Radford bows out
By Matthew Sims
After becoming the councillor of the new Officer Ward in 2020, current councillor Tammy Radford has decided to step down from her seat.
In a statement released on her Facebook page on Wednesday 18 September, Cr Radford said she had made the decision earlier in the year.
“You will notice that I am not a candidate this time round, as I decided a few months ago that I would not be running for re-election but have been struggling to put that into words,” she said.
“I am incredibly proud to have been elected as your representative for Officer Ward and I sincerely thank you for that honour.
“I have worked hard these past four years to ensure that the needs of Officer Ward residents were delivered despite the tight budgetary constraints.”
Cr Radford said she was proud of contributing to the rapid growth of Officer over recent years and ensuring new residents had services such as maternal and child health services, kindergartens, roads and footpaths, as well as the
Officer Town Centre.
“I do acknowledge how frustrating and inconvenient the development of these items can be in a growth area, especially if you have moved from an established area, but it is important as your councillor to ensure that these works are being delivered now to support the fast growth we are having, and I thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time,” she said.
As the fourth woman to be mayor of the council, serving as mayor during the 2022-2023 term and deputy mayor the year prior, she said she hoped her time as mayor inspired other women to put their hand up for high-level roles, as well as securing more respect for women and achieving equity, equality and diversity in local government.
“I would also like to thank my colleagues who afforded me the incredible opportunity to serve as both deputy mayor and mayor,” she said.
“This was such an honour and given I have only been the fourth female mayor ever elected in Cardinia Shire; it is an honour I am extremely proud of.
“As mayor, it was important to me to be a positive role model and demonstrate how important it is for females to be in this role.”
Cr Radford said her time on council was made more enjoyable thanks to the positive working relationship with chief executive Carol Jeffs and council officers.
“All your questions and concerns were high priority and therefore, it was important for me to ensure I established a respectful working relationship with the CEO and council officers so that we could work together to get the answers you needed, and your concerns addressed,” she said.
“I thank council for working with me these past four years and for your commitment to delivering for our community.”
Cr Radford said part of being a councillor was having to sacrifice time with your family and she was grateful for their understanding over the past four years.
“The role of councillor is not a nine to five, Monday to Friday job and requires a team of
support behind you which I am grateful to have had,” she said.
“Without this team and unconditional support, I would not have been able to achieve what I did as a councillor, deputy mayor and mayor.
“It is now important for me to support my family as they are embarking on their endeavours hence my decision to not contest this election.”
Cr Radford said she was keen to see how a new Officer Ward councillor would support the area moving forward.
“Congratulations to the candidates who have nominated for Officer Ward, and I encourage residents to do your research and ask them questions so that you can make an informed decision,” she said.
“Until the new council is elected on 26 October, I am still your ward councillor.
“Please feel free to reach out if there is anything I can assist you with.”
Cr Tammy Radford said she was proud to be the fourth mayor of the council. (Stewart Chambers: 357748)
It’s cricket for the people
By Ethan Benedicto
The Berwick Cricket Club celebrated their 20242025 season opening on Friday 13 September, where they hosted their annual player auction at La Baguette, High Street.
With the crowd trickling in around 7pm, it didn’t take long for members and players alike to flood the cafe’s floors, filling the room with talks of the previous season and their auction predictions.
Akoonah Ward candidate and La Baguette owner, Mush Rahaman, has cited the event as an example of effective collaboration between local businesses and sporting clubs, a much-needed partnership for his goals for a prosperous ward.
Rahaman added that events like these bring people together, especially sponsors, and he added that “not everybody has the capacity to host their events”.
“For example, Brad Battin himself is coming, but he’s also a sponsor and there are other businesses as well.
“So when the sport is on, it’s not only entertaining the local residents or the supporters, but it’s also something to be proud of, it’s bringing the businesses together, the community together, it’s our pride.
“The community we have here is very rich, and I would like to maintain that.”
Rahaman is steadfast in the commitment to these partnerships, and the goodwill between businesses and sports in the locale to foster that sense of camaraderie on the wider population.
The club’s president, Andrew Moore, sees the partnership as a boon for both parties, but also for everyone else involved.
“Sponsors are the ones that allow us to get all these kids to play the sport at the end of the day, and if we didn’t have that support they wouldn’t be playing,” Moore said.
“This is extremely important, it’s good for us as a local club, because these businesses, we’ve got to show them support because they support us, which in turn supports our 21 junior sideswhich is a lot.”
The opening night also served as a player auction, where potential sponsors or other members and supporters could bid on a select number of players, all in an effort to raise funds for the club’s
7
operational costs.
Of course, there is always the sentiment of the player that one has bid on and made certain connections with eventually performing well throughout the season, but to Rahaman, that’s simply a side effect of the wider impact these events have on the participants and the people.
“La Baguette isn’t a big organisation that can afford a big amount of money, but even little vouchers can contribute,” Rahaman said.
“Those little things build up and inspire others, and when you start putting all the little things together, it becomes big.
“And you know, if one business is doing it, others might join in and do it, it’s also about inspiration.”
It was all about creating an example through the cafe, where the business served as a medium for Rahaman’s vision of people coming together.
Ryan and Kristy Crawford, a couple who have been involved with the club for as long as they could remember were the first to bring Rahaman into being a sponsor for the club, serving as the bridge that led to that partnership.
Recalling the couple’s first time visiting La Baguette, Ryan said that “I came in here [La Baguette] for a coffee and I had a Berwick Cricket Club top on”.
“Mush came up to me and said, ‘I want to be on that top, how do I get on it?’, and I said I’ll put him on to the right people.
“Kristy and I are heavily involved in the club, I played there for 20 years and Kristy scored for 10
years, so it was good to just put it together.
“He’s a good man and he’s trying to do the right thing for the community.”
Also in attendance was Berwick MP Brad Battin, who spent the evening speaking to members of the club and other attendees; of course players up for auction were present, as well as a number of long-time sponsors.
To Rahaman, events like these are something that “we need to start sharing more of”.
“More community events, where people of other culture, other backgrounds, other heritages are welcome, where they can start coming in.
“This is an example of where everybody is invited, and I want to start promoting a message where everyone is welcome.”
From left to right, Berwick MP Brad Battin, Mush Rahaman, and BCC president Andrew Moore. (Ethan Benedicto: 432557)
Mush Rahaman with couple, Kristy (left) and Ryan (right) Crawford. (432557)
A strong crowd began to pour into the cafe around 7pm, where members and sponsors alike mingled with one another before the auction began. (432557)
Berwick Cricket Club’s vice president, Wayne Viney, addressing the crowd at the beginning of the auction. (432557)
The ballot lines are drawn
By Corey Everitt
The ballots are set for the Cardinia election race as the figurative coins have been flipped to see who got the first slot that voters will soon see.
As only three of the nine wards have more than two candidates standing it was a thrilling draw with candidates waiting on bated breath to get the coveted first spot on the ballot.
Kylie Wagstaff will appear above longtime councillor Brett Owen for Beacon Hills Ward. As Owen received over 60 per cent of the vote last election, Wagstaff may be pleased to get this small win.
Alanna Pomeroy got the top spot over Travis Parker in Bunyip, starting a duel to see who will succeed Cr Moore’s legacy.
Collin Ross got first over Rekha Devdas Naidu in his bid to see 20 years on the council.
Officer Ward will see a new councillor after Tammy Radford did not nominate; disability worker Samantha-Jane Potter got first in her faceoff against success coach Ron Malhotra.
On Tuesday, it looked worryingly that no one may nominate for the Westernport Ward, but Kaye Cameron nominated for another term alongside new candidate Trudi Paton. Cameron will appear above Paton.
Henty, Ranges and Toomuc are the seats to watch this year with 12 candidates standing across them, representing over half the overall pool of candidates.
Dewhurst resident Catherine Oldenburger got first on the ballot for Ranges Ward with former councillor David Nickell in the middle and incumbent Jeff Springfield making third on the list.
Toomuc Ward saw councillor Stephanie Davies take the top of the ballot in the four-way contest, with Cardinia Civic Concert Band’s Casey Thomsen second, Lakeside’s Rodrigo Bardales third and Australian Tamil Sangam’s Amirthalingam Dhileepan fourth.
Henty is the largest contest this election, the
only list that the electoral officer had to follow the protocol of scrolling down to show all candidates before proceeding with the random computerised selection.
Real estate agent Shoheli Sunjida, making a second run for council, got first on the ballot, Pakenham Toy Library’s Liz Robert’s second, African community leader Cecilia Rabecca Mphande got the middle spot, incumbent Carol Ryan got fourth and Stephanie Grigg, the Victorian Socialist’s first deployment in Cardinia, got fifth.
The draw for Pakenham Hills was skipped as Jack Kowarzik stood unopposed and will be reelected for another term.
Full list in ballot order
· Beacon Hills Ward
· Kylie Wagstaff
CFA spreading fire safety message to students
Kooweerup Primary School students have received a crash course in how to prepare their home in case of a fire, thanks to a local CFA initiative.
Grade 3 and 4 students from Kooweerup Primary School recently completed their Home Fire Safety assignments recently, with each school which completes the assignment receiving a visit from their local brigade and a ‘Leave Early’ backpack with a pencil case, ruler, pencil and a drink bottle.
Cardinia Fire Brigades group community safety officer and brigade support officer Lisa Hicks said she hoped the program would ensure students got the message home to their
families, especially as more than 50 per cent of homes do not have a working smoke detector or home fire escape plan.
“It is my goal to get as many Grade 3 and 4 students to jump on board and accomplish such an easy task to save their lives and the lives of their families,” she said.
“Congratulations to the Grade 3 and 4 students of Kooweerup Primary School for the outstanding work.
“A special thank you to Kooweerup Fire Brigade members who gave up their time to give the students their rewards and let the children play with the truck.”
Bunyip Ward
· Alanna Pomeroy
· Travis Parker
Central Ward
Collin Ross
Rekha Devdas Naidu
Henty Ward
· Shoheli Sunjida
· Liz Roberts
· Cecilia Rabecca Mphande
Carol Ryan
Stephanie Grigg
Officer Ward
· Samantha-Jane Potter
Ron Malhotra
Ranges Ward
· Catherine Oldenburger
· David Nickell
· Jeff Springfield
Toomuc
Stephanie Marie Davies
Casey Thomsen
· Rodrigo Alonso Bardales Salguero
· Amirthalingam Dhileepan
Westernport
Kaye Cameron
Trudi Paton
Pakenham Hills
· Jack Kowarzik (elected uncontested)
Brett Owen
Collin Ross is on the top of the ticket for Central Ward. (379010)
Stephanie Davies is among four contesting the Toomuc Ward seat. (420155)
Kooweerup Primary School Grade 3 and 4 students celebrated receiving their new ‘Leave Early’ backpacks. (Supplied)
‘Now it’s time for action’
By Tanya Steele
The final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was handed down on Monday 9 September - a pivotal moment addressing the incredibly complex issue of veteran suicide in Australia.
The report represents a step forward in improving outcomes for veterans, particularly in their transition from military to civilian life.
This is an ongoing crisis with an average of three deaths by suicide every fortnight over the last decade.
The report has 122 recommendations to address cultural and systemic challenges that are failing serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families - and costing lives.
Star News was invited to sit down for an open discussion on the recent news of the report, as veterans, fellow volunteers and community members gathered to catch up over lunch on 11 September at the Veterans’ Advocacy Centre.
They included Boronia Veterans’ Advocacy Centre president Dave Menz and veteran advocate and Berwick RSL welfare committee member Julie Anderson OAM.
Mr Menz said the good thing is they’ve done it.
“We want them to accept and implement the recommendations fully,” he said.
Mr Menz, along with many others at the centre, spends hours of his time doing anything from helping fill out paperwork for things like retrospective medical discharges, a complex process for any veteran, to assisting with home help or medical appointments.
“We still do our work here today, free of charge,” he said.
“Some (veterans) can’t handle being in certain places and they’re not getting looked after.”
The services they provide are unique and cater to the needs of the community. Mr Menz said there is now a facility called Vasey RSL Care, also known as the V Centre which launched in Ivanhoe in February this year.
Vasey RSL Care chief executive officer Janna Voloshin said she commended the report but emphasised the importance of timely action.
“While we appreciate the report, the real test will be in how quickly the government responds. Veterans can’t afford to wait.”
Ms Voloshin said the importance of a proactive approach was essential, highlighting that the transition from the ADF to civilian life is a critical time for veterans’ wellbeing.
“The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program is a current, operational solution to this recommendation,” she said.
“We hope the government will now consider partnering with us to share this societal responsibility.”
Yarra Glen RSL member Stephen Shortis said
to him, the report has set out many ways that support can be provided or improved and the proposed appointment of someone to oversee the process is a positive step but it will depend on the calibre of the person chosen to establish or improve the system – and it will take time.
“Over the years, many attempts have been made to grapple with the problem, but none have had the size and scope of this inquiry and I compliment the members on their report,” he said.
“It is now over to the government.”
Fellow veteran advocate and Berwick RSL welfare committee member Julie Anderson OAM said processes can be difficult and the Aussie Veterans can often streamline assistance.
With a strong history of activism in the name of all veterans Mr Menz said he has protested for years to bring justice, chalking pathways and highlighting the lives lost to suicide within the defence force.
“We’d be protesting outside Anzac house and we’d be outside the DVA,” he said.
“They were scared of us being radicals and going up there and hurting them – we were totally peaceful.”
More than 100 people rallied outside the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) in Melbourne in late August 2017 to call for a royal commission and the group also rallied on 24 April 2021 outside Victoria’s State Parliament.
According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data at least 1677 serving and ex-serving
members died by suicide between 1997 and 2021, more than 20 times the number of personnel killed in active duty during that same period.
The royal commission estimated the true number of preventable deaths to be more than 3000.
Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson said he and the sub-branch members felt that now was the time for “genuine leadership” and that these recommendations cannot be put aside for future governments to act on.
“As commissioner Peggy Brown said ‘this is not a problem that Defence or the DVA can be trusted to solve by themselves’. The research from paramedics and police across Australia indicates there is a self harm or suicide event by a veteran every four hours,” he said.
“This cannot continue, the government must support veterans, there are thousands of disability and pension claims not being addressed by the DVA, these dismissive self important bureaucrats and politicians are stopping veterans from overcoming the trauma of war.”
Ms Anderson said she thinks the DVA were worried the group was getting traction at the time because the royal commission would expose a lot of issues within the department itself.
“There should be a royal commission into just the DVA,” she said.
“The terms of reference really didn’t shine a light on DVA, it was really focused on defence –don’t get me wrong, defence should have a lot to answer for and they had a pretty hefty light shone
on there.”
Ms Anderson said that even getting basic home help and pharmacy and medical services can take months.
“They’re entitled to household services,” she said.
“Veterans are putting in their claims now and then they are allocated to a dead person.”
“Essentially, they just put on a list and allocated a delegate, that delegate is going to take two years.”
Ms Anderson said she still has veterans waiting for claims that were lodged in 2022.
DVA secretary Alison Frame said in a statement after the final report was issued that the government would time the time to “appropriately consider the recommendations” which “are largely directed to Defence and DVA”.
“As I stated in my evidence to the Royal Commission, I acknowledge that in the past we have let down the veteran community and that going forward, we are committed to improving wherever we can,” she said.
“The Final Report represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for meaningful change and, along with Defence, we will make every effort to address suicide and suicidality among our serving and ex-serving ADF personnel.”
Mr Dobson said all parties involved in the royal commission and mentioned in the recommendations need to “get their act together and support those who are putting their lives on the line”.
“There have been 57 previous inquiries into veteran suicide in the past 30 years and yet the suicide rate has not diminished,” he said.
“Australia needs to build a better ADF and action the commissioner’s findings. Trying to recruit new ADF people must be difficult at the moment and we need to meet our defence capabilities, this is a significant time with all the geopolitical uncertainty.”
The Aussie Veterans advocacy group said they are hopeful for change but acknowledge it won’t change things on the ground for veterans for some time.
Ex-service members in attendance said that without the centre, their stories would be different.
For now, people like Mr Menz and Ms Anderson will continue to advocate for veterans.
“I’m 63 this year. I’m not that young, but my focus is on younger veterans,” Mr Menz said.
“It’s a team. We all work as a team. We have the ability to look after veterans and locals who aren’t veterans.”
Mr Dobson said if any veteran needs help for any reason then please contact him, you will be directed to a professional in the appropriate area, president@lilydalersl.com.au
■ Lifeline 13 11 14
■ Open Arms 1800 011 046
Best-selling author coming to Bunjil Place next month
By Ethan Benedicto
Dire stakes and high-octane action are coming to Bunjil Place on 17 October, as a best-selling author gears herself up to indulge local residents with a deeper look into one of her latest novels.
Candice Fox, Sydney’s local and decorated crime fiction author known for keeping readers at the edge of their seats, believes in reaching out, where author-to-reader relationship is key, but also for inspiration.
“I get out to places I’ve never been before to meet fans I’ve never met before,” Fox said.
“I have fans who come to every event when I’m in Sydney and they’re regulars, I see them all the time, but going to places that are a bit further out is wonderful because you get brand new interactions with readers.
“It’s about hearing those new stories of how people have covered my work, how they’re enjoying it - but also they’ve never heard me speak live, there are some things you can’t say on the radio or in an interview!”
However, it’s more than just meeting new people, as someone who writes on the move, Fox is keen for spikes of inspiration, where Bunjil, if not Casey could be the foundation for those.
“I want to see what the town is like, I want to
meet the people, I want to hang out,” Fox said.
“I want to drink your coffee and go into your shops and see local sites, and it’s inspiring because I always write on the road, it’s inspiring being in those new settings and interacting with readers.
“People have no idea how often I just grab someone off the street and put them in a novel, or you know, it’s somebody at a cafe who I have a particular interaction with which inspires me for that day, so I’m excited to get to Casey.”
For Connected Libraries’ adult programs manager, Courtney Rushton, any event where authors come down to speak and connect with their fans is nothing short of “wonderful”, considering that the City of Casey are filled with “big readers”.
“Often in the outer suburbs, we miss out on these big, well-known author events because they’re traditionally being hosted to bigger Melbourne audiences.
“We’ve had feedback from previous events where people have said that coming to them has created a deeper connection for them with the author and insight into their world,” Rushton said.
Furthermore, the event, as much as it is a
meet-and-greet, is also about forming those social connections with people who read, “because it’s creating an environment for them to connect with one another through what is a solitary activity”.
Regarding Fox’s inspiration from the city, Rushton believes that Casey has more than enough to offer, with places like Bunjil Library itself and the myriad of dense botanical gardens offering more than a supple setting for the nature of the author’s novels.
Providing a peek into her inspiration, Fox said that some things that happen in real life are often “stranger than fiction”.
“I have an eye on true crime all the time, so it never stops inspiring; some of the things that happen you can’t even use because the reader won’t believe you.
“I’m also just someone who listens all the time, someone who will ask the uncomfortable questions, [because] everyone is full of stories.”
To Rushton, events like these are all about connection, from the readers to the author, their ideas and feelings, and to one another.
For more information on the event, visit events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=82549
Candice Fox, decorated crime author is looking to bring mystery and non-stop thrill down to Bunjil this October. (Supplied)
Boronia Veterans’ Advocacy Centre president Dave Menz and Berwick RSL welfare committee member Julie Anderson OAM have been advocating for veterans for many years. (Tanya Steele: 431740)
Jack’s back on the council
By Corey Everitt
Cr Jack Kowarzik has turned Pakenham Hills into his stronghold, securing his position for the next four years with no one standing against him to contest the seat.
Pakenham Hills was the only ward to have one nomination, his constituents will not have to vote in October as Cr Kowarzik is automatically elected uncontested.
This isn’t the first time a councillor has seen no contest, with Cr Jeff Springfield re-elected in 2020 uncontested.
Though possibly being left with a bunch of now useless campaign materials, securing his election this early does come as a relief having welcomed his third child with wife Sara less than a month ago,
“I am grateful I can spend more time with Eloise instead of campaigning, she is only three weeks old,” he said.
“I feel very excited to represent my community for another four years, though part of me really wanted to run a campaign for the sake of democracy.
“I know many councils have multiple wards running uncontested, I am glad to see that there is only one here and there are campaigns across the shire.”
It is high stakes to be mayor in an election year. As the face of the council, the election at the end can seem like a direct test of one’s leadership.
Is the unwillingness of another to stand against him a sign of approval for his first term leading the council?
“I hope so, as Mayor I get out there in the community and improve access to residents, so I hope that has resonated in the community, representational democracy works best when people are out there and talking,” he said.
“I’ve had a few lovely people contact me to congratulate and say they were going to vote for me anyway.”
is the first now to be looking beyond the campaign trail to the next four years of
He still has notes of the work he wants to achieve and community concerns to respond to.
Looking to both his ward and across Cardinia, he looks to ‘uplift the standards’ in Pakenham and Officer to continue advocating for the big issues like Cardinia Life.
“I do hear a lot from residents that feel like
Pakenham and Officer is being left behind and standards aren’t keeping up with all the works, so I want to focus on improving that whether it’s beautification grants or additional landscaping,” he said.
“Obviously financial sustainability and improving infrastructure, Cardinia Life is a slow burn and we need to appeal to State and Federal Government, I will keep advocating for it.
“For Pakenham Hills ward, I will look for more infrastructure, there are a few vacant council lands
here that I think should do with some planning.
“Recently there was a big push for toilets at Eastone Reserve, I would want to advocate for more drinking fountains, things that can make residents enjoy their public spaces more.”
This will be Kowarzik’s second term having been first elected in 2020.
Kowarzik may be secured in the race but he will still be around town, where he can relay issues to the council during the caretaker period.
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion and improving safety by building better roads in Melbourne’s south east.
Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps
McGregor Road, Pakenham Until 22 SepPrinces Freeway-bound between Webster Way and Princes Freeway
7am to 5pm, 18 to 21 Sep
Princes Freeway-bound between Livingstone Boulevard and Princes Freeway 7am 22 Sep to 5am 23 Sep
Between southern freeway roundabout and Livingstone Boulevard
Princes Freeway Warragul-bound ramps
Princes Freeway city-bound entry ramp
Healesville Koo-Wee Rup Road, Pakenham Until mid NovPrinces Freeway Warragul-bound entry ramp 7pm 4 Oct to 5am 7 Oct
Racecourse Road, Pakenham 7am to 5pm, 21 Sep
7pm to 5am, 1 to 3 Oct
Between Southeast Boulevard and Princes Freeway
Princes Freeway city-bound ramps
Between Henry Street and Bald Hill Road
Sections between Princes Freeway and Henry Street
Kowarzik
Cardinia Shire.
Cr Jack Kowarzik. (File: 390781)
Helping bring hope abroad
By Violet Li
Flying overseas to stay on a ship for three weeks usually conjures up the prospect of a nice vacation, but for Casey Hospital operating theatre nurse Dionne Smithwick, it is a matter of saving lives and bringing hope.
The Berwick resident will soon jump on a flight to Madagascar to volunteer for the third time in two years with the international development organisation Mercy Ships.
The charity organisation has operated hospital ships around the world with a focus on Africa for the past 30 years.
Each team is made up of volunteers from around the world. Volunteers are there to fill roles in many areas such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, teaching, engineering, hospitality staff, human resources and many more.
Dionne will board the purpose-built ship African Mercy in Madagascar to assist in life-changing and lifesaving surgeries.
“It is a civilian hospital ship which has operating theatres, wards, a recovery room and so much more,” Dionne said.
“I’ll be working in the operating theatre in scrub/circulate, which is, scrubbing and circulating for the operations.
“It’s pretty much a full circle.”
The full circle involves checking the patient
(Supplied)
in with the family member or carer and the surgeon, bringing the patient and the translator, in this case, into the theatre, conducting a final team time out, prepping the patient for the procedure, helping out, carrying out nursing duties throughout the procedure, advocating for the patient,
helping take the patient back out to recovery and handing over to recovery staff and doing the clean-up for the next procedure.
“Shifts are from 8am until the end of the list. Usually, the finish time is somewhere between 5 and 6 o’clock,” Dionne said.
“The first time I went on Mercy Ships, it was very confronting.
“Working with new staff from multiple countries, new surgeries and complex cases you haven’t seen before, as these surgeries would be completed in a timely manner in the Western world.”
Surgical specialities offered on the ship are general surgery, paediatric surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, ophthalmology surgery, orthopaedic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, obstetric fistula surgery, and gynaecology surgery.
“I first heard about the Mercy Ships when I was working full time at another hospital, through a presentation that was given by one of my thencolleagues,” Dionne recalled.
“I was really fascinated by the work, love and community feel and knew it was something I’d love to be part of. I found that it was a really unique and touching work environment. And for me, it was personally soul-changing.
“The fact that these communities have no access to healthcare is unimaginable to most. Before Mercy Ships I couldn’t imagine what it would
be like to live without being able to go to the doctor or the dentist or have surgery that you might need. It’s just heartbreaking.
“Some of these people were ostracised from their communities due to their conditions, whether it’s massive facial tumours, cleft palates, or cleft lips that are completely disfiguring them. Sometimes they have to live with these things for 30 or 40 years.”
Dionne said the work they did on Mercy Ships would change the patient’s life forever, that of their family and the whole community.
“I am passionate about the work and the outcomes created for the patients,” she said.
“To be involved with a team from around the world bringing hope and healing to many who would otherwise have no access to healthcare is what I love about serving. It is truly gratifying.
“A highlight for me was being involved in the ophthalmic program and watching the patients we had operated on having their eye dressings removed for the first time.
“Being able to share their joy as they had sight returned for the first time was truly magical and heartwarming. Knowing you have helped make such a positive impact in someone’s life is honestly rewarding and no price can be placed on this.”
If you wish to volunteer with Mercy Ships, visit: mercyships.org.au
Construction kicks off on Clyde North Police Station
Construction on the highly-anticipated Clyde North Police Station has officially begun.
ThesiteislocatedonthecornerofNewgrange Boulevard and Matterhorn Drive.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines visited the site on Tuesday 17 September to inspect progress on the build following the commencement of preparatory ground works in August.
The project is part of a $78 million State Gov-
investment for Melbourne’s South East.
The police station will accommodate uniform police officers and include interview rooms, conference rooms, discrete public consultation facilities and a high-level of security.
During construction, according to the State Government, Clyde North is being serviced by existing police resources in the area, including the 24-hour Cranbourne Police Station, which is approximately 10 minutes away.
The station build, managed by construction company ADCO, is expected to be completed in late 2025.
“As our community grows, so does our need for the best possible facilities, especially when it comes to safety and wellbeing. I look forward to following the progress of the station’s construction as it develops,” Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said.
“The Clyde North and surrounding community is well serviced by existing police resources in the area and this new 24-hour station investment will provide a physical base to further support our community,” Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said.
Clyde North was first proposed in 2018 with an original completion date in 2022.
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Thumbs up
To the Pakenham SES and all the SES for the wonderful work they voluntarily do to help us, without any government funding.
Thumbs down
To the amount of rubbish which is thrown out on our roads and branches after the storm and still not picked up.
Thumbs down
To the amount of potholes from Mount Burnett to Cockatoo and Emerald and back. They are so bad that you can damage your car. Why can’t they get fixed and why do we have to constantly have roads that are stuffed?
The crew with the MPs on Tuesday 17 September. (Supplied)
Police Minister Anthony Carbines and South-Eastern Metropolitan MPs Lee Tarlamis and Michael Galea inspected the site on Tuesday 17 September.
Cheering Cobras! (431341)
Casey Hospital operating theatre nurse
Dionne Smithwick will soon jump on a flight to Madagascar as a volunteer with the international development organisation Mercy Ships.
FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Truly spectacular experience
Circus Royale is back and bigger than ever with the “Supercharged Edition”, an exclusive, largerthan-life production at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.
From 13 September to 13 October, audiences in Narre Warren will be treated to a truly spectacular experience featuring thrilling performances, exciting new attractions, and jaw-dropping displays under the Super Big Top, making Circus Royale Australia’s Largest Circus Spectacular — for a limited time only.
This edition promises even more “wow” moments with an array of exciting features for all ages.
Pre-Show Dinosaur Experience: Step into the world of the prehistoric era with Circus Royale’s renowned Animatronic Dinosaur Exhibit. This pre-show adventure, included with every ticket, invites guests to walk among lifelike dinosaurs. In addition, real prehistoric fossils will be on display, offering an interactive and educational experience for dino enthusiasts of all ages.
Kids Fun Zone: The “Supercharged Edition” brings an expanded Kids Fun Zone, where young circus-goers can dive into a world of fun and excitement.
Highlights include:
· A giant slide and jumping castles
· Tea cup rides
· An arts and crafts zone
· Photo opportunities with favorite circus characters and dinosaurs
· Slushies, snacks, and refreshments
· Meet-and-greet sessions with world-class performers
This immersive zone ensures that the Circus Royale experience is not only a thrilling show but an unforgettable family day out.
This special edition of Circus Royale is presented under the Super Big Top, making it the largest circus spectacle in Australia for a short
time only.
Exclusive to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre: This “Supercharged Edition” is exclusive to Narre Warren and will only be performed at the Fountain Gate Shopping Centre from 13 September to 13 October. Don’t miss this limited-time engagement, as it won’t be seen anywhere else.
Event details
· Location: Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, Narre Warren
· Showtimes: Wed 13 Sep - Sun 13 Oct
· Full showtime schedule available at CircusRoyale.com
Ticket pricing
· VIP: Child: $45, Adult: $55
· Ringside: Child: $35, Adult: $45
· Grandstand: Child: $25, Adult: $35 (*Booking fees apply)
· Games and rides are an additional cost
About Circus Royale
Under the visionary direction of Damian Syred, Circus Royale has grown into one of Australia’s leading circus experiences, blending traditional acts with innovative performances. Damian Syred, a first-generation circus director, acquired Circus Royale at just 23 and has since produced numerous national tours, each showcasing his unique flair for entertainment.
Circus Royale is back and bigger than ever with the “Supercharged Edition”, an exclusive, larger-thanlife production at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre from 13 September to 13 October.
Pre-Show Dinosaur Experience: Step into the world of the prehistoric era with Circus Royale’s renowned Animatronic Dinosaur Exhibit.
FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Free school holiday fun
Spring into Pakenham Central Marketplace for two weeks of fun-filled activities these school holidays! Bring the kids along to enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly fun that will keep them entertained. Here’s what’s on:
· 23 and 24 September 2024 - Bakers Delight Finger Bun Decorating, 10am - 2pm, Outside Ozmosis.
Let your little ones unleash their creativity with Bakers Delight’s Finger Bun Decorating. A fun, tasty activity where they can decorate their own delicious finger bun.
*Parental Supervision required. Limited spaces.
· 25 September 2024 - Free Banana Fairy Floss Cart, 10am - 2pm.
A sweet treat awaits with a free fairy floss cart. Kids, stop by to grab your own banana flavoured fluffy delight!
*Stocks Limited. First in best dressed
· 2 - 4 October 2024 - Minions Meet & Greet, 11am - 2pm, Outside Ozmosis.
The Minions are coming to Pakenham! Bring the kids to meet their favorite characters, snap a photo, and join in the Minions mania.
*Each Minion will appear in 20 minute intervals alternating.
· 2 October 2024 - Free Popcorn Cart, 10am - 2pm.
Enjoy a snack on us! Grab a free popcorn while you’re at the Minions event or just passing by.
*Stocks Limited. First in best dressed
· 2 - 6 October 2024 - Minions Treasure Hunt, All Day
Let your kids embark on a fun treasure hunt around the marketplace! Find all the hidden clues for a chance to redeem a great prize.
Grab your hunt card from Smiggle. This is a self guided activity that takes approx 10 minutes.
* Limited to 500 hunt prizes during the promotional period.
Don’t miss out on all the excitement these school holidays at
· 23 September - 6 October 2024, Minions Social Media Giveaway, All Day.
Join the fun online with our Minions Social Media Giveaway. Follow us on social media,
comment and you could win some fantastic Minions merchandise!
*T&C’s Apply.
Don’t miss out on all the excitement these
school holidays at Pakenham Central Marketplace. Bring the whole family for a memorable time filled with activities, treats, and Minions magic. See you there!
Pakenham Central Marketplace.
Keysborough man charged
Three members of an alleged Victorian-based criminal syndicate, which includes a Keysborough man, accused of serious drug offences have been charged in Melbourne as part of a major criminal disruption under AFP Operation Kraken.
The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), comprising of AFP and Victoria Police members, arrested the men at Docklands, Keysborough and Dallas in the early hours of Tuesday morning (17 September, 2024).
It will be alleged the syndicate used encrypted communications devices and the Ghost platform to plan and execute illicit drug supply and distribution operations across Victoria.
Police will also allege the syndicate used the platform to organise the movement and trafficking of about 128kg of methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA between January and June this year (2024).
Two Melbourne businessmen - a Docklands man, 36, who police will allege is the ringleader of the syndicate, and a Keysborough man, 34 - are accused of using the criminal platform that has now been disrupted and shut down by law enforcement.
A third person, a 32-year-old Dallas man, was also charged.
The men were arrested at their homes.
They are accused of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine as part of their roles in the criminal syndicate.
The Victorian JOCTF executed search warrants across several Melbourne properties including at Dallas, Keysborough and at a Cranbourne North property where several cannabis plants were seized.
Operation Kraken-Rishi was launched in June
2024 to investigate alleged criminals using the encrypted communications platform to conduct illicit activity in Melbourne.
On 6 June, 2024, the Victorian JOCTF initially charged the Docklands and Keysborough men in relation to alleged serious drug trafficking offences.
The two men were arrested after investigators allegedly identified them engaged in a drug transaction in Port Melbourne.
A search warrant was executed on the men’s two vehicles and police detected a concealed
compartment inside one of the vehicles that allegedly contained two electronic devices, a scale, and 12 clip seal bags each containing about 1kg of crystalline methamphetamine.
Police seized a 1kg brick of cocaine, three electronic devices, and $30,000 cash from inside the other vehicle.
The Victorian JOCTF then executed search warrants at homes in Docklands and Keysborough, along with businesses in South Melbourne and Port Melbourne.
At the time, police allegedly seized an unregistered Glock 26 firearm, four boxes of ammunition, four computers, seven mobile devices, and about $4000 in cash at the Docklands home. Eighteen electronic devices were seized from the Port Melbourne business.
Both men were charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, contrary to section 71 of the Drug, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic). The Docklands man was also charged with firearm offences. The men were arrested again on 17 September following the discovery of new evidence uncovered as part of Operation Kraken-Rishi, which led investigators to allege the Docklands and Keys-
Big decisions and business - how to tackle it
TAKING CARE
IAN ASH OF BUSINESS
When you are running a business, there are always important decisions to make: What should my sales target be? How much profit do I need? How should I position my products and/or services in the market place and which ones should I focus on? However, probably the single biggest decision a business can make concerns the staff that it hires. I am sure that you will be able to think of time when you worked with someone who had a massively positive impact on those around them as well as someone who was actually toxic to the company and brought the whole place down. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to hire the wrong person but extremely difficult and usually costly to get rid of them. So, with that in mind what are five key things that can be done to minimise the chance of a bad hire?
Properly define the kind of person you want There is no substitute for defining the responsibilities of the role and the associated characteristics of the person required for it. This should be documented in a Job or Position Description (JD/PD) and when written it should be reviewed by all those who will be working closely with this person – the boss, peers and direct reports. It’s amazing how varied the perspectives can be and a written JD or PD will do much to surface these and hence maximise the chance of aligning perspectives.
Train your interviewers
Considering that this can be viewed as ‘a business’ biggest decision’, it is incredible how few businesses actuallytrainthosewhodotheinterviewing.Theresultisaninterviewthattendstofocusmoreontechnical skills (which can often be learnt) rather than culture fit. The latter is much more important since while you can train someone on a particular tool or system, try ‘training’ them on initiative, work ethic or care for team members!
Understand their core values and motivations Item 2 above highlights the importance of cultural fit, but how is this determined in practice? “Cultural fit” is generally achieved through an alignment of individual’s core values and those of the company. There are a range of questions that can be used to elicit this such as: “what did you like/dislike about
It
how few
your last job?”; “list five key words that describe your character” and “describe a conflict situation and how you handled it”. Understanding why they really want the job is also of paramount importance since someone may be able to perform the technical elements and fit with the culture but it won’t last if the role does not really motivate the candidate. Get evidence
There are some people that are simply very good at interviews and may exaggerate things to put themselves in the best possible light, so how do you discern fact from fiction? One way that this can be done is to get specific evidence of a key behaviour. So instead of asking how they would handle a particular situation, better to ask something along the lines of “tell me about a time when you demonstrated….”andinsertthespecificskillorattributeyouare looking for.
Be honest and open about the role
There can be nothing worse for starting a role than a good new employe e rocking up for work on their first day and finding that the job and/or company is nothing like what was described.
For this reason, you should ensure that every candidate knows exactly what they are letting themselves in for warts ‘n all as part of the interview process.
This does not necessarily need to be expressed negatively but for example if occasional after hours working is required, this would need to be made clear right at the outset. Failure to do so might lead to a very short tenure.
Ian Ash ACC, AIECL, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
borough men were users of the Ghost encrypted communications platform.
The pair and the 32-year-old man faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 17 September, 2024, charged with the following offences:
The Docklands man has been charged with:
· One count of traffick a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, contrary to section 71 of the Drugs, Poisons & Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) between 3 April and 6 June 2024; and
· One count of traffick large commercial quantity of cocaine, contrary to section 71 of the Drugs, Poisons & Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) between 8 April and 6 June 2024.
The Keysborough man 34, has been charged with:
· One count of traffick a large commercial quantity of cocaine, contrary to section 71 of the Drugs, Poisons & Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) on 16 January 2024;
· One count of traffick a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, contrary to section 71 of the Drugs, Poisons & Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) between 18 April and 6 June 2024; and
· One count of traffick a large commercial quantity of MDMA, contrary to section 71 of the Drugs, Poisons & Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) between 16 January and 6 June 2024.
The Dallas man, 32, has been charged with:
· One count of traffick a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, contrary to section 71 of the Drugs, Poisons & Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) between 3 April and 6 April, 2024.
The maximum penalty for the trafficking offence is life imprisonment.
Forest Therapy at gardens
Forest Therapy has returned to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne this spring.
Forest Therapy is a guided wellbeing experience and preventative health practice that immerses the senses in nature. It originates from Japan where it is known as ‘shinrin-yoku’.
Kara Ward, creative producer of the garden, said Forest Therapy bolstered mental and physical health by reducing stress levels, regulating pulse and blood pressure and elevating your mood.
“Our recent Nature for Health and Wellbeing report found a growing body of scientific evidence about the mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature. Forest Therapy is an opportunity to really soak up these benefits,” she said.
The report found that just 10-20 minutes of sitting or walking in green spaces reduces stress, anger and anxiety.
In Asia and Europe, Forest Therapy is recognised as a public health practice and is gaining global acclaim as an evidencebased, cost-effective and natural remedy.
During the session, visitors will take in the soothing native landscape at Cranbourne Gardens as they walk approximately 1.5km with a Forest Therapy guide.
“Many of us may need the help of a guide to slow down and become more mindful and aware of our senses,” Ms Ward said.
“Forest Therapy is a great way to take a step away from the stresses of life, explore the Gardens, and pay attention to the beautiful plants in flower.”
Forest Therapy is presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria together with In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).
For further information, visit rbg.vic. gov.au/cranbourne-gardens/whats-oncranbourne/forest-therapy
12kg of methylamphetamine and scales allegedly seized from a van in Port Melbourne. (Supplied)
Drugs allegedly hidden in a van.
is incredible
businesses actually train those who do the interviewing, Ian Ash says. (Headway on Unsplash)
NEWS Writing the hard yards
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Dandenong resident Jacqui Swallow’s memoir
The Bipolar Runner is unflinchingly raw and honest.
So raw that her publisher recommend her to tone down the most telling of lowpoints.
But in characteristically courageous fashion, Swallow insisted on an uncensored retelling.
It includes a “humiliating” passage on how she was locked in an isolation unit in a psychiatric ward. With just a mattress, no pillow.
“You have to behave badly to be put in there. And when I was put in there, my behaviour was even worse.”
She wants to explode myths such as the “terror” around mental illness and psych wards.
“Hospital is not that bad. You play Uno to pass time - it’s very boring but it’s not scary at all.
“You don’t feel confronted or threatened. Everything is well handled. You don’t feel like you’re surrounded by ‘crazy people’ – they’re people like you.”
There are other myths to pop, such as mental illness being only caused by trauma or a bad upbringing. Swallow describes her own childhood as idyllic.
Or the fiction that “we bring it on ourselves” with drinking, drugs and bad lifestyle choices. “I’m the healthiest person I know and I still suffer from mental illness.”
Or that “we can’t function, we can’t work, we can’t have relationships, have families or contribute to the community”.
“If we are medicated, have the right people supporting us – professionals, friends and family – there’s no reason a person with mental illness can’t function.”
And one specifically for those who have bipolar, schizophrenia or psychosis and can suffer “delusions of grandeur” - don’t stop following their dreams.
Marathon.
She was spurred into running since she was spurred by the film Brittany Runs a Marathon –in which the lead character goes from unfit and overweight to a marathon runner.
It was life-changing, she says.
“At the time I myself was obese. I had tried everything to lose weight and nothing worked.
“As soon as I finished watching the movie, I went for a run.”
She used to be unable to walk up hills. As she trained, she started to run up the same slopes.
She celebrated those little milestones, as well as bigger ones such as Melbourne Marathon and her book.
“I go through the whole gamut. I feel shame, regret, embarrassment, pride – every single emotion you can imagine. But mostly pride.
“I hope it will encourage people with mental illness to run, as well as people who see themselves as not athletic.”
An avid reader, she sought memoirs by people with bipolar, and found celebrities like Carrie Fisher and Stephen Fry or superstar athletes.
What she aimed to do with The Bipolar Runner was to fill a gap – a story by an everyday person who really talked about their feelings and emotions.
“There’s people in my life like my mum and my partner who don’t have mental illness and they just don’t know what it’s like. It’s completely out of their experience.
“Reading a whole book, they can then go: ‘OK, I get it’.”
Swallow has lived with bipolar disorder since her teens, as well as intense depression and anxiety.
She also has a great knack for dreaming large.
Last year, she was featured in Star News for raising $4500 for mental health agency Beyond Blue while running six hours in the
“It’s OK to have big goals and big ambitions. Just because you do, it doesn’t mean you’re manic or psychotic.”
She’s now taken to writing her debut book – to show how running had helped her manage debilitating mental health issues.
“I found it really cathartic,” she says of writing her memoir.
“It was highly personal. I was writing daily so it was like a journey in processing memories from the past.”
The Bipolar Runner is available from Fair Play Publishing and QBD Books.
AbooklaunchwithJacquiSwallowwillbeheld atSandownParkHotelonFriday11October,6pm8pm. RSVP: form.jotform.com/242400699794871 Support is available.
In an emergency, contact triple-zero (000). Lifeline 13 11 14. · Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
Melbourne
Marathon runner Jacqui Swallow has now penned an inspirational memoir. (Gary Sissons: 345036)
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Kids are all smiles with free dental care Fine art
The Smile Squad program has delivered free dental care to more than 100,000 Victorian students.
Oral health clinicians travel across the state in bright orange vans to provide free check-ups, x-rays, teeth cleaning, application of fluoride and dental sealants, fillings, and root canals.
Since the State Government program launched in 2019, Smile Squad has delivered 200,000 free initial and follow-up appointments to kids at government schools and provided more than 600,000 dental health packs, which include a toothbrush and toothpaste.
A survey of students attending Smile Squad found that 36 per cent did not brush their teeth twice a day, and 16 per cent had never had their teeth checked by a dental professional.
Across Australia, at least a quarter of children have experienced tooth decay.
In Victoria, dental conditions are the highest cause of preventable hospitalisations for children aged under 10 years.
They said delivering free dental care to Victorian kids freed up treatment places for more adults to be seen by public dental services.
of dentures
Report estimates increased cancer rates by 2034
New data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) revealed that in 2034, there will be an estimated 209,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer – a 23 per cent increase from 2024.
Cancer Council supportive care committee Danielle Spence said as the number of people being diagnosed increases, we need to ensure we’re supporting all Australians living with cancer.
“For the 169,500 people who will be diagnosed with and living with cancer this year, it’s important that they have access to high quality support services,” Ms Spence said.
“While Australia has some of the best cancer care internationally, equitable access to cancer care and support is essential to continuing to improve outcomes for people already affected by cancer and those who may be diagnosed in years to come,” she said.
Ms Spence said that we have come a long way since the 1990s, when the percentage of people who survived cancer for at least five years was just 55 per cent, with that survival rate now over 70 per cent and coupled with decreasing mortality rates.
According to the AIHW, cancer remains more common among older Australians, with an estimated 88 per cent of all cancers diag-
nosed to be in people aged 50 and over this year.
Cancer Council public health committee chair Anita Dessaix said that early detection and effective prevention are key measures to reducing the impact of cancer, and that we need to adapt these efforts to new cancer trends.
“Australia’s cancer outcomes are among the best in the world. Today’s data shows we’ve saved 16,300 lives from cancer death in the past two decades nationally. We’ve seen improved outcomes through screening programs, tobacco control policies and measures to reduce occupational and environmental risk factors,” Ms Dessaix said.
According to the AIHW, cancer incidences, the number of new cancer cases occurring, among younger people have increased, however only about 12 per cent of all cancer cases diagnosed this year will be in Australians under the age of 50.
Mortality rates have also been decreasing for people in their thirties and forties.
“While there has been an increase in overall cancer cases, including among younger people, new evidence and technology advancements have created better ways to detect and treat cancer earlier, meaning more people are being diagnosed earlier,” Ms Dessaix said.
New data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealed that in 2034, there will be an estimated 209,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer. (Unsplash)
The Smile Squad program was first funded in 2019 with an initial $321.9 million investment.
A $16.9 million boost in the 2023/24 State Budget will support Smile Squad to expand into
low-fee non-government schools from 2026. Victorian parents are encouraged to sign their kids up for Smile Squad when the service next visits their school.
Kerri Sawdon, dental prosthetist has now moved to new premises, located at Cardinia Medical Centre, 158 - 160 Princes Highway Pakenham Phone: 5940 8055.
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING Consider giving blood
Australia’s blood supply felt the freeze over winter with the percentage of people cancelling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms the highest it had been in five years.
An average of one in every five blood donors cancelled or rescheduled their donations due to cold and flu symptoms each week during winter. This means as many as 1000 donor chairs sat empty each day due to people calling in sick throughout the colder months.
“After months where cancellation rates due to illness were at their highest, now is the time to enjoy the warm glow that comes with giving blood and saving lives,” Lifeblood director of donor relations Steve Eldridge said in August.
“As a nation we need thousands of blood and plasma donations every day. Therefore, we need more people to become regular donors. If more eligible Aussies start donating, especially when our regular donors are off sick, they too might get hooked on that positive feeling that comes from saving lives.
“If you are feeling healthy and well, step up and join the donor movement, and help us fill those empty donor chairs.“
Every week, Australia needs around 33,000 donations to meet demand and Lifeblood was set to struggle to meet patient needs if cancellations continued and appointments weren’t filled coming off the back of the colder months when cold and flu rates peak.
Just over 3 per cent of people in Australia do-
nate blood and plasma regularly, however it’s estimated up to 57 per cent of the adult population are eligible to donate, which is an extra 10 million people who could roll up their sleeves.
“We know donors feel so disappointed when they have to call in sick for a donation, but for us the most disappointing thing is when empty spots go unfilled especially when we know there are millions of people who could help,” explained Mr Eldridge.
Knowing when blood is needed is now simpler than ever with the launch of the Lifeblood Blood Supply Update in June.
With the nation’s blood supply levels now available to view in real-time online, it’s hoped that more people will donate more often, especially if they know that their specific blood type is needed.
“We rely on the generosity of donors to provide vital blood products to people undergoing cancer treatment, living with blood disorders, needing surgery, or even women giving birth.
“The best way to find out your blood type is to book a donation at your local donor centre,” said Mr Eldridge.
Donors who are affected by cold and flu symptoms can give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery.
You can book a donation now by calling 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.
Foot and leg pain formula
Foot, knee, and leg pain is extremely common and problematic yet successful treatment with long-term outcomes can be hard to find.
Veteran Musculoskeletal Podiatrist Dr. Paul Dowie, from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, provided some insight into his winning formula for assisting pain and injuries, which employs all of the following considerations:
1. Underlying Causes and Contributing Factors: Foot and leg pain can stem from biomechanical issues, injuries, overuse, arthritis, repetitive stress, nerve and vascular problems. Accurately diagnosing the underlying cause and contributing factors is essential for effective treatment.
2. Individual Variability: Each person’s pain experience, tolerance and response to intervention is unique, so understanding the nature of the condition, and tailoring individual treatment plans is crucial.
3. Conservative vs. Surgical Approaches: Depending on the severity and nature of the condition, treatment can vary from conservative to surgical. In most cases a non-pharmaceutical approach provides better long-term healing outcomes, often helping to avoid surgical intervention. Weight bearing strategies, strengthening and condition programs, physical therapy, structured rest and natural regenerative injection therapies, such as Prolotherapy or PRP, are all excellent strategies to assist healing before considering surgical approaches.
4. Orthoses Assistance: Custom orthotics, braces, splints, walker boots, strapping and taping can all be very helpful to either support, immobilise or treat. Such devises can help improve gait, relieve joint and tissue stress, improve mobility, enhance stability and comfort.
5. Multidisciplinary Care Options: Some cases benefit from a multidisciplinary approach with various specialists working together to provide comprehensive care.
6. Appropriate Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation plays a vital role in restoring function and reducing pain. Targeted strengthening and conditioning programs can play a crucial role in successful treatment.
7. Lifestyle & Activity Modifications: This can help to help alleviate stress on affected joints and tissues.
8. Patient Education: Educating patients about their condition, treatment options, and self-care techniques can greatly assist longterm wellness.
If you need assistance with foot, knee or leg pain, injuries, arthritis or children’s growth and development concerns you can consult Dr. Dowie at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinic in Berwick.
Ph 1300 328 300
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
Warm and welcoming
St James Nar Nar Goon is a Catholic Primary school where everyone is welcome and where we celebrate our school, community and commitment to our Faith. St James authentically stands out from all other schools in the area, boasting small class sizes, in a calm, semi-rural setting. Every student is known and valued as we strive to provide high quality Catholic education where the dignity, individual strengths and talents of every learner are celebrated and catered for.
We are fortunate to offer a wide range of learning experiences for our students including strong a focus on Science. During Science inves-
tigations, we encourage questioning and a sense of awe both in the natural, physical and chemical Science fields. We challenge our students academically with an explicit focus on engagement, independence and empowering student voice while nurturing faith, a sense of curiosity and wonder of the world.
Our staff are very proud of our students and this is evident in the respectful relationships they build across all levels of the school. They know every child and something unique about them and take the time to ensure that every student knows that they are a valued member of the school community. Our staff are passion-
School, but not as you know it
You’re so welcome here exactly as you are.
At ECG Secondary College (ECG), we value and celebrate each student’s unique journey.
Our Learning is based on our ECG T.H.R.I.V.E Learning Model which provides a Therapeutic environment for learning that is focused on Holistic development of skills for success in life, positive and nurturing Relationships, Individualised approaches to learning through individual education plans and differentiated instruction, a Vocational pathway focus with links to VET education and VET taster programs Engagement, Enrichment and Excellence. ECG is a school where everybody in our learning community can THRIVE in their wellbeing and accomplishments, set meaningful learning and growth goals, and achieve their full potential.
We’re excited to announce that we are now welcoming Year 9 and 10 students to our Warragul and Leongatha campuses, in addition to our existing offerings for Years 11 and 12 (VPC and
VCE VM) across our campuses, including Pakenham and Dandenong. We accept Expressions of Interest (EOI) for mid-year entry to Years 9 and 10 in 2025 to the Pakenham campus 9/10 program.
Our curriculum promotes resilience, confidence, health, wellbeing and practical life skills, tailored to student interests. Students are provided with strong connections to the four pillars of applied learning through a rich tapestry of experiential learning opportunities in Years 11 and 12 and project-based learning mapped to the standards of the Victorian Curriculum in the 9/10 program. Visit ecg.vic.edu.au/enrolwith-us to explore our school or to schedule a guided tour.
For more information, please get in touch with us at ecg.vic.edu.au | 03 5622 6000 | info@ ecg.vic.gov.au
Russel Praetz
ECG Secondary College Principal
ate educators who are focused on the academic, spiritual and social and emotional growth of all students. Our students care for and support each other and actively work together to include each other.
Our Wellbeing Leader works to ensure there is a holistic approach for every student, academically, socially and emotionally. We have a strong emphasis on resilience, perseverance, courage, optimism and kindness. Our school wide expectations of RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE and SAFE also support student wellbeing and development of social skills and teamwork. We understand that families are very busy
and therefore provide individualised school tours at a time that is convenient.
Enrolments for Foundation to Year 6 are currently open but closing soon. Please call 5940 5404 to arrange a personalised tour of our school including our amazing before and after school program.
· Bec Kollaris
· Principal · St James Catholic Primary School, Nar Nar Goon
· 60 Nar Nar Goon Rd, Nar Nar Goon, 3812
· Phone: (03) 5942 5404
ECG is ideal for the young learners who are:
aged 15-20 years seeking individualised learning looking for holistic development and overall wellbeing looking
gaining applied
develop emotional and personal skills interested
and practical life skills seeking a supportive community with an inclusive environment Join ECG Secondary College and start shaping your future with us.
ECG Secondary College principal Russel Praetz.
St James Nar Nar Goon boasts small class sizes.
Staff are very proud of the students and this is evident in the respectful relationships they build across all levels of the school.
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
Inspiring learners
St Patrick’s Primary School is a vibrant and contemporary learning environment which celebrates many diverse cultural backgrounds. Our catholic community of students, teachers and parents work together as one to inspire faith filled, lifelong learners.
Our teachers continuously develop their professional skills to deliver a high quality and differentiated curriculum with evidence-based practices.
We also have an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher who provides high-quality and evidence-based teaching strategies using the EAL curriculum to support our teachers and new arrivals, refugees, and EAL students.
All students are involved in excursions and incursions throughout the year. Our Year 4 to 6 students take part in our camp program which enhances resilience, respect for others and courage to take risks within a safe and supportive environment.
We also have multiple specialist subject that are aimed to provide every child with the opportunity to thrive. A new specialist this year is our language subject, Italian. We currently have adapted this into our classrooms through the Teachers as Co-Learners program. Our classroom teachers run this program 15 minutes per day, allowing for optimised learning and creating opportunities for the class to use what they learn throughout the whole day.
We take pride in developing strong leadership skills in our senior students. They are immersed in a buddy program with our junior students, lead our school assemblies, represent our school in local community events such as ANZAC Day ceremonies.
For further information please go to our website or contact us directly on (03) 5943 9000. stppakenham.catholic.edu.au
Boost for maths learning
Support for more teachers to become mathematics specialists is on the way, ensuring Victorian primary school students get the best maths education.
Education Minister Ben Carroll recently announced a further 100 government school teachers would become mathematics education specialists through the Primary Mathematics and Science Specialists (PMSS) initiative.
“Mathematics is a vital skill and we’re ensuring students are taught by the best maths teachers so they can achieve their full potential at school and in life,” he said.
The next 100 teachers to become maths specialists will follow in the footsteps of the 800 teachers from 430 schools who have already completed the training and are now leaders in STEM knowledge and delivery with-
in their schools.
The teachers will be trained over the next two years, giving them expert knowledge and skills to teach and assess mathematics.
They’ll use the skills to boost primary students’ engagement and achievement in mathematics – an underpinning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Evaluations of previous PMSS cohorts show the training of teachers as specialists results in student achievement going up at all year levels in mathematics and science.
Teachers reported training was more consistent, integrated and effective, leading to improved results in the classroom.
Nourishing lunchbox ideas
Spring is a great time to pack hearty and nourishing foods in lunch boxes to keep kids warm and satisfied throughout the day. Here are some ideas for spring-friendly school lunches:
* Soup in a Thermos: Pack a thermos full of warm soup, such as chicken noodle, tomato, lentil, or vegetable soup. Pair it with some whole grain bread or crackers for dipping.
* Hot Sandwiches: Make sandwiches with warm fillings like grilled cheese, turkey and cheese, or meatball subs. Wrap them in foil to keep them warm until lunchtime.
* Quiche or Frittata: Bake mini quiches or frittatas filled with vegetables, cheese, and maybe some ham or bacon. They’re delicious served warm or cold.
* Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Bake potatoes and fill them with toppings like cheese, broccoli, chili, or bacon. Wrap them in foil to keep them warm until lunch.
* Warm Grain Salads: Make salads using hearty grains like quinoa, barley, or farro, mixed with roasted vegetables, nuts, and a flavorful dressing. They’re filling and can be enjoyed at room temperature.
* Warm Fruit: Pack warm fruit like baked apples or pears in a thermos with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. It’s a comforting and nutritious treat.
* Homemade Muffins or Scones: Bake muffins or scones with whole grains, fruits, and nuts. They’re perfect for a cozy snack during the winter months.
Remember to consider your child’s preferences and any dietary restrictions when preparing their lunch box meals.
St Patrick’s Primary School student Billy.
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
Transition made easy
At St Clare’s Catholic Primary School, Officer we are well on our way to getting to know the new Foundation students for 2025. This term, the leadership team at St Clare’s are welcoming new students with a ‘Meet and Greet’ session onsite at school. This session forms part of our orientation process.
New Foundation students for 2025 attend school to introduce themselves and share their story. With a member of the St Clare’s team, they discuss their interests, their friends and family and what they are looking forward to next year in their first year at school.
At St Clare’s, we value the opportunity to get to know students and families. We understand that starting school marks a special milestone and the ‘Meet and Greet’ sessions are one way that we support students to ensure a smooth transition to school.
Next term we are inviting students to spend some further time at school, familiarising themselves with teachers, new friends and the school environment. We look forward to working with students and families as they begin their school journey. Our orientation process supports the students, family and school staff as we prepare to engage students in their social, emotional, academic as well as spiritual learning journey.
Our goal for every child at St Clare’s is for children to reach their full potential in a safe, welcoming and faith filled environment.
If you are looking to enrol for 2025 we ask that you contact us now. We have limited availability at all levels. Phone: 5940 6777 Email: enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au
If you are looking to enrol for 2025 we ask that you contact St Clare’s Catholic Primary School, Officer now.
Grow through connection
Thinking about a secondary school for 2025? Our College Principal, Mr. Aaron Smith, invites you to consider Pakenham Secondary College for your child in 2025 and beyond.
Our College Motto, ‘We Grow Through Connection’, will best support our College Community in the years to come. Our SOAR Values of Social and Personal Responsibility, Opportunities for All, Achieving Your Personal Best and developing Respectful Relationships align well to support our College Motto and guide our College Community to achieve its goals. We are a great school. At Pakenham Secondary College we are committed to positive relationships. We understand that student growth is linked to the positive and meaningful connections that they have with others. At Pakenham Secondary College, we are dedicated to further improving the learning and wellbeing outcomes of all of our students by building respectful, positive and productive connections with our College CommunityWe Grow Through Connection.
Pakenham Secondary College strives to provide opportunities in areas important to our College Community – Growth in Learning, Wellbeing and Pathways Support, the Performing Arts, Sport and Student Leadership and Our Community. Our new multi-million dollar building program (set to commence in 2024) will further add to our outstanding buildings and grounds. With a rich 50 year plus history in our region, we continue to be well placed to offer a personalised approach to teaching and learning ensuring that we best work with students to tailor individual pathways important to them. We provide outstanding opportunities for our students in the classroom and as part of our co-curricular program.
We are a school that continues to be on the move. Our standing in the community has always been strong and now it is getting even
stronger. We have a dedicated and hardworking staff who are committed to our students. Our students want to succeed in a way that is important to them, and we will continue to provide pathways opportunities that they are interested in. There is a very strong sense of community at Pakenham Secondary College with students, families and staff connecting strongly to get the best outcomes we can for our students. We are very proud of our College and what we represent including how we best support all of our students. I am proud to be the Principal of our great school, and I look forward to working with families, students and staff into the future to get the very best outcomes for our students.
I want to welcome families to the Pakenham Secondary College Community.
There will be an Information Session for the Parents/Carers of Year 7 2025 Pakenham Secondary College Students on Wednesday 16 October at 6pm.
Book a College Tour through our website at pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au or call the office on (03) 5945 1433.
Aaron Smith College Principal Pakenham Secondary College
College Principal, Mr. Aaron Smith, with student leaders.
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
New focus on phonics
Evidence-based teaching and learning will be embedded in Victorian classrooms, including best practice teaching of phonics in the early years. Education Minister Ben Carroll in June announced the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model, to be implemented in all government schools across the state from 2025 with explicit teaching at its core.
All students from Prep to Grade 2 will be taught using a systematic synthetic phonics approach as part of their reading programs, with a minimum of 25 minutes daily explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness. This will be a core component of a comprehensive reading program that also includes explicit teaching of oral language, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension. Systematic synthetic phonics is a structured approach that explicitly teaches the relationship between sounds and letters to read words. Schools and teachers will receive high-quality, practical lesson plans, first in English and mathematics and then in science and design and digital technologies.
“The reforms and the rollout of the lesson plans will reduce teacher workload and equip them with high quality, best practice materials so they can spend more time with their students and less time planning,” Mr Carroll said.
Evidence from Victorian schools and from reviews conducted by research organisations like the Australian Education Research Organisation and the Grattan Institute shows explicit teaching works best for the largest number of students, particularly those who might be struggling.
Meet the principal
Nossal High School recently announced the appointment of its second substantive Principal, Tracey Mackin. Tracey has served the Nossal community since 2012, guiding the institution through key phases of its growth and development.
Her leadership roles have included Assistant Principal and Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy, both of which allowed her to play a central role in shaping and embedding the school’s ethos and practice.
Tracey’s leadership is characterised by a balance of vision and attention to detail, underpinned by her commitment to creating a supportive, innovative, and student-centred learning environment. Her academic and professional thinking is grounded in the values of integrity, reflection, and inclusivity. She has consistently been at the forefront of initiatives that promote student voice and agency, recognising that students thrive when given the opportunity to take ownership of their learning and engage in meaningful dialogue about their educational experience.
Tracey takes great pride in the fact that Nossal has developed into a vibrant community where staff and students share in the joy that learning can bring. With the rest of the Nossal family, she is committed to embracing the challenge of thinking deeply and well about the world, and of applying that thinking to make the world of the future a better one.
Nossal High School recently announced the appointment of its second substantive Principal, Tracey
Wednesday 16th October at 6pm
briefing by Edunet, our Preferred Education Laptop Provider, who will deliver information on their 2025 program at 6:30pm.
Mackin.
WHAT’S ON
History help
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to search handwritten records?
Well, on FamilySearch you can!
Narre Warren & District Family History Group Inc is meeting on Saturday 21 September from 2pm to 4.30pm at the Lorraine Taylor Research Room at 110 High Street in Berwick, with a $5 entry fee. Jan Whitaker from Casey U3A will be explaining the new full text search features on FamilySearch, which now has some Australian records.
You may think that FamilySearch is only American when it is really a worldwide record collection, varying in coverage, even various languages, and growing.
This new feature will be a game changer once it’s rolled out on the entire collection.
• For more information, contact group president Jane Rivett-Carnac on 0412 084 671. Pakenham Arthritis Self-Help Group
Are you living with arthritis and looking for a supportive community?
Join the Pakenham Arthritis Self Help Group (PASH) and discover the benefits of water and chair aerobics.
The group offers a safe and welcoming space to connect with others who understand your challenges.
Together, the group learns strategies to manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
Warm water exercises are held at Cardinia Life from 8.15am to 9.15 am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with chair exercises running at Meadowvale Retirement Village from 10.30am to 11.15am on Mondays and Pakenham Senior Citizens Centre from 10.30am to 11.15am on Thursdays.
• For additional information contact bernadette. lilley56@gmail.com or 0411 098 519. Probus Club of Pakenham East
The Probus Club of Pakenham East is encouraging new members to join.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, commencing at 10am. A short meeting is followed by morning tea and the opportunity to get to know members prior to the introduction of the guest speaker.
Various activities are held throughout the month.
• For more information, phone president Gary on 0428 255 178 or contact secretary Dorothy on probuspakenhameast@gmail.com
Cabaret with Rene Diaz
Pakenham Arthritis Self-Help Group (PASH) is hosting the cabaret afternoon on Wednesday 2 October from 2pm to 4pm at the Pakenham Senior Citizens Centre at 38 James Street in Pakenham.
Rene Diaz will be performing a mix of music with something to delight audiences of all ages.
All members and friends are invited to attend this fun-filled afternoon.
Enjoy a variety of entertainment and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea for just $20 per person, plus a great opportunity to learn about PASH.
• For more information, contact Denise Fallon on denisefallon57@gmail.com or 0401 955 717.
Ballroom Dancing Clyde
Social Ballroom Dancing at Clyde Public Hall, 30 Railway Road on Saturday 31 August from 8pm.
Tea & coffee provided, BYO food and drinks. Admission $15.
• Please phone Ingrid on 0432 594 630.
U3A Casey
Did you know that U3A Casey now has 471 members and operates out of multiple venues across the Casey area?
Looking
back
Representatives from Bellevue Orchard will speak of their 70year history at the annual general meeting of the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society on Sunday 6 October at 1pm.
• Visitors welcome at 85 Princes Hwy in Pakenham with access via the service road via James Street.
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 pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate.
• For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Cardinia Diabetic Awareness Group
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Pakenham Uniting Church meeting room at 10am.
The group would love to see people who have diabetes or live with someone who has diabetes attend or join.
The meeting consists of a short meeting and then a guest speaker dealing with diabetes.
• For more information, contact Lyn on 0149 116 972 or lestep12@people.net.au
BADFolk Club
Berwick and District Folk Club has been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 22 years.
• The club meets on the third Friday of each month and every month features a different genre of music.
The club also welcomes spot acts.
Doors now open from 6.30pm and the music runs from 7pm to 10pm, no bookings required, entry $15. The kitchen sells sweet and savoury snack food and a variety of drinks – tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks.
• For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.
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.
Star
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
Liz Crestani with her dad Joe Russo and Rob Russo with his son Nick Russo at Bellevue Orchard. (Stewart Chambers: 375435)
Captain Cooke lands prize
By Marcus Uhe
Pakenham Netball Club captain Caitlin Cooke has taken out the 2024 Jodi Chandler Medal as the best player in the Outer East Football Netball A Grade netball season at the league’s presentation night on Monday 16 September.
The Lions’ A-Grade skipper enjoyed a stellar season from the Lions’ defensive third, leading Pakenham back to the finals and reaching as far as the semi final rounds with a young and talented squad.
It was a special night for the Cooke family, with Caitlin also named Goal Defence in the A-Grade Team of the Year, and her father, Matt, selected as coach of the team.
Cooke finished the count on 32 votes, five clear of Lions teammate Jordyn Adams in second place and 11 ahead of Narre Warren captain Brittany Mashado, and Emerald’s Krista Tomlinson, tied for third place on 21 votes.
After 10 rounds Cooke was in second place behind Mt Evelyn centre Montana Wallis by two votes in a tight count, but polled 19 votes in a stellar final eight games of the year to run away with the honour after 18 weeks.
In her first season back on the court after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in late 2022, Cooke enjoyed a campaign of full health, playing all 18 games in the regular season and the two finals that Pakenham qualified for, instrumental in the brilliant comeback against Emerald in the first week when the Lions stared down the barrel of an early exit.
Tenacious in the defensive goal circle, she can often be seen picking herself up off the ground after flying for an interception and putting her body on the line time after time to give her team an advantage.
Adams, meanwhile, was one of the recruits of the season in the A-Grade competition, with her competitive spirit and experience playing in higher levels of netball in South Australia helping her to elevate Pakenham to new heights.
Taller than most centres, she offered tremendous defensive support and made a habit of getting her hands into passing lanes to disrupt opposition attacking plays.
Adams was viewed as a favourite heading into the count and sat four votes adrift from Wallis at the halfway mark but like her captain, powered
home with a strong second half of the season to finish with 27 votes.
Narre Warren captain Mashado is no stranger to the podium, having won the award back in 2022.
Mashado will lead her Magpies into battle in this week’s grand final seeking back-to-back premiership glory after the successes of 2023.
B-Grade saw ROC captain Sidney Kneebone voted the competition’s best, sneaking home by one vote ahead of Woori Yallock’s Jaymee Tough, while Narre Warren’s Dorothy Maepu cruised to victory in the C-Grade count by nine votes.
In football, the league’s highest accolade, the Smith-Ramage Medal for the Premier Division best-and-fairest went to Woori Yallock
The son of Collingwood’s 1990 premiership ruck, Damian, Zach claimed the league’s top gong for the second time, having previously won the award back in 2019.
Widely regarded as one of the best big men in the game, he was also named as the starting ruck in the Team of the Year, and pipped Upwey Tecoma midfielder Sam Raru by one in the count.
Wandin co-captain Patrick Bruzzese roundedout the podium with 22 votes.
In the reserves, Officer’s Tanner Thomsen pulled off a remarkable feat by winning the count despite playing just 10 of a possible 18 home-andaway games.
Thomsen began the season playing for Reservoir in the Northern Football Netball League before making his debut in round six against Gembrook Cockatoo.
Polling 21 votes, he earned a staggering 2.1 votes per game, and even missed the final two of the home-and-away season, but impressed the umpires enough to hold on to his lead ahead of Upwey Tecoma’s Blair Sheppard.
Selections in the senior football team of the year were dominated by the competition’s three best sides, with Narre Warren, Wandin and Woori Yallock each rewarded for brilliant seasons with four players each selected.
One Magpie, Sam Toner, clinched a spot in the forward pocket despite playing just 13 games.
Magpies ready to defend after marching to the big dance
By Marcus Uhe
Narre Warren will take its premiership defence right to the final afternoon of the Outer East Football Netball A Grade netball season on Saturday after booking a place in the grand final in a dominant preliminary final performance.
The Magpies, scorned after another loss to its nemesis Mt Evelyn in the second semi final last week, put any concerns of a straight sets exit to bed by quarter time in a beat down of Wandin in Sunday’s preliminary final, on its way to an 18-goal win, 58-40 at Rob Porter Recreation Reserve.
A rematch of last season’s epic A-Grade grand final at the same venue was anything but, thanks to a sensational opening term from the Magpies.
They reached the quarter-time break with a 21-9 lead, on the back of a clinical performance in the goal circle from Erin Bell.
Narre Warren looked nervous in the opening minutes, losing its possession advantage on the back of an air-balled shot from Chelsea Tonna.
At the other end of the court, Emmalia Blake made no mistake with her first attempt, despite a contact penalty from Gabrielle Dwyer.
Wandin took an early 2-0 lead, but that was as good as it got for the Bulldogs, who succumbed to the overwhelming pressure from Narre Warren, and the dead-eye accuracy from Bell.
Wandin Goal Keeper Ruby Tidd’s physicality, which saw her overpower Pakenham’s Charlotte Hudolin last week, was no match for the experience and wisdom of former Australian Diamond, who showed her craft in the goal circle to work her way into scoring positions.
The Blake and Dwyer match up at the other
end, meanwhile, had flipped into the Magpies’ favour.
When Blake had a successful shot waved off by referees when trailing by seven goals midway through the quarter, she was benched, giving Dwyer an early psychological win.
Her replacement, Lauren Spinks, copped a ball to the face in one of her early involvements on the court, and took time to settle into her work.
Wandin made a better start to the second term as they looked to chip away at the Narre Warren lead, scoring five of the first eight goals
of the quarter, but they struggled to completely stem the bleeding.
Narre Warren’s reserves players, in Julia Kaitani, Ruby Dwyer and Sophie Hennessey took to the court to reinvigorate their side, and contributed to a run of five consecutive goals to close the quarter, and create a 14-goal lead.
In what became a signature move from the Magpies, Brittany Mashado, Maddie Maund and Bell showcased elite synchronicity to work the ball from the centre pass to the goal circle in the blink of an eye, with simply no avenues for the Wandin defenders to intercept.
The Magpies led 32-18 at the half, and cruised to the 18-goal victory in the second, setting up a date with Mt Evelyn in the grand final next week.
It’s a nightmare scenario for the Magpies, facing the only side to have defeated them in 2024, and one just two to have defeated them in the last two seasons.
It’s the defensive end of the court that gives the Magpies troubles, with the Rovers offering the stingiest defence in the competition, conceding just 35.5 goals per game in 19 games this season.
The Magpies, the highest-scoring team in AGrade, average 62.4 goals per contest, but scored just 44, 34 and 42 goals in the three contests against Mt Evelyn this season, an average of just 40, and lost to them in consecutive games before Sunday’s preliminary final.
Kailtyn Black, last season’s Jodi Chandler Medal winner as the best player in A-Grade, patrols the court from the back, and is one of few players who can stop Bell in her tracks, while size across the court presents another challenge for Narre Warren to solve.
Mt Evelyn enters the game on a seven-match winning streak, having not tasted defeat in more than two months, and will be fuelled by redemption after falling to the Magpies in a preliminary final in 2023.
It will be a mighty hurdle for the Magpies to overcome, but will make for an incredible triumph if they are successful.
The grand final will be played at 12.35pm at Rob Porter Recreation Reserve.
Erin Bell was dominant for the Magpies in their preliminary final win over Wandin on Sunday. (Rob Carew: 405141)
ruck Zach Monkhorst.
Pakenham’s A Grade netball captain Caitlin Cooke won the Jodi Chandler Medal on Monday night. (Supplied)
ROC captain Sidney Kneebone won the B Grade league best and fairest. (Rob Carew: 405141)
Cardinia Storms to victory in men’s inaugural season
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cardinia’s men’s unit has crowned its inaugural season with the club’s maiden premiership, defeating fierce local rivals Casey in a penalty shootout in the Men’s Metro 2 South competition.
The score was 1-1 at fulltime, before Storm goal keeper Cam Watts took centre stage, saving three of Casey’s four penalty strokes to win his team the game at Hedley Hull Field, Waverley.
It was a just result for a side which has dropped just one game all season – to the eventual runners-up during the home and away season.
Cardinia took the upper hand early in the contest thanks to a Tim Dredge goal.
It was a crucial belief-instilling goal given the absence of forward Gareth Ventom, who has scored an equal-league-high 15 goals in 2024.
It was a rebounding battle thereafter, with Casey having much of the territory but the Storm continuing to look potent when given the opportunity to counterattack.
After maintaining possession in their front half for a prolonged period in the last quarter, Casey scored a goal late in the game to send it to extra time.
Forced to defend repeated short corners late in extra time, the defence, led expertly by Adam Welcome, and goalie Watts staved out the Cannons’ attack to send the match to penalties.
As well as Welcome, vice-captain Dan Albrecht, and fellow backs Travis Fonceca, Brandon Rose and James Bowen have been the unsung heroes of the flag.
While the attack was reasonably comparable with the rest of the finalists, Cardinia was statistically the best defence by a long margin.
The Storm conceded just 11 goals in the regular season – the next best defence was runners-up Casey, which conceded 27 goals.
Watts gives the defence great credit for that record.
“Going through the season, I know their strengths and weaknesses and I know Adam (Welcome) is always going to control the backline and see things from different angles that I can’t while I’m defending the goals,” Watts said.
“While we’re attacking, I have that 10-15 seconds to say ‘this is what I’ve seen’ to Adam, who passes it on to Dan (Albrecht) which makes it easier for my decision-making.
“Adam has a really good defensive IQ which he impresses to everyone up the field.”
Watts saved the first two penalties of the shootout which gave Cardinia the upper hand.
“I pretty much had the idea that it’s not up to
me to save it; it’s up to them to score a goal and if they don’t, I win,” Watts said, explaining his mindset.
“Agile movements aren’t my go… I’m just there trying to make my feet and legs as wide as possible and having my hands down low as well to make everything as large as possible.”
After the third penalty found the back of the net thanks to an expert fake, Watts sensed the Cannons would try to use the same strategy, which proved a match-winning intuition.
“I knew the fourth guy would try to do the same thing so I laboured a little bit to my right knowing he would go around to my left,” Watts recalled.
“He’s put the ball too far out in front of him and from that, I was able to close down all the angle he needed and then everyone started celebrating.“
Coach Peter Turner was full of praise for Watts.
“Our goalie went into beast mode in penalties,” he said.
“He’s so experienced and has played hockey his whole life.
“He’s been involved in different scenarios which really shone through.”
It was a richly deserved flag for the competi-
tion frontrunners, which finished the regular season with a 14-3-1 record under the tutelage of Turner.
After starting as a female-only club in 2023, Turner established the men’s unit in 2024, luring several former players back to the game to kickstart the Storm.
Their progression throughout the season has been a significant narrative which has underwritten the premiership success.
Taylor Rae and skipper Scott Burnett were quick in adapting back into pace of senior hockey and became crucial ingredients in the team creating a winning culture.
Rae was significant on grand final day, limiting the Cannons’ run and carry, while Burnett’s pressure in the forward line led to Cardinia’s early goal.
As well as the elder statesmen, several juniors including Harry Byron and Jean Blignaut were part of the flag.
Blignaut was another who was given a different role on grand final day due to Ventom’s unavailability, locking down one of Casey’s key playmakers.
The teenager’s development has been a great success story of the Storm, whose development
has him in line to represent his state in underage hockey later in the year.
Boosting participation and instilling belief into a team that was unsure where it sat and how quickly it could improve was a key motivator for Turner.
He now has the blueprint to show those within and outside the club what is possible with commitment, sacrifice and the right people in offfield roles.
“It was really exciting for all the boys to be involved in a premiership,” Turner said.
“It really drives the culture and what we’re trying to build.
“It should kickstart a good era for the club.
“We absorbed the pressure, kept doing our things and played for each other on grand final day.
“We listened to our supporters and channelled out all the other noise around us.
“I knew the guys we brought in would be good players in that space and the fact we gelled together so quickly made me confident we would be in finals and pushing but a few of the boys were quite surprised.
Cardinia will be promoted for the 2025 season.
Predators pushed by meddling Mud Rats but prevail in thrilling South West Gippsland Dart League contest
By Marcus Uhe
The mighty Mud Rats came ever so close to inflicting the second loss of the season for premiership contender Predators in round 23 of the South West Gippsland Dart League last week, but scurry away from the Nar Nar Goon Hotel with plenty of confidence after an impressive performance.
In the first of two one-point thrillers of the round, Predators prevailed 8-7 to take its current winning streak to 12 matches, and bring the momentum of Mud Rats to a halt.
Despite missing Jordan, Steve was able to lead his team as he so often does, with five tons, to keep the rodents at bay for another week.
Dart Vaders, meanwhile, made it a hat-trick of wins to draw level with Mud Rats in fourth place, sneaking home with the other one-point win of the week, over Just Social.
A combined 13 tons from Liam (seven) and Ant (six) helped Cheers to a comfortable 10-5
win over Fore, while Snipers dispatched of Just Social 13-2, with Bill from Snipers nabbing a fourth 180 of the season to make it two in as many weeks.
Gembrook, meanwhile, has won four in a row to keep the pressure on the top four, just one game back in sixth and with a higher percentage than the teams in fourth and fifth place.
Round 24 will offer a pair of top eight shaping contests, with Snipers and Predators going toe-to-toe for top spot, and Mud Rats and Dart Vaders playing off for fourth place.
Mud Rats and Dart Vaders may be the two most-evenly matched sides in the competition, as the only two sides in the top six of the ladder without a player in the top 10 of the leading ton throwers, and even tied on percentage as well as ladder points.
Their last meeting was a one-point win to Dart Vaders back in round 11, as was Snipers’ over Predators.
Meanwhile, last week’s bye round allowed for
an individual competition to take place involving some of the competition’s biggest names.
In a contest befitting of a grand final, Steve from Predators pipped Dean from Snipers 3-2 in the A-Grade final, while Tony from Dart Vaders got the better of Etty from Snipers 2-0.
Results R23: Cheers 10 v Fore 5, Snipers 13 v Just Social 2, Dart Vaders 8 v 26ers 7, Predators 8 v Mud Rats 7, Generals 11 v Bullseyes 4, Gembrook 11 v Railway 4, Dart Attack 10 v Hoodies 5.
Ladder: Snipers 92, Predators 88, Cheers 80, Mud Rats 64, Dart Vaders 64, Gembrook 60, Just Social 48, 26ers 40, Fore 40, Generals 24, Railway 24, Bullseyes 16, Dart Attack 8, Hoodies 0.
Fixture R24: Fore (9) v Bullseyes (12), Railway (11) v Generals (10), Dart Attack (13) v Cheers (3), 26ers (8) v Gembrook (6), Just Social (7) v Hoodies (14), Mud Rats (4) v Dart Vaders (5), Predators (2) v Snipers (1).
Steve from Predators helped to stave off an attack from Mud Rats. (Supplied)
Cardinia won a maiden premiership in its men’s unit’s first season. (Supplied).
Yeah, yeah for Nar Nar Goon
By David Nagel
Nar Nar Goon’s gradual ascension to the peak of the WGFNC mountain is now complete after a magnificent final quarter propelled the Goon to its first premiership in 14 years against Phillip Island on Saturday.
An army of supporters from base-camp at Spencer Street celebrated wildly after Justin Stanton’s team threw the form guide out the window on the way to a 14.3(87) to 10.3(63) triumph.
The most inaccurate team in the WGFNC transformed into an efficient killing machine on the biggest day of the season; becoming the first team in the brief history of the WGFNC to win four finals on the way to a premiership.
Phillip Island did a lot right, keeping the Goon below 20 scoring shots for just the second time this season, but couldn’t stop the Goon from sending out club legend Brent Hughes and assistant-coach Troy McDermott in the best possible way.
“Euphoric, what an absolute honour it has been to coach Nar Nar Goon for the last couple of years and today just came together perfectly,” Stanton said, beside the premiership dais postmatch.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the guys and to kick 14.3 in a grand final was an unbelievable effort.
“We spoke about it before the game, that Tooradin is the only team that has had more scoring shots than us in a game this year, and if we got enough ball inside 50, and we could kick accurately, we could get the job done today.
“To see it play out that way was absolutely enormous.”
Flynn Parker came into the side for the Goon at the expense of reserves skipper Jarrod Hamling, while Phillip Island made two important changes.
Max Walton and Jordy Patullo came in; while three-time premiership player Marcus Wright was omitted after playing every game this season.
Key forward Travis Woodfield was the other unfortunate Bulldog to miss out.
A flukey breeze was blowing to the scoreboard end at Garfield, and Nar Nar Goon had first use.
Harry Brain and skipper Trent Armour won some important one on ones as both teams took time to settle.
Five minutes seemed to tick by in a heart-beat, before McDermott buried a set shot after a tumbling forward-50 entry from Dermott Yawney.
McDermott then capitalised on some terrific play from Ryan Bromley at half-back; running onto a loose ball and slotting one home from 40.
And when Aidan Pipicelli marked and goaled, and Yawney dribbled one through after some brave work from Armour, the Goon was 24 points up with 16 minutes gone by.
Taylor Whitford then went harder and lower than his Bulldogs’ opponent, with his resultant free kick making it 30-0 at the 21-minute mark.
The Goon was being ruthless and efficient; while the Doggies – competing in their fifth-consecutive grand final - hadn’t fired a shot.
But the first bad news for the Goon took place simultaneously to Whitford’s goal, with Jacobus Hynes running from the field with a game-ending right-shoulder injury.
The news got worse for the Goon when a captain’s goal from Jack Taylor and a follow-up set shot from Tom ‘Prime Train’ Baulch cut their advantage to 18 points at quarter time.
“First of all, great comeback boys,” Bulldogs coach Cam Pedersen told his players at the beginning of his quarter-time address.
“They can’t play at this pace for four quarters; Cora Lynn showed that last week, and we need to use our skills to make them defend on the rebound.”
The Bulldogs skills were on full display in the second term as they made a belated charge.
Billy Taylor had one on the board inside 20 seconds, before a miraculous snap shot from Orlando Kane Gillard had patrons raising their cans in the forward-pocket beer tent.
Nate Pipicelli answered for the Goon, but when Mark Griffin soccered one through from 50, and Daniel Pearce snagged one from a tight angle; the Doggies had cut the margin back to a point.
Pedersen, who took two strong marks in the second term, then gave his Bulldogs the lead with a clinical left-to-right conversion.
A late-goal to Brain gave the Goon the narrowest of margins at the major interval.
The third quarter was a cracker; in much calmer conditions than had greeted the players in the first half.
The Dogs were limited up forward, with Billy Taylor reduced to sitting on the bench after a firsthalf injury.
The Goon twice threw the first punch in the third stanza, before the Bulldogs fought back hard.
A Yawney goal was answered by Pearce, before set shots from Jarrod Smith and Whitford gave the Goon a 12-point lead.
But the Bulldogs returned fire again, with a brain-fade from Flynn Parker leading to a third Pearce six-pointer, before an over-ambitious James Cairns was nailed for holding the ball by Charlie Bruce.
The midfielder went back and nailed his set shot, giving the Bulldogs a one-point lead heading into the deciding 30 minutes of the season.
“We need to be more composed, because our lack of composure gave them two goals that quarter,” Stanton explained to his players.
He then turned the clock back 12 months; in his final motivating words for the season.
“Remember, this is the mob that took the opportunity away from you last year; you’ve got 30 minutes to fix it.”
The painful memories of the one-point loss to the Bulldogs in the preliminary final last year were soon filed in ‘ancient history’ as the Goon produced a magnificent last-quarter display.
They held the dangerous Bulldogs scoreless while kicking 4.1 of their own.
Brain, who had eight possessions and six marks in the final term, began the assault with a strong mark and goal, before Jarrod Smith kicked truly after an inspirational run-down tackle.
The Goon was almost home when Aidan Pipicelli made the difference 17 points with 11 minutes ticked off the clock.
The Bulldogs were losing the midfield battle, with its defence constantly under pressure; with repeat entries a focus of a well set-up Nar Nar Goon back six.
Goon supporters were soon rejoicing after Brain capped off a magnificent display from the wing with his third goal for the match.
Armour was a well-deserving winner of the best on ground medal, while Bromley, Brain, Matt Gentile, JJ Peni and key-defender Parker were influential figures for four quarters.
As was Whitford, who had eight possessions and four marks in the final term and controlled the tempo of the match.
Regular-defender Pearce ended the day with three goals for the Bulldogs, while the defensive efforts of Jesse Patullo on Yawney shouldn’t go unnoticed.
But this was Nar Nar Goon’s Day, with its gradual ascension to the peak of the WGFNC mountain now complete.
Inspirational skipper Trent Armour led from the front for the Goon. (Gary Sissons: 431340)
Goon sharp-shooter Troy McDermott eyes off the second of his opening two goals in the grand final. (431340)
Ryan Bromley was superb with 26 possessions for Nar Nar Goon off half back. (431340)
Ray Lengyel, Oliver Sail, Nicholas Lang, Julian Suarez, Jake
Eamon Trigg (Nar Nar Goon)
PhillipIslandGoals: Oliver Duggan
Best: Oliver Duggan, Noah Forrest Mabilia, Timothy Niven, Darcy Thompson, Finn O’Brien, Charles O’Garey.
WarragulIndustrialsGoals: Campbell Gibbons, Jarrod West.
Best: Jarrod West, Campbell Gibbons, Regan Awty, Damian Leslie, Zac Tepper, Brody Turner.
BestonGround: James Lewis (Phillip Island)
WARRAGULINDUSTRIALS(4)
PhillipIslandGoals: Sam O’Garey 2, Ethan Rhee.
Best: Cade Wragg, Lachlan Eastwood, Archie Ross, Harrison Carlon, Sam O’Garey, Harry Arceo.
WarragulIndustrialsGoals: Mathew Cornwall 2, George Morgan, Steward Oling.
Best: Melvey Podmore, Alex Ingham, Mathew Cornwall, Cohen Dent, George Morgan, Rylan Butler.
BestonGround: Alex Ingham (Warragul Industrials)
ENROL NOW FOR 2025
Our faith leads to wisdom and courage.
This motto is the energising source of all that happens at St Clare's and is embedded in the ethos of the school, the curriculum we offer and the relationships we develop within our school and wider communities.
If you are reading this as a prospective student, parent, guardian or family, I invite you to visit us at St Clare's and discover this dynamic learning environment and start the beginning of, what I hope will be, a life-long learning partnership.
Helen Staindl School Principal
