Three-year-old Officer resident Skylah was among the youngsters keen to feed the curious and hungry creatures on show at this year’s Doveton Show.
Families came from far and wide across the South East to enjoy the wild wonders at Myuna Farm on Sunday 22 September, including farm animals, rides, showbags, food trucks and live performances.
More pictures on page 6
By Corey Everitt
Henty Ward candidate Shoheli Sunjida is appealing to the electoral officer to address vandalism after seven of her supporters had their campaign corflutes mysteriously taken, leaving her feeling ‘targeted’.
Just over a week into the council election campaign, the most contested seat of Henty Ward has seen the centre of Pakenham dotted with the
posters of the five competing candidates.
In particular, candidates deploy their local supporters and friends to install a corflute sign on their property and candidate Shoheli Sunjida has done just that.
However, supporters have contacted her to say their respective corflutes have disappeared off their property.
Shoheli claims seven separate corflutes have been taken so far and has notified Cardinia
Shire’s electoral officer.
“I’m very hardworking and this costs me money and time,” she said.
“One or two is fine, but seven is just too much.
“They need to be informed that this is happening, I’m being targeted and I’m not getting a fair chance and if anyone else is experiencing this it should be called out.”
Shoheli said this is not the first time as simi-
lar events occurred the first time she ran for the council in 2020.
She said this emphasised the need for more security cameras in Pakenham to combat vandalism, an issue much broader than this incident.
Corflutes tend to be targeted in council elections; this week Casey Council candidate Jamel Kaur Singh had one of her corflutes defaced by racist remarks.
“Everybody had a lot of fun,” she said.
Multiple units were quickly deployed to a fire on Officer South Road in the afternoon of Tuesday 24 September
CFA said they responded to reports of a burnoff that went out of control at around 2.38 pm in Officer.
Fifteen CFA units from multiple local brigades attended the scene alongside FRV, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.
At the scene, crews found a grass and scrub fire burning and quickly began work to contain the situation.
Authorities would bring the fire under control at about 3.18pm.
Police are investigating a ram-raid of an Army Road property overnight.
Sometime during the evening of Thursday 19 September to the early hours of Friday 20 September, it is believed that a vehicle smashed through the entry of the construction site on Army Road.
Police say the offender/s stole a power tool before fleeing the scene.
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information or anyone with CCTV/dash cam footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppers.com.au
By Violet Li
The State Coroner has criticised a series of decisions made by doctors prior to the death of Pearcedale apprentice carpenter George Diamond.
The then-18-year-old collapsed after an evening sparring session at Sting Gym in Cranbourne West on 18 February 2019 and passed away three days later.
The death of cause was a result of complications of acute chronic subdural haemorrhage in his brain. The autopsy also demonstrated evidence of an older subdural haemorrhage.
Subdural haemorrhage is often caused by strong force on the head.
State Coroner John Cain found Mr Diamond first sustained a head injury on 25 October 2018 during a live sparring session in Sting Gym, four months before his death.
He suffered symptoms of headaches, vomits, and back pain, and then attended Pearcedale Medical Centre twice on 26 October and 31 October.
As symptoms continued, Mr Diamond along with his father Vic Diamond attended the Frankston Hospital ED on 5 November 2018, where the father “begged” Dr Yigal Reuben to undertake a CT scan or MRI for his son.
Dr Reuben refused and told the father it was “unnecessary“, and the radiation of a CT scan would expose Mr Diamond to risks, including the risk of cancer from radiation.
Multiple witness experts submitted that the risk of radiation in a single CT scan was very low.
Coroner Cain found that Dr Reuben should have ordered a scan for Mr Diamond on the day.
“Alternatively, if Dr Reuben did not think the
ED was the appropriate place for a CT scan, he should have referred George to his GP to organise a CT scan or MRI,” he stated.
“Had a CT scan been undertaken on 5 November 2018, it is more likely than not that it would have revealed that George had a subdural haematoma.”
Coroner Cain also found Pearcedale Medical Centre GP Dr Pejman Hajbabaie’s decision
to sign a Certificate of Fitness form to clear Mr Diamond for return to boxing on 25 January 2019 inappropriate.
Dr Hajbabaie submitted that he had rarely met such a form before, and he was found not to have reviewed Mr Diamond’s previous medical consultations on the day he signed the form.
Coroner Cain concluded that Dr Hakbabaie should not have signed the form without undertaking a comprehensive review of George’s medical history and undertaking research as to what was involved in providing medical clearance to return to boxing.
“Or in the alternative, Dr Hajbabaie should have referred George to another practitioner that had the requisite training and experience to sign such a form,” he stated.
He recommended relevant professional bodies like the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners consider developing appropriate mandatory training for medical practitioners in relation to providing medical clearance for individuals to commence and return to boxing and other combat sports.
Coroner Cain also stated the most prudent course for Dr Hajbabaie when Mr Diamond visited him six days after he first sustained a head injury would be to recommend him a CT scan or MRI.
By Matthew Sims
Girl Guides Victoria has always aimed to create an equal world where all girls can thrive and where they can be true to themselves.
Pakenham Girl Guides member Bianca Walsh has exemplified this effort, being this year’s Baden-Powell (BP) Award recipient from the Pakenham unit.
Bianca started her journey to securing the award in February 2022, while in the Rainbow Guides (nine to 13 years).
Unit leader Claire ’Joey’ Baker said her achievements in leading the unit including running a campfire, hosting a Mexico-themed night and co-ordinating the unit’s Clean Up Australia patrols.
“She has great leadership skills,“ she said.
“Bianca has always been a great patrol leader.
“She’s getting so much better at her public speaking.“
Bianca said she was inspired by her grandmother Helen Walsh, who was involved with Girl Guides in Harkaway.
Ms Baker said one of the highlights of Bianca’s unique look at sharing her passion was the fact that she brought along two cows from her family’s farm to the unit’s pet night.
“It was a great night because we got to hear about something she’s very passionate about,“ she said.
Bianca has recently moved on to the Pakenham Twilight Ranger Guides group for 14 to 18-year-old girls.
Ms Baker also received a certificate recognising 20 years of membership with the Girl Guides recently.
Beginning her journey with Girl Guides at the age of seven at the 1st Brighton Brownies, Ms Baker became an assistant leader when she turned 18 with the 5th Brighton Guides.
Hopping across a number of other units including Kulnra, Bentleigh and Syndal North, she took on the Pakenham Rainbow Guides leadership role in September 2021.
Receiving the BP Award herself in March 1989, her other accolades have included the Olave Baden-Powell (OBP) Award in March 2004 and a unit leader qualification.
Ms Baker said the pleasure she found in the role came from helping be part of the girls’ journey towards realising their true potential.
“I enjoy watching every part of the girls growing,“ she said.
Join us for a School Tour
We invite you to join us for our next tour and explore our ELC, Junior School, Senior Girls and Senior Boys schools.
Please book your place via our website.
“All of the skills they learn aim to empower.
“I like that the girls feel more comfortable to be themselves.“
Ms Baker said being a unit leader was a role she would always cherish.
“Guides give me joy,“ she said.
“I do like giving the girls that drive to be leaders.“
Pakenham Girl Guides meets on Monday
evenings, with Moonbeam Gumnut Guides (five to eight years) meeting from 4pm to 5.30pm and Rainbow Guides (nine to 13 years) meeting from 6.30pm to 8pm, and Twilight Ranger Guides (14 to 18 years) meeting from 6.30pm to 8pm on Wednesdays.
For more information, visitguidesvic.org.au
By Erle Levey
The passing of Margaret Maher (Jackson) at Newcastle marks the end of an era for a family that has been Pakenham stalwarts.
Married to the late Mickey Maher, Margaret was aged 92 - the youngest and last of the 14 children of James John and Margaret Annie Jackson (Sutton) who ran a general store and bakery in the main street for many years.
The family was strong on sport and community, especially football and netball - then known as basketball - with the Ray “Cracker” Jackson stand at the Pakenham Football Club as an ongoing tribute.
Margaret Maher grew up in Pakenham and played netball for the town in the late 1940s, but was also part of a women’s football match at Lang Lang.
Lang Lang played Pakenham with Colling-
wood’s legendary player and later coach Phonse Kane as an umpire, together with fellow player and later captain Gordon Hocking.
It was to raise money for a Queen carnival to build a hall in Pakenham.
There was a strong Jackson connection at Lang Lang, with one of James John Jackson’s brothers, James and Gert Jackson (Kenyon), living there.
The Jackson family have long been associated with Pakenham netball - Lorna Anderson, Marie Levey, Dorothy Rogers, Joyce Reid and Margaret played for many years, along with Roma Jackson (Reid).
Margaret and Mickey Maher spent most of their lives in New South Wales - in outer Sydney and later at Newcastle.
They had three children - Garry (deceased), Cheryl Thomas and Julie Saville.
Her exuberance and love for life will be so deeply missed by everyone.
Warren SES with a popular array of toy chainsaws, or a display of pygmy blue whale vertbrae.
Each year, Doveton Show is staged by volunteers as an affordable day of fun at the start of Spring school holidays.
By Paul Thomas*
On this World News Day, we are reminded of the invaluable role journalism plays in safeguarding our democracy, especially in regional and local towns across Australia. While global headlines may dominate, it’s the local stories that are the heartbeat of our communities. Public interest journalism serves not only as a watchdog but also as a bridge between the people and their local governments, businesses, and neighbours.
In regional and local towns, local newspapers are often the sole providers of information that directly impacts residents’ daily lives. From covering council meetings to reporting on issues like infrastructure development or the success of local businesses, these newspapers perform a critical function. When journalists shine a light on important issues, they empower their communities to engage, voice concerns, and demand accountability.
At Star News, we believe that public interest journalism is essential for the health of our democracy. In an age of misinformation and dwindling trust, our mission is to provide factbased reporting that our readers can rely on. While we operate in a rapidly changing media landscape, the core values of journalism remain unchanged: truth, transparency, and a commitment to the communities we serve.
The rise of social media has fundamentally transformed how we consume information, with both positive and negative consequences. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have connected us in new and powerful ways, they have also become breeding grounds for misinformation, deep fakes, and viral falsehoods. With content increasingly manipulated, from deep fake videos to entirely fabricated news stories, it has become harder for people to distinguish fact from fiction. This erosion of trust threatens the very foundation of informed communities and societies.
In contrast, local newspapers provide a crucial counterbalance to this tide of disinformation. Our journalists work tirelessly to deliver
Thumbs up
To finally being able to get onto the freeway from McGregor Road.
Thumbs down
To the way people use the intersection at Apsley Parkway and the Princes Highway at Averley Estate. They are traffic lights, they are either red for stop or green for go. Also the amount of people who U-turn on the red arrow to head back to Pakenham. I’ve seen two near head-on collisions where they just turn the corner, giving no regard for people turning out of the other side of the intersection. It’s an accident waiting to happen.
Thumbs up
To the Under 19 Pakenham Football Club for winning the grand final against ROC.
Thumbs up
To everyone who sits on the speed limit on the new road between Kooweerup and Pakenham.
Thumbs down
To the potholes on the roads.
stories grounded in facts, verified by trusted sources, and shaped with balance. When you read your local newspaper, either in print or online, you can trust that the information is accurate, relevant, and serves the best interests of your community. Local newspapers are more than just sources of news; they are the defenders of truth in a noisy and often confusing media landscape.
As technology and media consumption habitscontinuetoevolve,localjournalismmust adapt. However, the mission remains the same: telling stories that matter, holding the powerful to account, and keeping the public informed. Newspapers, particularly in regional and local towns, have a duty to remain trusted sources of news for the communities they serve.
In a time when misinformation and falsehoods spread rapidly, let’s make sure the truth rings louder. By supporting local journalism, we strengthen not just our media but the very fabric of our regional and local towns. Together, we can ensure that truth and integrity remain at the heart of our communities.
* Paul Thomas is the owner and managing director of the Star News Group. He has worked in newspapers all his life and is a former president and life member of Country Press Australia.
Thumbs up
To both the Pakenham and Officer football clubs on their under 19 teams playing off in the grand final with Pakenham winning the premiership. The game was played in great spirit.
Thumbs up
To Officer Netball Club. Five teams in the grand finals and won the five grand finals. What an effort, well done.
Thumbs down
To the trolleys being constantly dumped down Webster Way since social housing began.
By Ethan Benedicto
Tucked in the lush crevices of Bemersyde Drive, Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House and Community Centre is a place many locals indulge in, from their childcare to the open spaces for functions.
The community centre, which was a successful applicant for the 2023/24 Growing Suburbs Fund grant, will see upgrades to the building’s facilities such as its kitchenettes, multi-purpose community rooms and more.
The centre’s manager, Jo Davey, said that support such as the one gained from the fund is integral to the operation of the centre, as well as its and the staff’s capabilities to cater to the local community.
Davey said that for their community, “it’s really important”.
“We have so many different faith groups and multicultural groups that come and use this space, and being able to lift it to a more usable level for them is just going to make a world of difference.
“It’s going to improve their programs, as well as the programs that we provide for the community.”
South-Eastern Metropolitan MP, Michael Galea, visited the centre on Friday 20 September, seeing firsthand the intended upgrading process and what’s in store for the staff and visitors.
“We have such a growing population here, especially in Berwick and Casey more broadly, [so] it’s really important that we have all the big projects that we often talk about - the schools, the roads, but just as important is building those communities.
“These projects such as Brentwood Park really mean that we can ensure that as Berwick grows, we have amazing centres that are run by amazing people and are fully supported.
“We already see so many groups using this centre, and these improvements through the
Fund will make such a big difference to supporting them, and future users as well,” Galea said.
One of the upgrades includes double spring flooring for the centre’s halls, with Davey commenting on the frequency of groups renting them out for dancing and larger-scale activities.
The centre, which houses two kitchenettes will also see them upgraded, with the smaller one, tucked into a little nook in the hall, to be extended and widened, adding more room and space for related activities.
Staff will also be receiving a space upgrade, with the current lack of a meeting room soon to
be addressed with an extension in the works for their space.
Davey took Galea on a short yet detailed centre tour, outlining the current facilities such as the 0-4-year-old playgroup, with Davey adding that “it’s really good to see who we’re dealing with in government”.
“We’ve had our meetings with the City of Casey, but we know the money comes from higher up, so being able to put a face to the name and know who has been helping to push this funding for us, it makes use feel seen and valued for all the work we do,” she said.
To Galea, being able to come down and see for himself the centre and its operations was “exciting”, especially when it came to the “impact that the funding will make and see the groups out here today and how they’ll benefit from what this funding will deliver.”
“It’s one thing to be dealing with reports and spreadsheets, but to be out here on the ground seeing the impact it’ll make is really exciting and I’m very much looking forward to hopefully coming back to see once it’s underway, and when it’s done.”
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: 13 Sep - 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.
Date: 2-6
The weird and wonderful varieties of guinea pig were showcased at an international event at Menzies Hall on Sunday 22 September.
Cavy Council of Victoria – the oldest running guinea pig group in Australia – hosted more than 300 entries at two combined shows Oktoberfest and Polish Palooza.
Best In Show winners were Ken Peddersen with a Silver Agouti Dutch and Heidi Marshall with an English Self Buff.
Other winners included Jorja Wakely with ‘Roger’, a Rex-breed (Best Coarsecoat), and Ben Carter with ‘Garfield’, a Texel (Reserve Junior Condition).
International judges Patrick Staniec, from Germany, and Daniel Banasiak, from Poland, perused the entrants that flew, drove and sailed in from around Victoria and Australia.
“It was a busy day showing but everyone enjoyed an international lunch combining foods from Germany, Poland and Australia,” CCV vice president Michael Carter said.
I have not done this for a while so this week I thought I would reinvoke the ‘business leader interview’ this time with Heath Cohen, CEO of CoConstruct based in Upper Beaconsfield. Heath has been managing a successful construction company since 2010 and has established a high reputation for the quality of his builds. He has been kind enough to share some of his perspectives on business success.
Why was the business started in the first place? It was a natural progression from initially being a carpenter. I always wanted to be a builder since I was young when I helped out my uncle who was a successful builder during the 1990s.
What does the business specialise in?
Commercial buildings related to specialist disability accommodation and allied health, custom homes and the bespoke equine market.
What are you most proud of?
Our ability to develop ongoing relationships that have enabled repeat work and facilitate quality referrals. We have constructed a wide range of properties that demonstrate our attention to detail in every aspect of the build.
What is your secret for success?
Loyalty to our clients and the trades that we employ.
What has been your greatest challenge in the business?
Covid-19 and its aftermath. This had a dramatic impact on the industry in terms of material scarcities, lead time blowouts, trade shortages and significant cost increases. This increased our own costs and timeframes which necessarily had a se-
vere impact on our cash position. How did you overcome this?
Constant communication right across the whole supply chain including our customers. We also put a significant focus on the company’s financials especially cash-flow and our sales forecast. What advice would you give to a new business owner just starting out?
Know your numbers – understand cash-flow, forecasting, pricing and margins. Focus on customer interactions and ultimately satisfaction.
Who inspires you and why?
My partner Deb. Her ability to focus and give me sound reality checks as well as enabling me to put work behind me at the end of the day.
How do you see business changing over the coming years?
In construction, the quality operators will prevail and come through even in difficult times. The differences between good and poor business operators will become more obvious by the quality of their work.
Interests and hobbies?
Caravaning, camping, fishing, bike-riding and taking any opportunity to get away with my family whenever I can.
My thanks to Heath for sharing his knowledge and perspectives, hope that you found these useful.
Ian Ash ACC, AIECL, AInstIB Managing director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
Carers Morning Tea
Do you help look after an elderly family member, friend, child or parent with an illness, addiction, disability, or mental health condition?
Outlook Community Centre invites you and your loved ones to a free high tea with show bags and entertainment provided. Bring your loved one. RSVP by Tuesday 8 October via 5940 4728 or communitycentre@outlookaust.org.au
■ Tuesday 15 October at 24 Toomuc Valley Road in Pakenham 10am to 12.30pm
Looking back
Representatives from Bellevue Orchard will speak of their 70-year 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.
Pakenham High School Class of 74 reunion
Former students of Pakenham High School are celebrating 50 years since the class of 74, former students and teachers who attended from Form 1 (Year 7) 1969 to Form 6 (Year 12) 1974 are welcome.
The reunion will take place from Saturday 19 October to Sunday 20 October. Saturday will include a dinner at Nar Nar Goon Football Club rooms and Sunday will include a tour of Pakenham Secondary School.
Tickets are available on trybooking.com at trybooking.com/events/landing/1273422.
■ Any further enquiries you can call Andrew Trotter on 0432 422 943.
Cabaret with Rene Diaz
Pakenham Arthritis Self-Help Group (PASH) is hosting the cabaret afternoon on Sunday 20 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.
Men’s discussion group celebration
The South Eastern Men’s Discussion Groups is hosting their third biennial celebration, with men from the seven groups and men from groups across the North East invited.
Including laughter, fun, relaxation and morning tea, the celebration will be held from 10am to 12.30pm on Wednesday 30 October at the Outlook Community Centre for a $5 fee.
■ On completion of the event, you are invited to have lunch at your expense at Club Officer.
Probus Club of Pakenham East
The Probus Club of East Pakenham is encouraging new members to join the club.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, 71 Racecourse Road, Pakenham, commencing at 10.30am.
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
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.
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.
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club is hosting a Scrabble Club every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm. It will be both competitive and social on a one-to-one basis. Come along to learn how to play or improve your game. Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.
■ Contact David on 0433 566 456.
Line dancing
The Berwick Senior Citizens Centre is hosting line dancing sessions from 10am to noon every Tuesday at 112 High Street in Berwick. First session is free, with a small fee for future classes. Morning tea or coffee included.
Probus Club of Casey Combined
The Probus Club of Casey Combined is welcoming any new members to meet at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick from 9.45am to noon on the second Tuesday of each month. After morning tea, the club hosts an interesting guest speaker, with members often meeting up for lunch at a local cafe after the meeting.
■ For more information, contact Margaret Luxford on 0409 861 207 or Magda Michael on 0406 468 265.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Weekly activities include line dancing from 10am to noon on Mondays, new vogue and old time dancing from 1pm to 3.30pm on Tuesdays, carpet bowls from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays and bingo from 11am to 2pm on Thursdays.
■ For all enquiries or bookings, contact Marilyn on 0432 107 590.
Tell us about yourself and your organisation.
Having lived in four different continents, I consider myself a citizen of the world who embraces different cultures. I am a passionate musician, and I founded The Common People getting a bunch of like-minded friends together in my search for purpose driven music. The Common People is run by an army of volunteers, and it is with immense gratitude that I have witnessed our journey from singing to the four walls at home, to singing to the world at the Sydney Opera House and now representing the nation at the World Choir Olympics, all while running a growing child sponsorship program.
What do you love the most about working in your organisation?
The team spirit and camaraderie of our members is a true joy to experience. All our members commit time to this vision after their full-time jobs, and none of this would have been possible without their selfless hearts. It is an everyday learning experience to work with our passionate members who are leaders in various professional sectors. What has been your most memorable moment during your time in the organisation?
That would have to be the time I spent with our sponsored children and families in the rural villages of India. I visit them at least once a year and it is a humbling moment in every sense - to see their bright smiles while battling life is an inspiration.
What is your favourite quote?
“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same” – from the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling. What were you like as a kid?
Happy and energetic. Ever grateful to my parents, teachers and friends for providing me with a safe haven to grow up in.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
I’ll leave that to my friends!
As the International Day for Older Persons approaches on 1 October, here are three ways to commemorate the day and the elderly.
1 Come together
Organising a family get-together is an easy and effective way to get in touch with the elderly people in your life, from dinner to lunch, or even a day out with an elderlyfriendly activity to recognise their life and contributions is a good way to celebrate.
Volunteering at local aged care facilities or retirement villages is also another way to commemorate the day, where you can engage with the residents through activities, offering companionship or even assisting with events; ultimately giving you the chance to be the highlight of their day.
3 Support
Supporting organisations that advocate for elderly well-being is a more in-depth way you can contribute, such as donating or volunteering for organisations such as the Council on the Ageing (COTA), who work on promoting the rights and well-being of seniors.
By David Nagel
A bright light is illuminating the Pakenham Football Club from the ground up after the Lions’ Under 19s won the Outer East Premier Division flag against Officer on Saturday.
The Lions looked to be hanging on midway through the second term, before kicking seven unanswered goals on their way to an 8.6(54) to 5.6(36) triumph.
Lions’ coach James Perkins asked his group pre-match to prove they were the best team in the competition, but a talented Officer outfit initially made that a very hard statement to make.
The Lions hit the scoreboard first through skipper Bailey Brougham, but Officer had the better of the opening exchanges.
Jack Liddle and Tyler Canute were on fire for the Kangaroos through the midfield, and it was no surprise when Liddle hit up Tyler Astle for Officer’s first goal.
The Kangaroos led by a point at quarter time, but quickly grew that to 13 points after quality finishes from Zak De Bono and Jack Hamilton.
Liddle was everywhere for the Kangas; clearly best on ground over the first 30 minutes of play; before a challenger emerged from the pack.
Lions’ ruck James Lee kicked a real team-lifter to cut the margin to six, before a set shot from Lachlan Rice levelled the scores, just before half time.
Lions’ mid-forward Mason Hall then took control of the contest, beginning his successful nomination for best player on the ground.
Hall kicked a magnificent goal on the run, right on the half-time siren; with his back-flip celebration one for the ages.
The Lions had kicked the last three goals of the opening half to lead 26-20 at the major interval.
Hall then further put his stamp on proceedings with a dominant third-quarter display.
He first cleared a ball from half back, then followed up his own work to kick another cracker on the run; making it two goals in roughly two minutes of play; either side of half time.
He then flew for a spectacular mark, before gathering the resultant crumb and kicking an opportunistic six-pointer to give the Lions an 18-point lead.
Hall then found Campbell Sheedy on the lead, who snapped calmly off his right boot to make it a four-goal advantage.
The third quarter, the premiership quarter, had proved fruitful for the Lions, who made it five goals the difference after a bullet pass from Josh Trembath found Lewis Davies on the lead.
The Lions looked home; and even five-goals up at three-quarter time.
Officer did respond in the final term, with goals to Noah Crew and Canute cutting the deficit to 18; but the Lions managed the game well to secure the club’s second premiership this season.
Hall finished with three goals for Pakenham and was clearly the most influential player on the ground, while Trembath controlled things brilliantly across half back.
PAKENHAM
By Marcus Uhe
ROC Netball Club has finished the Outer East Football Netball season as the shining light, scooping a swag of silverware to store at Rob Porter Recreation Reserve.
ROC collected senior premierships in B Grade and D Grade, had Sidney Kneebone crowned the Player of the Year in the B Grade competition and won five of the six junior grand finals, finishing runner up to Narre Warren in the other.
In total, from the 10 competitions ROC entered in 2024, they won seven premierships, finished second in another and had one player win a league medal.
On Saturday on their very own court, they won five to dethrone Narre Warren as the most successful overall netball club, after the Magpies won eight of the 10 on offer in 2023.
ROC president Nicole Robbins attributes the success to an investment in the people and culture, crediting the leadership of those in charge in creating the right environment at Starling Road.
“(Strong culture) stems from the top and I think you’ve got to have a really positive committee that listen to our players and members,” Robbins said.
“We run surveys a couple of times throughout the year to our members to build on that, so we know what is and isn’t working, so that we
can make improvements on that.
“We’ve got a lot of families that volunteer their time, the coaches, that are really dedicat-
ed, and people that want to be around the club and enjoy being at the club.
“The success also comes from the work that
the coaches and teams do to have that bond on the court as well as off the court; It’s all good to have a group of players that play very well, but you’ve actually got to get them to play as a team and the coaches did a really good job of that this year, which is why there was success on the court.”
In putting strong focus on blooding junior players at senior level to foster a connection between the groups, the decision about where the juniors should play their senior netball when the time comes becomes an easy one for many.
With Narre Warren moving competitions and Pakenham relegated to Division One of the competition next year, vacancies are opening at the top of the Premier Division tree to assert themselves as the yardstick club in the region.
“We had seven teams in grand finals last year and only came away with two premierships, so to turn that around this year was a lot of hard work from coaches and players,” Robbins said.
“Both Narre Warren, ourselves and Pakenham, we put time into our coaches - we provide resources, we always try to up-skill them.
“Participation in this region in this area of the South East, there’s a lot of players that go and trial at all different clubs, but then you’ve also got people who have blue and white in their veins and won’t go anywhere.
“We’re hoping to get our A-grade up there, be a benchmark and be a threat to the other clubs.”
By Marcus Uhe
Her teammates call her ‘floorboards’.
Anyone who’s watched Pakenham’s A Grade netball captain Caitlin Cooke knows that she’s prone to losing her footing and hitting the deck in an act of desperation to save a lose ball or force an interception.
Rather than attempting to steady herself on the way down, countless trips and falls saw her master the art of protecting her head and rolling to relative safety to minimise the impact on the unforgiving asphalt below.
It’s a term of endearment, and she’s adopted the nickname with pride.
In winning the 2024 Jodi Chandler Medal last week as the best player in the Outer East Football Netball A-Grade netball competition, Cooke capped a remarkable recovery from perhaps her biggest tumble of them all.
When an Australian Mixed Netball squad training camp in late 2022 ended prematurely thanks to tearing her meniscus, the resulting MRI found that a partial rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in the same knee the year before had deteriorated to a complete severance of the ligament, making for a one-two punch that only the most feared boxers could throw.
As a result, her entire 2023 season became a write-off, and the long lonely road to recovery began.
“It meant that the mental rehab for me was harder than the physical rehab, because I’d already been knocked back with an ACL…I can say that I’ve done an ACL before, but to get hit again it was like ‘oh my gosh,’” Cooke said.
“People do one knee, they don’t do two.”
In an effort to stay connected to the netball family at the Lions and at Victorian Netball League (VNL) side Southern Saints, she made the effort to get to every training session, every gameday and even followed in her father Matthew’s footsteps in taking on a coaching role with Pakenham’s D-Grade in 2023.
As she juggled gruelling strength and conditioning exercises with her physio and a similarly taxing veterinary science degree, she did everything possible to assist her Pakenham teammates, which in turn, was just as much of an assistance to her, escaping from the clouds of doubt that come with such a traumatic diagnosis.
All the while, a sense of helplessness consumed the dogged defender, unable to contribute anything more than vocal support while the AGrade side battled through a disappointing year
on the court.
“It’s something I don’t know how to describe; you’re watching from the sidelines thinking, I want to help, but knowing that I can’t even run, let alone help in any other way, was very odd.
“Going to netball still helped a lot, but it was painful more mentally than it was physically.”
As the 2024 VNL season approached, Cooke rejoined the Southern Saints’ Championship squad, but the return to her best form encountered yet another stumble.
Progress in the road back from such adversity is not always linear, and a slow start to the VNL season on the court forced Cooke to reassess where she was at as Pakenham’s season approached, where she’d been appointed A-Grade captain.
Conversations with the coaching staff at the Saints led to her stepping down from the Championship squad to the Under 23s in her final year of availability for the age bracket and pair with Pakenham Goal Defence Charlize Reid.
Not only did the duo form vital chemistry in the defensive end of the court that translated brilliantly to Toomuc Reserve and the Lions’ netball season, but it saw Cooke regain her confidence
and most importantly, joy on the netball court again.
“They (Southern Saints) were really supportive and loved the idea, saying ‘we want you to get back to the best you can,’” Cooke said.
“I really had a lot of fun in 23s with the younger girls and I felt like, maybe because it was 23s and not championship, there was a little less pressure, and as a result, I started enjoying my netball more, I got a bit more confidence back.”
Come late April’s Anzac Day clash with ROC, Cooke felt vindicated in her decision, rediscovering her old self and feeling “fixed”.
Four weeks later in round seven, when she rode a hit and bounced back to her feet feeling none of the concerns or inhabitants that previously held her back, the wave of euphoria that engulfed her signalled that it was finally go-time.
“I’ve had a couple of hits where I’ve felt what my surgeon added in, work.
“I played a Mt Evelyn game, and I got a bump in a contest on my knee, and I felt everything in my knee work.
“It didn’t twist, there were no pops, it just worked.
“I got up and it didn’t hurt, and I thought
‘okay, maybe I don’t have to be so scared about my knee flying about’”.
The rest, as they say in the classics, is history.
After 10 rounds in the Chandler Medal vote count, Cooke was in second place, with 13 votes, two behind Mt Evelyn centre Montana Wallis.
From the final eight games of which the Lions won, she polled a staggering 19 votes, to storm home with the competition’s highest honour, completing her comeback in the most emphatic of fashions, and leaving her in a state of shock as Chandler herself presented the medal.
In doing so, she dethroned a player she idolises in 2023 winner Kaitlyn Black, and made for a Lions-heavy podium with teammate Jordyn Adams placing second.
She described the night as a “surreal experience”, still struggling to come to terms with her achievement and the calibre of players she defeated to scoop the prize, but undoubtedly proud of the award, and what it took to get there.
“I feel like it’s always been a goal of mine to get there, but I didn’t think that it would happen this year,” she said.
“There’s always an inkling of hope when you go to something like that, but looking around at my competition… I still don’t feel like I’ve won it.”
Undersized for her position, Cooke attributed the stunning form in the back half of the year to seeing opponents for a second time, and being able to effectively scout and outfox midcourt players in order to affect interceptions.
She led Pakenham to the competition’s thirdbest defence, only behind the two grand final combatants in Narre Warren and Mt Evelyn, all under the tutelage of her father, who’s long-term vision for the club is finally coming to fruition.
The two have shared countless discussions over car rides and dinners over the future of the Pakenham Netball Club, and in a season where all four senior sides made it to the finals, the future has seldom looked brighter at Toomuc Reserve, with the two Cooke’s at the helm.
Last month, Matthew told the Gazette that the A-Grade side could be a ‘powerhouse’ next year on the back of a long-term build of the club’s netball program.
The excitement is clearly permeating throughout the family.
“He will get very excited and it’s very exciting to see a lot of that stuff now click together,” Cooke said.
“To know that I’ve been a part of that too the whole time is extra special.”
By Jonty Ralphsmith
The region’s two local cricket leagues have reached a reciprocal agreement to boost female junior participation.
Clubs from the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) and the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) are permitted to compete in both leagues, allowing local girls to participate in more cricket.
The DDCA competition will take place on Wednesday nights, while the CCCA competition will take place on Monday nights.
The DDCA competition will follow a traditional approach where players are separated by age, but the CCCA is taking a revolutionary approach for the 2024-25 season.
The competition will have two stages: the first of which requires a minimum of seven players per team and is played with a soft ball, and the second of which is for more advanced players and played with a hard ball.
It is hoped both competitions will be fullyfledged with a minimum of six teams competing.
The modern approach largely removes players’ age from the equation and is aimed to encourage teenaged girls to take up the sport without apprehension of the skill level of opponents who may be more advanced.
It also will stimulate the advanced players at a higher standard, increasing the opportunity of them reaching representative cricket.
The following CCCA girls clubs look likely to field a team in the 2024-25 season: Clyde (two teams), Avengers, Officer, Upper Beaconsfield,
soft ball competitions for the under-14s girls and under-16s girls, and a soft ball competition for under-12s.
competition in the under-14s age group with the following clubs taking part: Berwick (two teams), Berwick Strikers, Keysborough, Lynbrook, Narre South.
The DDCA also had a senior women’s T20 competition held in late 2023 which the following clubs competed in: Springvale South, Noble Park/Monash University, Parkmore/Bonbeach, Buckley Ridges, Parkfield, Dandenong West/ Tooradin.
Casey Cardinia club Clyde is hopeful of entering three teams into competition this season, having invested heavily in equipment and waived the cost of registration and playing polos and caps, with its two coaches, Ben Knowles and William Round, both having completed a level one coaching course.
“It’s all about keeping it short, sharp and fun and competitive,” said Knowles, who serves as female cricket coordinator at Clyde.
Knowles is also the CCCA president, attending the Cricket Victoria girls forum last week as he pushes participation in the region.
“There’s so many games you can create on an oval so keeping the attention there is really important.
“It was a missing link for us to grow.
“It allows us to have more participation and people part of the club which helps with growing sponsorship and building for the future.”
All junior competitions in the CCCA and DDCA are played as mixed competitions, opening up another avenue for female participation.
The DDCA has been contacted for comment.
In 2024-25, the
In 2023-24, the DDCA had a girls-only junior
By David Nagel
ROC proved the dominant club in Outer East junior netball on Saturday, claiming all three premierships on offer.
Two were won comfortably, while an overtime thriller provided a thrilling start to the day.
Here’s how the three games unfolded.
17 UNDER
ROC 34 def Wandin 23
Best on Court: Declan Gallard (ROC)
ROC’s complete domination of junior grades on Outer East grand final day was rubber stamped with a comfortable 34-23 win over Wandin in the 17-Under premiership decider.
Already crowned champions at 13 and 15-Under levels, the Kangaroos wasted no time in making sure a clean sweep was a very real possibility.
ROC started the game brilliantly, scoring 10-5 in the opening quarter to have the Bulldogs on the back foot.
Caitlyn Bell, Hayley Cunningham and captain Jade McGuire were terrific for the Kangas through the midcourt, playing free-flowing netball when in possession and putting the clamps on Wandin in defence.
Ashlin Cattanach and Declan Gallard were strong and determined for the Kangaroos at the defensive end of the court, while Kaelah O’Shanassy and Grace Pryor were making the most of their scoring opportunities.
Wandin fought back well in the second quarter, winning the stanza 6-5 to cut the margin back to 15-11 at half time.
But any hopes of a complete revival were squashed by the Kangaroos in the third quarter, with a 10-3 scoring blitz ending the game as a contest. Delaney Breeden and Mitzi Henry had an impact in the third term as the Kangas kicked out to an 11-goal lead at three-quarter time.
Katie Strickland then came off the bench in the final quarter, playing Centre, as ROC cruised to its third premiership success in a matter of hours.
Gallard was a well-deserving best-on-court medal winner after a dominant defensive game in the circle.
15 UNDER EAST
ROC 35 def Monbulk 21
Best on Court: Audrey Raja (ROC)
An unbelievably good first half has propelled ROC to a clinical 35-21 triumph over Monbulk in the 15-Under grand final at Officer.
The Kangaroos bounced out of the blocks with real purpose, storming out to a match-winning 13-3 lead at quarter time.
Molly Allen and Sanuli Bandaranayake simply gave nothing away in defence, while Emeelia Granger and Audrey Raja were sharing the load beautifully in attack.
Granger and Raja were being well supplied by midcourters Nicola Henshaw, Macy Watt and Raegan Ruddick as the Kangaroos played some of their best netball for the season.
ROC kept the foot down in the second term, scoring 12-5, to take a 25-8 lead at the half-time interval. Monbulk showed great courage to bounce strongly in the third, with players like Isabelle Cross, Lara Stenhouse and Isla Stubbs helping to cut the deficit to 29-16 at the final break.
ROC players Maggie Le Guier, Indiana Mayne and Taya Spencer tried their best to deny the
Hawks a comeback, with ROC in a commanding position with one quarter of the season left to play.
The last quarter was a real arm-wrestle, with the Kangaroos happy to protect their lead against an improving Hawks outfit.
The Kangas outscored the Hawks 6-5 in the final period of play to take out this year’s premiership cup.
Raja was named the best-on-court medal winner after showcasing her classy skills in Goal Attack.
13 UNDER EAST ROC 23 def Narre Warren 21 Best on Court: Amelia Pryor (ROC) Outer East grand final day could not have started
in more spectacular fashion with ROC overcoming Narre Warren, 23-21, in an overtime thriller.
Narre Warren led 6-5 at quarter time with Chanelle Frazer, Olivia Lamb, Tiana Tufuga and captain Mahli Tonumaipea all playing fantastic netball.
But ROC refused to give up easily and took the lead at half-time after a 6-3 blitz in the second quarter.
Winnie Henry, Stella O’Kelly and Hope Ioriano were fantastic for the Kangaroos through the midcourt, while Tess Jones and Mia Spencer were proving a lethal combination in the circle.
Both teams scored four goals each in the third quarter to leave the Kangaroos with a two-goal cushion with a quarter left to play.
The Magpies fought back with real courage, with Frazer and Isabel McCarthy scoring four goals between them, while defenders Lamb and JerseyMarie Pirere made scoring extremely difficult for ROC.
After four quarters; scores were locked at 17 each. ROC made its move in the first period of extra time, opening up a handy break that would carry it through to a premiership.
Stephanie Bowes, Charli Maher, Beth Noonan, Amelia Pryor and Amelia Quinn all had bright moments for the Kangaroos; the 2024 13
East champions.
Pryor was named best-on-court for her
as Goal
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
