over 70 low-cost vaccination events across Melbourne in the last year, where we have saved each pet owner at least $50 on average per pet.

“We want to help people care for their pets by increasing their access to preventative veterinary care, which supports lifelong bonds among families with their cats and dogs.”

Appointments at each clinic must be booked online in advance with limited places available.

Those with more than one pet must book a separate appointment for each animal.

For $59, a dog will receive their preventative vaccines and be checked by an RSPCA veterinarian to ensure they are fit for their vaccinations.

Pet owners can also receive professional advice on how to keep them healthy now and into the future.

To book your four-legged friend a low-cost vaccination, visit rspcavic.org/vaccinationclinics/

Different approaches: Adaptive leadership still relevant

Although you don’t tend to hear much about it these days, ‘Adaptive Leadership’ is still a highly relevant form of leadership which was first documented in 1994 through Ronald Heifetz’s seminal book “Leadership Without Easy Answers.“

It differs fundamentally from traditional, topdown forms of leadership in a variety of ways which can be summarised as follows:

Approach to Change

Adaptive Leadership recognises that environments are complex and constantly changing and hence require different approaches. What typically worked before may not necessarily work in a new paradigm and so Adaptive Leadership encourages a ‘growth mindset’ approach which encourages staff to tackle problems through experimentation and where learning from failure is embraced as a natural and integral part of their role. Adaptive leaders embrace uncertainty.

Problem-Solving

Traditional leadership tends to focus the re-

TAKING CARE

ASH OF BUSINESS

sponsibility for decision-making on the leaders themselves which can not only put a lot of pressure on the leader, it also removes the opportunity for individual growth and development for those within the team. Instead, Adaptive Leadership enables collective problem-solving and involvement of team members so that the leader’s role becomes one more of facilitation and support rather than being the primary person to solve the problem(s).

Focus on People

As may already be apparent from the above, adaptive leaders are highly focused on people

and relationships. They recognise the importance of emotional intelligence (the ability to understand, apply and manage your own emotions and the impact on those around you) and the role that this plays in understanding and being tolerant of differing perspectives. More antiquated leadership focuses more on the tasks than the people which can have detrimental impacts on relationships.

Flexibility

Probably the most significant difference between Adaptive Leadership and more traditional forms of leadership is the strong focus on the need for flexibility. This requires not only consideration of new solutions as situations change but the willingness of a leader to shift their own perspective for the greater good. The Adaptive Leadership paradigm often discusses leadership in terms of needing to alternate between being on the ‘balcony’ and on the ‘dance floor’. The ‘balcony’ view provides an overall perspective and highlights that decisions are not made

in isolation but with due respect to a more holistic viewpoint. Being on the ‘dance floor’ indicates the need for a leader to be in the midst of the action from time to time so as to see issues from the frontline.

Learning Orientation

As already alluded to in the ‘Approach to Change’ above, Adaptive Leadership promotes a culture of learning where feedback is encouraged and continuous improvement championed. This is not learning for learning’s sake but a practical focus on finding new ways to solve problems collaboratively.

In summary, adaptive leadership thrives in dynamic environments and focuses on collaboration, flexibility and learning, while traditional leadership tends to prioritize stability, hierarchy, and adherence to established processes.

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

RSPCA Victoria held a Free Healthy Pet Day event in Cranbourne in May this year. (Supplied)

IAN

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.

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?

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

Trades & Services

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

Diwali in Pakenham

Women from across Pakenham’s Indian community will be packing out the Pakenham Library hall on Sunday 15 September from 1pm to 6pm to celebrate Diwali.

With more than 450 ladies and kids gathering for the celebrations, the attractions will include kids activities, food stalls and dance performances.

Often dubbed the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness and is celebrated by lighting lamps.

• Tickets are available for $15, while children and senior citizens can enter for free.

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.

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

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

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

Inner Wheel Club of Berwick

The Inner Wheel Club (IW) Berwick is a ladies international friendship club which raises funds to support local charities and other worthwhile causes.

They have a dinner meeting on the first Monday of the month and enjoy a range of activities including guest speakers, morning teas, book club and craft afternoons. Recently they enjoyed a group meeting with the IW clubs of Narre Warren, Pakenham and Cranbourne.

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

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

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Star News Group is an innovative and dynamic media company located in Pakenham, Victoria. As a leading publisher of print and digital news, we are looking for a part-time Telesales Representative to join our team.

Overview

The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing revenue by selling our products and services to potential and existing customers via phone call.

This is a part-time role with flexible hours.

Key Responsibilities

•Manage a portfolio of existing customers and develop relationships with new customers.

•Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.

•Keep accurate and updated records of customer interactions and sales leads.

•Coordinate with the sales and marketing team to align sales strategies and campaigns.

•Telesales or cold-calling experience is preferred but not essential.

•Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Results driven and target-oriented mindset.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

BUSINESS PROFILE

Tailored to your interests

Grow 2 Be is a disability support day service making a difference.

Participants at the Pakenham-based service are offered a range of hands-on activities like art lessons, woodwork classes, and outings into the community on any given day.

They also have an opportunity to volunteer at a bunny refuge, a native-wildlife shelter and equine therapy, and are offered courses including a Certificate II in Animal Care, CPR, first aid, and everyday life skills courses.

“We offer days out, where we encourage our participants to choose and research places they want to go,” director Heidi Faber said.

“We are different in that we cater every part of our program to what our participants want to do, and what their specific interests are.

“They are in control of what happens, and we are teaching them life skills in the process.”

Among the highlights of Grow 2 Be’s achievements are some participants gaining employment through organised work placements.

“We love seeing our participants having the opportunity to live their best lives and achieve their goals,” Heidi says.

“We want to support them to have fun while learning and enriching their lives.

“Seeing our participants so excited and thriving drives us to continue our work. The smiles on their faces and the positive feedback from participants and their parents demonstrate how important our work is.”

The main goal for Grow 2 Be is to set up participants for a “bright and independent future”.

“This speaks to the heart of everything we do.”

Grow 2 Be is open 9am-3pm at 50 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham. Contact: heidi@grow2be.com. au The main goal for Grow 2 Be is to set up participants for a “bright and independent future”.

SPORT Bulldogs turn Lion tamers

By Marcus Uhe

The season of Pakenham’s top-tier netball side has come to a grinding halt thanks to an Outer East Football Netball A-Grade netball competition semi-final loss to Wandin at Yarra Glen on Saturday.

A team of older and more experienced heads on the court than what Pakenham provided proved pivotal in the result, in a physical contest that saw Wandin prevail by eight goals, 53-45.

Pakenham went into the contest without first-choice Goal Shooter Kelly Cousins who succumbed to an ankle injury during the week, and was reduced to a supporting role on the bench to cheer her teammates on.

Rose Laidlaw paired with Charlotte Hudolin in the Pakenham goal circle, and after some nervous moments to open the game, settled with a vital rebound that led to a goal for her teammate a few minutes in.

Hudolin’s head-to-head with Wandin’s Ruby Tidd was an eye-catching matchup early in the game, with penalties traded and physicality intensifying on both sides with every Pakenham advance.

Wandin looked to move the ball quickly down the court before Pakenham could establish its defences to combat towering shooter Emmalia Blake, creating a manic fast-paced contest.

Pakenham’s patience was rewarded with an even score line that reflected a tremendous opening term, before the Bulldogs flexed its muscle in the pivotal second period.

Outscoring the Lions 18-7, the Bulldogs made their move.

Wandin benched Blake and allowed reserve shooter Lauren Spinks to do the attacking, while at the other end of the court, Tidd was winning the battle with Hudolin.

The first eight goals were split four-apiece, before Wandin scored the next nine to lead 25-16.

Hudolin was replaced by Eliza Molino at shooter, taking Molino away from her primary end of the court, where the goals continued to flow.

Molino stayed at Goal Shooter to open the third quarter with Hudolin at Goal Attack, and the Lions made inroads early in the third term.

Pakenham scored 10 of the first 15 goals of the quarter and cut the lead to six goals at 35-29, with shades of last week’s revival against Emerald beginning to emerge.

The care with which the Lions entered the goal circle was evident, adopting the ‘one extra pass’ approach that served them so well in their elimination final win.

Wandin provided a strong close to the final term however, with eight of the final 11 goals, to restore the double-digit lead by the end of the final term.

The Lions returned to their starting line up to begin the final term, but with the speedy Millicent Utber at Wing Attack in place of

Pakenham refused to give up, fighting the contest to the very end, but could only cut the lead down to six goals late in the last term.

Outside of the brutal second quarter, the Lions actually outscored Wandin 38-35, but will rue the middle period of 15 minutes over the offseason.

Wandin will face Narre Warren for a sport in the grand final next week at Officer, after the Magpies fell victim to their nemesis, Mt Evelyn in the second semi final.

The Rovers remain the only team to beat the Magpies in 2024, and got the job done for the third time in a 48-42 result that sends the Rovers

through to the grand final.

Mt Evelyn outscored the Magpies in the first three quarters to take an eight-goal lead into the last, and held strong in the face of a Narre Warren fight back that cut the lead to three with three minutes remaining.

Mt Evelyn made a move at the beginning of the third quarter with the opening five goals to build its lead from four to nine goals, and holding the Magpies at bay for the remainder of the afternoon.

Narre Warren won both contests against Wandin this year and claimed the 2023 A-Grade premiership over the Bulldogs on grand final day, making it three wins a row for the black and white.

Magic moment for Mazurek and the premiership Pumas

It was day to remember for Pakenham Pumas veteran Jay Mazurek who put the bitter taste of nine grand final defeats to one side to help his team win the Dandenong Baseball Association C2 premiership against Berwick on Saturday.

The Pumas split their grand finals on the weekend, with the C1 team running into a redhot Bonbeach outfit.

Here’s how the day unfolded.

C2: Grand Final: Pumas 7 v Berwick 4

The old saying goes that “Good things come to those who wait”, and for Jay Mazurek the wait has been a long one.

As a founding member of the Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club in 2000, and the club’s first life member, Jay has endured 25 years and nine grand final loses, waiting to get his hands on a premiership flag.

On Saturday afternoon at KH Wearne Reserve in Springvale, that long wait finally came to an end.

Jay and his Pumas C2 team were victorious in a tightly contested battle against a feisty Berwick Dodgers team.

Having split the regular season against each other with win one win each and a draw, these two were by far the top two teams of the competition.

The Pumas won the 1 v 2 semi-final against Berwick 12-3 to go straight to the grand final two weeks ago, but as Jay knows all too well, the job is not done until you have your hands on the flag.

The opposition always has a vote in that decision.

Pakenham was on the back foot straight away and narrowly avoided going a run behind when a line drive from a Berwick batter ricocheted off the Pumas pitcher Scott Dale’s elbow and went out to shallow right-field.

Luckily for the Pumas, right fielder Greg McCormick was on the ball, picking it up and making a pin-point accurate throw to catcher Andrew Mayberry just in time to tag out a Berwick runner trying to score from second base.

Berwick’s strong start continued in the second innings when they took the lead, scoring two runs following some nervy fielding and a couple of errors from the Pakenham side.

The Pumas showed great courage to come straight back at Berwick with James Kinsella scoring on a pass ball and Andrew Mayberry scoring on an error induced by Brock Edwards. Berwick continued to pressure Pakenham and retook the lead in the third, scoring one run on two hits.

Again, Pakenham wasted no time coming back, tying the game when Greg McCormick scored on a ground ball fielders’ choice by Wayne Porter, before taking the lead for the first time in

the game when Porter and Scott Dale scored on a great hit to left field by Andrew Mayberry.

This made the score 5-3 to Pakenham.

The Pumas extended the lead to 7-3 in the fourth inning when Brock Edward’s scored on a single by Wayne Porter, and good discipline saw Greg McCormick come home on a loaded-bases walk. Berwick scored one more run in the fifth, but the Pakenham fielders held their nerves and got the three outs required in the top of the sixth inning to close out the game.

Along with Jay, seven other Puma players picked up their first premiership.

A huge thank you goes to all the supporters who came down for the game.

To the players and Jessica Moulding, our scorer for the whole season, as ‘Houghie’ always says, you don’t get many opportunities to play a grand final…get up for it and get the job done.

A great game a great season and a great team;

C1 Grand Final: Pumas 6 v Bonbeach 16

PumastookonBonbeachintheC1grandfinal this week and after such a strong year we knew Bonbeach would come out attacking strongly.

And boy did they; hitting everything in sight. Sometimes you get lucky, but you also make your own luck, and they hit really well attacking Brad Jones’ pitching and hitting him hard between outfielders.

After two innings the Pumas were down 8-0.

The defensively strong Pumas line-up struggled to string hits together, and runners were thrown out by the catcher, shutting down our running game.

Looking for a change in momentum, Ray Pal came in to pitch and battled hard throwing rockets to keep the bats quieter.

That ended tragically in the fourth inning when Ray threw a ball only for it to fall out of his hand, and Ray to leave the diamond in agony; before being taken away in an ambulance.

Tests later revealed his upper arm snapped through the bone.

Tim Stockdale came onto the mound in urgent relief but couldn’t stem the damage with a further six runs added to the tally.

The Pumas put up a brave fight to score two runs an inning over the last three digs, but fell well short of the target in a 16-6 loss.

All credit goes to Bonbeach who took the game apart with the bat and defended strongly. Grand final aside, it was a fantastic effort by the C1 side in a dominate season; only losing twice for the year.

A great bunch of guys and hopefully we’ll all be back next season to try again.

- Jessica Moulding

Puma Pride!

Pakenham Pumas C2 begin the celebrations after a 7-4 grand final victory over Berwick. (Supplied)

Rose Goodman Hancock.

Wandin’s Kali Dolphin and Pakenham’s Charlize Reid get physical in the Lions’ clash with the Bulldogs. (Rob Carew: 430147)

Classic showdown decides

Gazette Sports Editor David Nagel takes a look at what is sure to be a classic grand final contest betweenPhillipIslandandNarNarGoonatGarfield Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD SINCE 2017

Phillip Island 8

Nar Nar Goon 5

Draw 1

IN 2024

R1 NNG 15.9(99) def Phillip Island 7.8(50)

R18 NNG 11.16(82) def Phillip Island 11.12(78)

LAST SENIOR PREMIERSHIP

Phillip Island 2019

Nar Nar Goon 2010

KEY MATCH-UPS

Hayden Bruce (PI) v Trent Armour (NNG)

ThetwomostdynamicmidfieldersintheWGFNC with Bruce winning this year’s league best and fairest by one vote from Armour. Look for Bruce to burst away from stoppage with his classy leftfoot being lethal around the ground; and being dangerous from 25 to 50-metres out from goal. Armour doesn’t hit the scoreboard as frequently, and will be less noticeable to the untrained eye as he weaves his magic around the stoppages. If the Goon bursts away from scrimmage…there’s a very good chance that Armour was the architect. Armour, along with Cora Lynn’s Jimmy Munro, is the most brutal mid in the business.

Jesse Patullo (PI) v Dermott Yawney (NNG)

Bulldogs coach Cam Pedersen surprised many when he lined Patullo up on Cora Lynn champion Nathan Gardiner in the second semi-final. The result; Patullo held Gardiner goalless for the first time this year. Yawney is a different proposition to Gardiner; he moves quicker, he gets up the ground further, and can hit up his teammates with his exceptional game sense. Alongside Armour, this is the Nar Nar Goon player that Pedersen knows can take this year’s premiership away from him. Aaron Harris, Alex Duyker and Mark Griffin are back-up options; but expect Patullo to get first crack.

Jack Taylor (PI) v James Cairns (NNG) At some stage in this year’s grand final; Phillip Island skipper Jack Taylor is going to be the key focus of his teammates and look the match-winner up forward. He moves well for his size but also has the bulk to outmanoeuvre an opponent in a marking contest. The Goons’ centre-half-back Cairns is the best intercept mark in the WGFNC, and his ability to absorb Taylor’s pressure; and release that same pressure valve for his team, is going to be crucial in how this game plays out. If Cairns is at his marking best; the Bulldogs may well have to settle for second prize. That’s how important the big number-17 is!

UNDER THE RADAR

Alex Duyker – Phillip Island

Supporters of Phillip Island will be laughing at this, because Duyker’s importance certainly doesn’t fly under the radar at the Kennel. He has experience and a fantastic football IQ, with his decision-making, courage and clean hands under pressure sure to be a key hurdle for the Goon forwards to overcome. The Goon hasn’t seen him yet this year!

Taylor Whitford - Nar Nar Goon

Like Duyker, Whitford comes into the grand final as an unknown factor for the opposition; having not played against the Bulldogs this year. He is tough, strong and classy and will likely start midfield before drifting forward where he can be a realdangerupforward.Isveryquickthinkingand only needs a split-second to hurt you.

X-FACTORS

Zac Walker – Phillip Island

Cam Pedersen, Billy Taylor, Tom Baulch, Yianni Caffieri; many could be the X-factor for the Bulldogs, but such has been Walker’s emergence this year that he thoroughly deserves top billing. He could start on the wing, in the ruck, up forward or down back, such is his ability to play many roles atahighlevel.Isverygoodoverhead,buthiskick-

Big birds on the big stage

By David Nagel

The two most successful clubs in the brief history of WGFNC A Grade netball will battle for the ultimate prize on Saturday when InverlochKongwak takes on Dalyston in the 2024 grand final at Garfield.

Dalyston was the early-trend setter of the competition, winning the inaugural grand final against Korumburra-Bena in 2017 before making it back-to-back success stories with a onegoal win over Phillip Island in 2018.

They were then defeated by Tooradin-Dalmore in the 2019 decider, but haven’t been back to the big dance ever since.

The Magpies are the only club to have played in every finals series in the WGFNC.

But the emergence of Inverloch-Kongwak has been one of the great success stories over the last three years.

Jarrad Walker took over as coach in 2022 and propelled the Sea Eagles to back-to-back flags in his only two years at the helm.

The Sea Eagles prevailed after a classic season-long battle with Bunyip in 2022, before proving too good for Tooradin-Dalmore last year.

Walker handed over to incoming coach Liza Burrows; who had the intimidating task of trying to maintain a 22-game winning streak and win three premierships on the trot.

To this point, Burrows and her team have

handled the pressure with aplomb.

They have currently extended the winning streak to an impressive 41 games, and now sit just one win away from the first treble in WGFNC history.

The Sea Eagles have six players - Kelly Boyd, Kelsey Buxton, Renee Pilkington, Lanni Pryor, Ella Sadler and Amy Scott - that will complete the three-peat with victory on the weekend, while players like Kate French, Olivia Cumming and Kasey Teakle will look to add their names to an illustrious honour roll of champions.

Buxtonisaplayerwholovesthebiggeststage of all, having won the best on court medal in the previous two grand finals.

The task ahead of Dalyston is huge, but the Magpies showed undeniable grit and composure to work their way through a difficult situation against Nar Nar Goon last week.

Jarney Thomas was unstoppable in Goal Attack, while defenders Gemma Thomas and Olivia Bramley gradually ground their opponents down.

But these Sea Eagles are a different proposition; and only a complete one-hour of netball will keep the Magpies in the contest.

It will be tight and tense at times…but it’s the Sea Eagles to create history; winning a thirdconsecutive premiership, after a thrilling twogoal victory.

nary final.

This year the Goon thumped the Island in round one; 99 to 50, before round 18 saw the Goon make it a perfect record against the Bulldogs this year in an 82-78 classic.

That’s probably what we’ll get more of this time around; with 12 to 13 goals likely to be a winning score.

So, how do both teams get to that mark?

Phillip Island was the highest scoring team in the home-and-away rounds (1936 points) but clearly conceded the most score (964) of the top-five teams in the competition.

Their back-seven looks magnificent on paper, with Alex Duyker, Damien Holmes, Jesse Patullo, Aaron Harris, Kai Mackenzie, Mark Griffin and Daniel Pearce appearing to have all bases covered.

But that statistic; the Bulldogs conceding 964 pointstoNarNarGoon’s713thisyear…there’sgot to be something in that!

If a horse-trainer had such a statistical advantage over his opposition; he’d go into a race very confident indeed!

The Goon has the speed, talent, and chaotic mentality to really disrupt the Bulldogs’ defence.

Dermott Yawney has been trained to the minute and looks primed and ready for a big one, while Matt Gentile, Matt Homfray, Jarrod Smith, Troy McDermott and Harry Brain all have the ability to hit the scoreboard hard.

ing can let him down. A young star on the rise!

Jarrod Smith – Nar Nar Goon

Phillip Island only has to wind back the clock to August 17 to remind itself of the damage the classy left-footer can cause. His late winning-goal was extraordinary in a high-pressure contest; gathering a tumbling ball before taking one step and launching a missile over his right shoulder and through the big sticks. It was one of those moments where you need to check yourself to make sure it was real; and there are not too many that can make you do that. Smith, Yawney, Harry Brain, Matt Gentile and JJ Peni…they’re the Xfactors for the Goon.

OUR TIP

The first thing to get our head around here is; what type of game are we going to see?

The two coaches, Cam Pedersen and Justin Stanton, have the firepower at their disposal to turn this into an absolute shootout; something that resembles the 41 goals that were scored between the two clubs back in round 15, 2018.

Wouldn’t that be a sight for sore eyes…both teams attacking to their full capacity; but it’s highly unlikely to happen.

Last year we had a 63-63 draw, followed by a dour 44-43 win to Phillip Island in the prelimi-

But can the Goon stop the Bulldogs going the opposite way?

That’s the big question for Stanton, with Billy Taylor, Jack Taylor, Pedersen, Tom Baulch, Orlando Kane Gillard and Travis Woodfield all capable of ruining his dreams.

But, as usual in finals, it will begin and end at the stoppages.

Pedersen can bank on Jaymie Youle being super-tough in the clinches, and Hayden Bruce electrifying around the ground, while Stanton can be fully confident that Trent Armour, Aidan Pipicelli and Taylor Whitford won’t take a backward step.

But the true defining factor; as it has been all season; will be Nar Nar Goon’s ability to convert its chances.

Only once this year (Tooradin in round 15) has an opposition had more scoring shots that the Goon, which means its overall play is absolutely outstanding.

Do we back in their forwards or not?

The answer is yes; an accurate and efficient Nar Nar Goon will convert its chances on Saturday and win its first premiership in 14 years.

The club’s number-14, Armour, will then lift the cup after a heart-stopping 12-point victory.

Rival coaches Liza Burrows and Gemma Thomas will battle for the biggest prize in netball when Inverloch-Kongwak takes on Dalyston in Saturday’s A Grade grand final at Garfield. (Stewart Chambers: 429384)

WEST GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL NETBALL COMPETITION 2024 GRAND FINAL PREVIEWS

Nar Nar Goon coach Justin Stanton and his Phillip Island counterpart Cam Pedersen dream big with a precious piece of silverware. (Stewart Chambers: 429384)

Storm chasing glory

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Fledgling Pakenham-based club Cardinia Storm will be aiming for its first piece of silverware in its short history when it takes on local rivals Casey Cannons in the Hockey Victoria Men’s Metro 2 South grand final.

Saturday’s high-noon shootout at Hedley Hull Field in Ashwood brings together the Storm, who finished two games clear at the top of the table, and a Cannons line up that finished third in the regular season.

However, the Cannons are the only team to defeat the Storm in 2024 after losing to them early in the season.

It will be an enticing spectacle, with many of the Storm’s inaugural players starting their career at Casey.

Cardinia had 14 wins, three draws and a loss through the home-and-away season to guarantee promotion; while Casey finished with 11 wins, three draws and four losses.

The clash with Cardinia is part of an exciting

weekend for the Casey Cannons Hockey Club, who has two teams through to the grand final following a successful preliminary final weekend.

The men’s firsts, competing in the Vic League 2 competition, defeated minor premiers Craigieburn 4-3, and are set to face Yarra, which it had a 2-2 draw with in its most recent meeting following a 2-0 loss early in 2024.

Casey raced out to a 4-1 lead in the preliminary final, before Craigieburn pegged it back late, with the Cannons one man short in the last quarter but able to hold on for a significant victory.

Josh Watson scored a double, while Satpal Singh and Tristan Chaffey also found the back of the net.

“The boys worked well for each other, controlled the ball and linked up well,” coach Steve Noney said.

“We were hungry for the ball in the circle early which was a big part of the result.

“We’re building something special with the culture we’ve developed and there is a really good feel around the club.”

The match was also club-stalwart Matthew Light’s 300th game and his experience shone through on the big stage.

Meanwhile, the thirds - who play Cardinia Storm this week - were led by doubles to Matt Guastella and teenager Ilham Amin Nur Iszehar Bin in a big win in the wet.

Youngsters Alfie Ray and Jessie Jelavic were also brilliant as goal-keeper and at right-half respectively.

The Cannons led 6-1 at three-quarter-time before Southern United restored some respectability on the scoreboard.

“We came out blazing in the first half and we couldn’t have played any better in the first three quarters,” Noney said.

“We really put it to them and were well on top and in the last quarter, we brought finals pressure, stood tough and held them off.

“It was a good all-round team effort.”

Meanwhile, Casey’s under-16s and under-14s teams finished as runners-up after an excellent season of development and joy.

Positive sign for United

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Pakenham’s season came to a close on Saturday afternoon with a 5-0 loss to

Pakenham fell behind early, conceding four goals in the first half, but in a nod to their newfound late-season grit and pride, they conceded just one goal in the second half in a hard-fought finish.

The youthful squad’s ability to run out the game bodes well ahead of a preseason where fitness is set to be a key item on the agenda.

United finished the State League 5 South competition in 11th spot, just two points clear of bottom-placed Cleeland, but looked a rejuvenated unit following the appointment of new coach Dean Alburey.

That he has spent a month immersed in the club prior to his first full season at the helm has given the coach a headstart into the areas that need addressing and an insight into the culture.

Elsewhere, Endeavour Hills finished the season with a 1-0 loss to Aspendale, with the Fire sixth on the table with seven wins and six draws from 22 games.

Noble Hurricanes had a 3-1 win over Mount Martha and sit second with 17 wins and two draws, just three points behind top-placed Rosebud.

Bunyip’s last game yielded a shock 4-3 loss to bottom-placed Cleeland, and they finished seventh with seven wins and four draws.

10th-placed Casey finished the year with a 2-1 win over Barton.

Stingrays power through quarter-final against Gippsland

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A first quarter blitz has lifted Dandenong to a quarterfinal victory over Gippsland at ETU Stadium on Saturday.

The Stingrays held on to win 9.10 64 to 7.16 58, leading the whole day following a 42-0 opening term.

Reliant on spasmodic magical moments following a near-perfect first quarter, against a synergetic side lacking polish, a Tom Matthews behind with 90 seconds remaining put Gippy down by just six points, producing a helter-skelter finish.

St Kilda father-son prospect Elwood Peckett took a match-saving intercept mark in Gippy’s penultimate thrust forward, before a Cooper Hynes clearance on the wing just about iced it.

Needing a perfect play to give themselves a chance to send it to overtime, the Power won a clearance and got it to the arc, before time expired prior to a dangerous kick inside 50.

Somehow, despite leading by as much as seven goals and never trailing all day, there was a sense of larceny about the result.

Following an effervescent first quarter, Dandenong frustrated with a messy and reactive display of inconsistency.

The apparent early class difference which gave the Rays a six-goal buffer 15 minutes into the game had evaporated.

It was a domination in all facets in the first quarter, with the Stingrays capitalising on a breeze advantage, winning the contested ball, running in numbers and finding space forward.

Hynes led the charge, with his setup kick to

key forward Tairon Ah-Mu in the first minute of the game laying the platform for an absurd quarter for the Rays.

It had all the hallmarks of a blowout at quarter time.

The Power was missing first choice midfielders Xavier Lindsay and Max Stobie against a side with as many as six 2025 draft prospects on the field. What followed was inexplicable.

It felt that Gippsland had given itself a 42-point handicap before awakening for a chastening pursuit.

The Power got their hands on the footy and locked the ball in their forward half for extended periods.

Under-16s key forward Wil Malady kicked his team’s first goal early in the second quarter, and looked dangerous throughout, alongside Alixzander Tauru who spent much of the day forward.

At their feet, the fleet-footed trio of Matthews, Brodie Atkins and Marlon Neocleous had flashes of brilliance and applied bone-crunching pressure.

The margin was trimmed to 15 points at halftime and they didn’t allow Dandenong to kick away with the wind.

Gippy forced Dandenong to repeatedly defend in the third quarter, but converted just two of their seven opportunities.

At the other end, the speedy Harry Doughton kicked an opportunistic snap to maintain a five point lead for Dandenong at the last break.

As he has done so often in 2024, Hynes stepped up at his team’s time of great need, kicking a goal from the centre stoppage on the run from 50 to

start the last quarter.

It gave the Stingrays breathing room while the Power attacked.

Tauru, a constant target as Gippsland revived, kicked a goal midway through the last.

That brought the margin back to two but that was as close as the Power would get, with Dandenong quickly responding via Ah-Mu.

Hynes finished with an influential 16 disposals, while top-three prospect Harvey Langford amassed 27 playing through soreness.

Doughton continued his strong month of form with 18 disposals and two goals, while Charlie Rowe attacked it hard and gave his direct opponent no room.

For Gippsland, the standouts were Max Donohue, who stepped up in the midfield, alongside Jesse Craven, giving the forward line plenty of supply.

Meanwhile, the girls also progressed with a 12.14 86 to 2.5 17 over the Power.

After a tight first quarter, the Stingrays broke away with the wind, kicking 3.7 in the second term and never looking threatened thereafter.

Highly regarded 16-year-old stood up in a statement performance, kicking 3.2, while Tahlia Sanger, Kayla Dalgleish and Jemma Reynolds got well on top in the midfield to give Dandenong extended territory.

Makhaela Bluhm’s pressure in the forward half was also noteworthy, with the utility finishing with two goals.

Dandenong’s boys and girls will both face Oakleigh for a spot in the grand final.

Cardinia Storm will play in the grand final against local rivals Casey Cannons on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 428633)

Mount Eliza at Emil Masden Reserve.

It was a disappointing result to finish 2024, but there was still some promise to take out of Pakenham’s late season form. (Rob Carew: 412139)

Cooper Hynes doesn’t need much of the footy to be a matchwinner. (Jordan Sacchetta/AFL Photos)

Prep and Year 7 entry in 2026 Enrolment Interviews for

Year 7 commence 18 March, 2025

Prep commence 29 April, 2025