News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 24th October 2024

Decade of land

The State Government has announced it would soon release huge blocks of land across the state, including 104 hectares north of McCormacks Road in Cardinia, for new homes in the coming decade.

On Wednesday 23 October, the government released a plan for 27 additional greenfield areas across Melbourne’s outer south-east, north, and west to be released over the next 10 years, promising to provide the space and complete the planning work to deliver 180,000 new homes over the decade.

The first greenfield plans set to be released in 2024-25 included Cardinia Creek South Precinct (Part 2), Casey Fields South Precinct,, Croskell Precinct, and Devon Meadows Precinct.

The second greenfield plans set to be released in 2025-26 and 2028-29 include Clyde South Precinct.

According to the State Government, the key part of the 10-year plan is the potential growth for home builders.

The State Government said it would also improve the planning system.

From 1 January 2025, the Victorian Planning Authority would be integrated with the Department of Transport and Planning meaning, for the first time, the four major components of Victoria’s planning system – strategic, transport, statutory and spatial – would be “working together to cut delays and duplication, and deliver faster and better structure planning”, the government said.

The State Government would also offer a dedicated concierge service to work with councils and industry to identify, intervene and fix the issues that were preventing zoned land from being developed.

The State Government would also review several existing greenfield PSPs which are not yet fully developed to understand opportunities for increasing the number and types of homes

where there is sufficient planned infrastructure.

According to a State Government statement, the plans would help realise the State Government’s vision of 70 per cent of homes in Melbourne going in inner and established areas with 30 per cent going in outer-suburban ‘greenfield’ areas, instead of the other way around.

Planning and Suburbs Minister Sonya Kilkenny said the plan was a response to a number of calls from key industry bodies.

“This is a window ten years into the future for home builders like those represented by the Urban Development Institute of Australia, it’s what they’ve been asking for to plan and build with confidence,” she said.

“This is all about providing choice and getting the balance right between development in the outer suburbs and development in the inner city.

“For too long, that’s been too one-sided.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said the plan would help deliver ten years’ worth of family homes with backyards.

“Whether it’s a new house with a backyard that’s fit for a big family, or a unite in the inner suburbs near a train station for a first home buyer - I’m about more homes and more opportunities for everyone,” she said.

The State Government said they were “fixing the unfair split of suburban growth”.

The government said: “For the last 30 years, greenfield areas have shouldered a disproportionate amount of Melbourne’s growth. Homes in well-serviced council areas like Boroondara have only grown 24 per cent since 1994 while Wyndham grew 439 per cent over the same time.”

For more information on the plan, visit vic. gov.au/more-homes

Hooray for horse support

It was a banner day at the Pakenham Riding for the Disabled Association, with the Melbourne Cup stopping on its annual tour around the globe, a $500,000 election promise and a $41,372 donation from a local gym.

Victoria Racing Club ambassador and Paralympian Emma Booth joined Paris Paralympians Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy to celebrate the arrival of the prized trophy.

Other dignitaries included incumbent Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik and La Trobe MP Jason Wood, with the latter an-

nouncing a Federal Liberal Government would invest $500,000 to upgrade the facilities at the Riding for the Disabled Pakenham Arena.

BFIRM Personal Training’s Micky Harold and Jarrod Matthews also attended to present a cheque for $41,372 raised during its third annual charity golf day, held on Friday 4 October, raising its grand total of donations to RDA Pakenham over the past three years to $103,000.

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BFIRM Personal Training’s Jarrod Matthews and Micky Harold with paralympians Emma Booth, Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy. (Supplied)

Don’t step on the Lego!

Cardinia Brix is returning to Pakenham next week, celebrating its fifth annual event in town and the long history of Lego, which seems to only grow in popularity with each passing year.

Southern Cross Brix Inc is a not-for-profit group run by volunteers and was founded by David and Renee Howes, and Kerry and Peter Jordan.

For their annual event, they chose Pakenham due to the family-orientated demographics of the area.

The first Cardinia Brix dates back to 2018 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, and 2024 will be the fifth running of the event at the centre, with 2020 and 2021 being cancelled due to the pandemic.

This year will be bigger with extra floor space to invite more exhibitors to display their inspiring LEGO creations. Local builders will be present, alongside others from around Melbourne and Regional Victoria.

All love to talk about anything LEGO-related, including giving any tips and advice on building techniques, and how they bring their ideas to life in LEGO form.

The brick building area is back and organised once again by Bindy and her team at Bricks 4 Kidz.

Open to all ages, builders are only limited by their own imagination and maybe a shortage of bricks!

A new addition to this year, the event will include Bricks to the World, who will be selling recent and hard-to-find/retired LEGO sets.

Another first for Cardinia Brix, is the inaugural People’s Choice award, where the public will be encouraged to vote for their favourite LEGO exhibit.

Many may have noticed the board advertising featuring the large LEGO spaceman named Buddy on the corner of Princes Highway and Station Street, Officer.Cardinia Brix gave thanks to the team at KR Peters Real Estate Officer who generously donated the advertising board.

Whether you’re a child or a child at heart, there’s something at Cardinia Brix for everyone.

Cardinia Brix will be held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre over Melbourne Cup weekend, Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 November.

Youcanbuyticketsattrybooking.com/events/ landing/1257218.

Or via Southern Cross Brix website at southerncrossbrix.com

Employment support for parents going back to work

More support for parents to re-enter the workforce once their youngest child becomes six years of age is on the way, with Pakenham’s Salvation Army site set to provide the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ new Parent Pathways program.

From Friday 1 November, all parents and carers who are responsible for a child under six and are not currently working will be eligible to receive flexible, obligation-free support and assistance for personal, study or work goals through Employment Plus.

The service is for parents and carers who have a child aged under six years, are not in paid employment, live in a non-remote area and receive either the Parenting Payment, Carer Payment or Special Benefit.

Those who do not receive a Centrelink payment but are eligible include parents under 22 years old, are an early school leaver (parents who don’t have a year 12 qualification) and a First Nations parent or carer.

The Salvation Army Employment Plus national director Dr Graeme White said they are looking forward to supporting as many parents as possible under the new program.

“Part of that is connecting them to our service partners and all of the programs and broader assistance offered by The Salvation Army,” he said.

Dr White said Employment Plus understands that in some cases parents may need additional support to address non-work-related issues before they can then turn their focus to education, employment and future aspirations.

“In a number of locations, Employment Plus will be delivering Parent Pathways from the same building as other Salvation Army services, making it even easier for parents to

access the full range of programs available,” he said.

“The Salvation Army offers both basic living assistance as well as an array of effective wrap-around programs to help parents with any underlying issues like homelessness, domestic violence, drug dependence or financial difficulties.

“Helping parents with these challenges makes looking for work and holding down a job much easier.”

Dr White said they understand the importance of maintaining caring duties while parents shift their focus to re-entering the workforce.

“We understand that there are skills to gain, confidence to build and preparation to be ready for the demands of a job,” he said.

“We’re motivated to help fulfil the personal aspirations of parents – who may or may not have been working prior to caring for children – and help them connect with the community that will value and benefit from their contribution, ideas and talents.”

Dr White said Employment Plus supports the completely voluntary nature of this program.

“Parent Pathways provides numerous opportunities to learn new skills and discover new career pathways without obligations, such as attending compulsory appointments or undertaking specified activities.

“This enables parents to engage with this program in a way that suits their lifestyle, commitments and caring responsibilities.

For more information, phone 136 123 or visit employmentplus.com.au/job-seekers/ job-seeker-programs/parent-pathways

Local builder Steve Reynolds with his work exhibited last year (File: 305588)

Rosie channelling grief into action

Domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty AO will be the keynote speaker at a special event as part of the 16 Days of Activisim against GenderBased Violence at Pakenham Library next month.

A joint event with Cardinia Shire’s Together We Can and Myli - My Community Library, the special event will be held from 6pm on Thursday 28 November.

Rosie became a voice for change after the devastating loss of her 11-year-old son, Luke, at the

hands of his father.

Rather than remain silent, she is channelling her grief into action, becoming a tireless advocate for family violence prevention.

Rosie has received significant recognition for her work, including being named Australian of the Year and leading the State Government’s Victim Survivor’s Advisory Council.

She is the author of two books, ‘A Mother’s Story’ and ‘Hope’.

Permanent nesting place for new owl sculpture

By Matthew Sims

Keen-eyed public transport users have spotted a new sight at Pakenham Station, with a new public artwork set to be unveiled soon.

Posts on Facebook originally thought the sculpture was popular Pokemon creature Pikachu, but news from the Level Crossing Removal Project team has confirmed the contemporary sculpture references the Greater Sooty Owl, a species known to frequent the local area.

Large-scale sculptors James and Eleanor Avery have created the new sculpture located in the northern section of the station precinct near Main Street, titled Meet Me at the Pakenham Owl.

“We chose an owl because of the protected Greater Sooty Owl local to the Cardinia Shire, and because of the symbolism attached to an owl as a spiritual guide, a widespread traveller, always returning to its nesting spot,“ Eleanor said.

Fabricated from laser-cut aluminum and set in concrete, the sculpture would stand 3.2m tall and 2.7m wide.

The architectural features of the new Pakenham Station including the V-shaped staircase, bronze finish and curved roof have inspired the sculptures’ shape and colour.

The level crossings at Main Street, McGregor Road and Racecourse Road in Pakenham have been removed by building a 2.5km section of elevated rail, and the new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham opened in June 2024.

Work is being carried out on six MCGs’ worth of new open space at Pakenham, which includes a barbecue area, exercise equipment, garden beds, seating, a half basketball court and playground.

More than 330,000 trees, shrubs and grasses would be planted in and around the station precincts.

While the event will cover sensitive topics, including family violence, it is a vital opportunity for the Pakenham community to come together, reflect, and inspire change.

Seats are limited and early booking is encouraged.

For more information and to reserve your spot, visit myli.au/rb281124 or phone Pakenham Library on 5940 6200.

AO. (Supplied)

High-risk drivers nabbed as part of Operation Malleus

A 147 km/h driver ‘running late to a meeting’ at 6am, unaccompanied learner drivers with meth in their systems and a motorist detected at 0.133 after dodging a roadside breath test station were among the offenders caught in a three-day road policing blitz in the South East last week.

Operation Malleus targeted high risk behaviours including speeding, impaired driving and unauthorised driving on 15, 17 and 18 October.

Among the offenders was a driver detected at 147 km/h on the Princes Freeway about 6am on Tuesday 15 October.

He told police he was running late for a meeting.

His vehicle was impounded for 30 days, and he was expected to be summonsed to court.

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Other notable incidents were:

■ A woman intercepted after avoiding a PBT site in Narre Warren South and returned an alleged evidentiary breath test of 0.133 about 1.40am on Thursday 17 October. Her licence was cancelled for 13 months, and she was fined $840 .

■ An unaccompanied learner driver in Hallam not displaying L plates about 9am on Friday 18 October. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at $1120.50, with the driver to be summonsed to court.

■ A disqualified driver driving a friend’s car in Narre Warren South tested positive to methamphetamine about 12.05pm on Friday 18 October. The driver is to be summonsed to court.

■ A male was intercepted on an e-scooter on Overland Drive, Narre Warren and tested positive to methamphetamine about 12.30pm on Friday 18 October. The driver is to be summonsed to court.

■ An unaccompanied learner driver in Endeavour Hills displaying P plates and with cancelled vehicle registration had tested positive to methamphetamine and cannabis at 9.40pm on Friday 18 October. The driver is to be summonsed to court.

Dandenong Highway Patrol’s Acting Sergeant Dexter Kiernan said it was “extremely disappointing that we continue to detect so many people drink and drug driving, which we know contributes significantly to trauma on our roads”.

“Getting behind the wheel while impaired by

alcohol and drugs is not only putting yourself in serious danger, but all other road users are put at significant risk.

“We make no apologies for detecting and removing dangerous drivers, and will continue to conduct road policing operations to reduce trauma on our roads.

“There is absolutely no excuse for drink or drug driving.”

Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong Highway Patrol units, with the assistance of State Highway Patrol and the Public Order Response Team, conducted the operation.

Safe Transport Victoria also conducted vehicle compliance checks, resulting in defect notices for unroadworthy vehicles.

Titled Meet Me at the Pakenham Owl, the new sculpture will be unveiled soon. (Matthew Sims)

Rosie Batty

Pushing back against jail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An “entitled” and “privileged” serial hoon from Berwick is arguing against a jail term after pleading guilty to a spree of dangerous social-media stunts on public roads.

Sushant Mittal, 20, stands accused of reckless conduct endangering life for many of the 12 alleged driving incidents recorded on mobile phones, including his own while driving.

The P-plater admitted to multiple high speed acts up to 255km/h, street racing, rapid swerving between heavy traffic and seat-swapping with a passenger while driving on Monash Freeway.

The incidents took place in Hallam, Clyde North, Berwick, Dandenong North, Eumemmerring, Mulgrave, Blackburn North, Glen Waverley, Parkville, Mt Waverley, Box Hill North, Wheelers Hill and Melbourne in 2022 and 2023.

Many were committed in his family business’s high-powered sports Mercedes – despite it being a prohibited vehicle for probationary drivers due to its high power-weight ratio.

The P-plate driver was also charged with driving a vehicle that was prohibited for probationary drivers due to its high power-weight ratio.

Its speed limiter of 250 km/h had been overridden and its six-cylinder engine re-mapped to a V8, prosecutor JJ Jassar told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 16 October.

Jassar argued for a jail term and community corrections order (CCO) noting the manner of driving, speeds and the posting on social media for “likes” and “self-aggrandisement”.

Much of Mittal’s “experience” was from playing video games at home, Jassar told the court.

Defence lawyer Chris Farrington said there was scope for a long, punitive CCO only, citing his client’s youth, zero priors and vulnerability in custody.

Magistrate Malcolm Thomas said it was “more likely than not” that he’d sentence Mittal to a

term in custody – despite his own concerns at the “privileged” ex-private school student’s vulnerability.

“He’d find it very very hard, whether it’s adult prison or youth training.

“If he goes in that environment, he will be in a place with people with significant disadvantage.

“He won’t fit in.”

Mittal’s antics weren’t a momentary lapse of attention nor a “one-off”, Thomas said.

Drivers “not driving nearly as badly” as him had killed people on the road and gone to jail for years, Thomas said. He’d put multiple people at an “appreciable risk of death”, the court heard.

He pointed to a video posted on Mittal’s TikTok account @sushionfire – estimating 40 vehicles put at risk as Mittal reached speeds of up to 184 km/h while cutting through mid-afternoon traffic on the Monash Freeway, Mt Waverley.

It depicted Mittal rapidly overtaking a truck,

narrowly missing a car ahead in the next lane and then cutting across two further lanes near the front-end of another vehicle.

“It’s like a game, but it’s not a game – you don’t get to re-spawn,” Thomas said.

“People die.”

It would have just taken Mittal to “clip” an innocent driver merging at the wrong time for potential fatalities and maiming, the court heard.

An aggravating feature was Mittal’s “showing off” as “some big hero” on social media posts. It was an emerging culture that needed to be stamped out, Thomas said.

Thomas said it was “utterly extraordinary” that Mittal continued to have access to the Mercedes even after a visit from police for a 187km/h speeding incident on Eastlink in late 2022.

Defence lawyer Farrington said the father had expressed his “disgust“ after the visit, eliciting a promise from Mittal that it wouldn’t happen again.

The offending had been a “disgusting“ period for his “feeble” and “immature” client, who’d been seeking “likes” on social media and approval from friends.

He’d been since ostracised from his social circle after falsely nominating seven associates and relatives as potential drivers during the incidents.

“One thing that my client can be thankful for is that throughout this idiocy no one has been harmed,“ Farrington said.

Magistrate Thomas said Mittal had been “given everything on a platter”, felt “entitled” and had not felt consequences until now.

The Indian-born accused had dropped out of Haileybury College during exams.

His father then gifted him part-time work and a share in his IGA supermarket.

The Mercedes had been previously impounded by police for one month. After Mittal’s parents paid for its release, the offending then got “worse”, Jassar said.

The prosecution will apply for the car’s forfeiture as “tainted property”.

In March, Mittal had rejected a magistrates’ sentence indication which included a jail term, and indicated he’d fight the charges.

He eventually pleaded guilty at the start of a contest mention hearing on 7 October, with a portion of the 110 original charges being withdrawn.

Mittal had “absolutely no prospect of success” in beating the charges, Thomas said.

In July, Mittal’s twin brother and co-offender Subhanu was convicted of 15 similar charges. He was fined $4000, disqualified from driving for two years and put on a two-year community corrections order.

Mittal was bailed to next appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 November.

‘Tainted property’: Hoon-car confiscation bid fails

The father of a Berwick serial hoon has successfully beaten a police bid to confiscate a BMW vehicle used for dangerous acts such as seatswapping while driving on Monash Freeway.

Dandenong magistrate Julian Ayres found on 21 October that there was no dispute that the car was “tainted property” under the state’s confiscation laws.

However, taking away the 2020 BMW –which was bought for $73,000 by the offender’s parents’ company PHSS Pty Ltd - would cause undue hardship to the father.

The son Subhanu Mittal, 20, had this year pleaded guilty to 15 charges including reckless conduct endangering life, driving with a suspended licence, dangerously losing traction and being a P-plater driving a prohibited vehicle in January-April 2023.

Mittal had used the BMW for at least three of the reckless conduct endangering life charges, Ayres said.

Ayres found that the offending son was not the legal owner of the BMW, though he had bought the car’s $17,000 number plates as an “investment”.

The BMW was bought with a $60,000 loan in 2021, with the father making $760 monthly repayments.

The father would be immediately liable for the remaining $46,000 debt if the car was forfeited to Victoria Police, Ayres said.

He had several business interests that seemed to be largely funded by credit and had no significant cash flow or regular income, the court heard.

Further, there was no evidence that the father had prior knowledge of his son’s illegal driving in the BMW until police raided their home in April 2023, Ayres said.

There had been no further offending in the BMW until it was seized by police eight months later.

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Ayres ruled that a forfeiture order would cause “undue economic hardship” and therefore a “disproportionate sanction” on the father as an “innocent but interested third party”.

The family company PHSS that owned the BMW had four directors – co-offending twin brothers Subhanu and Sushant Mittal, and their father and mother.

Subhanu and Sushant Mittal are not shareholders in the company.

The Chief Commissioner of Police will be ordered to pay the father’s legal costs, Ayres ruled.

He added he had “no criticism“ against the police’s “very fair and appropriate“ application.

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

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

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

During the seat swaps, the high-powered BMW was left on cruise control and lane-assist while without a driver for up to 17 seconds.

One of them was performed on the Monash on a Saturday afternoon with an L-plate passenger.

This month, Mittal’s twin brother Sushant Mittal pleaded guilty to charges including reckless conduct endangering life for similar offending.

The Mercedes AMG sports car used by Sushant is also subject to a confiscation bid by Victoria Police.

The County Court of Victoria. (AAP Image/Con Chronis)

Riding high at Pakenham

Pakenham Riding for the Disabled Association played host to a veritable who’s who of the riding world on Sunday 20 October, including two Paris equestrian Paralympians.

However, one of the most exciting appearances was from the 2024 Melbourne Cup, which made a stop at the Bald Hill Road site along its 2024 tour across 39 locations throughout six countries.

Victoria Racing Club ambassador and Paralympian Emma Booth joined Paris Paralympians Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy to celebrate the arrival of the prized trophy.

Other dignitaries included incumbent Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik and La Trobe MP Jason Wood, who announced a Liberal Government would invest $500,000 to upgrade the facilities at the Riding for the Disabled Pakenham Arena.

“This crucial funding will go towards the construction of a new arena and the roofing of existing outdoor arenas, ensuring a safer and more functional environment for all participants,” he said.

Volunteer Ken Ellison said the funding announcement was welcome news for the organisation and its participants.

“RDA Pakenham has identified this project as its highest priority,” he said.

“Participants frequently miss their lessons due to weather issues and a roof over the existing arena would go a long way to improving the important routines of the RDA riders.”

BFIRM Personal Training’s Micky Harold and Jarrod Matthews also attended to present a cheque for $41,372 raised during its third annual charity golf day, held on Friday 4 October, raising its grand total of donations to RDA Pakenham over the past three years to $103,000.

Mr Ellison said the day was a chance to celebrate the success of the group and look forward to its future.

“Interspersed with the highlights were dis-

plays and interviews from RDA participants portraying the skills they have learned under RDA coaching and explaining the importance of RDA to their wellbeing and progress towards their goals,” he said.

“The Rotary Club of Pakenham provided a BBQ and refreshments as part of their ongoing support of RDA Pakenham.”

Golden glory visits Officer to the delight of residents

As the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup reaches fever pitch, the most coveted trophy arrived in Officer over the weekend, taking over retirement community Lifestyle Officer on Sunday 20 October.

The 18-carat yellow gold trophy worth $750,000 visited the community clubhouse as part of a prestigious tour travelling across 39 destinations across six countries until it finds its way into the grip of the victor of the race that stops a nation.

Lifestyle Officer lifestyle facilities manager Graeme Hall said the day was a “day to remember” for all involved.

“There is a direct relationship with Lifestyle Officer and Thoroughbred Racing as all of our streets are named after past Melbourne Cup winners, we have a retired jockey, stipendiary steward, race caller, a judge, as well racehorse owners who reside in our community,” he said.

“Last year, our community sponsored the Pakenham Races Seniors Day and donated to several cancer-based charities including the Mother’s Day Classic and Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.

“Lifestyle Communities has raised more than $1.8 million for charities over the past 20 years.”

Keeper of the Cup Joe McGrath, jockey Joe Agresta, Lifestyle Officer community manager Graeme Hall and VRC representative Jo Constable. (Gary Sissons: 438162)

Residents Jim and Helen Weir holding the cup. (438162)Melbourne Cup jockey for Bart Cummings, Joe Agresta holding The Melbourne Cup. (438162)

Resident Gwenda Williamson holding the cup. (438162)

Paralympians Emma Booth, Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy with the 2024 Melbourne Cup. (Supplied)

Vulnerable plovers

Authorities are issuing a reminder to coastal visitors this National Bird Week about the small, but important actions they can take to safeguard vulnerable hooded plovers as they begin nesting along Victoria’s shorelines.

Spring also marks the start of joint protection efforts by the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, and BirdLife Australia under Operation Save our Hoodies (SoHo), an initiative educating beachgoers about keeping their distance from hooded plovers and their nests and taking enforcement action when these rules are broken to support the species during their crucial breeding season.

Hooded plovers are tiny, threatened birds that lay eggs in shallow sand scrapes and raise their chicks on beaches between August and March.

The species faces significant threats from people trampling nests or scaring adult birds away from their nests, which leaving eggs vulnerable to the weather and predators, and from dogs chasing, catching, or killing vulnerable chicks.

Last season, Birdlife monitored 152 breeding pairs along Victoria’s coastline and recorded 61 chicks that survived to become juveniles.

Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria Authorised Officers are patrolling Victorian beaches from the far south-west along the coast to Mallacoota in Gippsland as beaches get busier, while BirdLife Australia is monitoring hooded plovers and helping protection efforts by raising public awareness of the species, installing signage, and fencing-off nesting sites.

This year there will be more on-ground presence, education and infrastructure through Operation SoHo.

David McIlroy, director of Regulatory Operations, Conservation Regulator Victoria, said:

“While this week is a great time to celebrate hooded plovers, it’s also crucial for drawing attention to the plight of these tiny native birds and the major impacts beachgoers have on the survival of their eggs and chicks.

“By staying alert to the presence of hooded plovers on beaches from now until March and keeping dogs on leads, not only will community members stay on the right side of the law, but they will be helping protect one of our most vul-

nerable species.”

During the last breeding season from September 2023 to April 2024, Authorised Officers conducted 260 patrols along the Victorian coast and engaged with more than 1600 people.

Authorities also found more beachgoers doing the right thing, issuing only 32 fines, down from 83 in 2022-23, to people for various offences, including disturbing birds and dog owners not complying with rules near hooded plover habitat.

The Conservation Regulator has also selected the hooded plover as one of six native animals featured in its Focus Species program, an initiative promoting wildlife protection at home and in the wild.

The program aims to engage and educate the public on why Victoria’s environmental regulations exist and how following them helps native species survive and thrive for generations to come.

Hooded plovers are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to disturb, injure or destroy them, damage their habitat, or interfere with warning signage. Offenders face maximum penalties ranging between $3,951 and $47,421.

Dog owners must also be aware of local beach regulations, particularly areas where dogs are prohibited, and always keep pets on lead or under their control, as they face fines of up to $4,939 if their dog attacks wildlife.

The Conservation Regulator investigates reports of habitat destruction and dogs harassing hooded plovers. Reports can be made to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

The public is encouraged to report any sightings of hooded plovers nesting in unmarked areas to BirdLife Australia at (03) 9347 0757 or beachnestingbirds@birdlife.org.au

Mpox cases high in South East region

More than a quarter of the 330 mpox cases confirmed and diagnosed in Victoria this year have been in people living in Melbourne’s South East, according to Monash Health.

Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It’s mostly spread through prolonged physical or intimate skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox.

Symptoms resemble sexually transmitted infections and can include a rash that can be painful and affect any part of the body.

Mpox can cause severe illness and leave long-term impacts, such as scarring.

So far 27 people have been hospitalised this year.

“This can be a sexually transmitted infection, so anyone who is sexually active can be at risk,” professor Rhonda Stuart, who is the director of Monash Health’s South East Public Health Unit and director of Infection Preven-

tion & Epidemiology at Monash Health, said.

“It is mainly diagnosed in men who have sex with men, but now we are seeing it in other

people, including a handful of women and in heterosexual transmission.

“People who are sexually active and have any symptoms should get a test from their GP or at a sexual health clinic so they don’t spread it on to other people.”

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer recently released a Health Alert urging doctors to test patients with compatible symptoms for mpox.

Free mpox vaccines are available for eligible Victorians from vaccination providers across Victoria and in the South East.

“It’s important to remember that vaccination prevents severe disease, and, in some cases, it might prevent infection as well,” professor Stuart said.

“But it doesn’t stop all people becoming infected and so you are still at risk of getting the disease, even if you are vaccinated.”

Fatality at Blind Bight

Police are investigating after a motorcycle rider died following a collision in Blind Bight on Thursday 17 October.

Police have been told the rider was traveling on Baxter-Tooradin Road, near the intersection of Warneet Road, when he was struck by another vehicle at about 6.20pm.

The male rider, believed to be aged in his 40s, died at the scene.

The female driver of the car, who was not injured, was arrested at the scene.

She has since been released pending further enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

A fatality on Baxter-Tooradin Rd in Blind Bight near the intersection of Warneet Road. (Gary Sissons: 438448)

Post your vote

Voting for the upcoming local council elections will close this week on Friday 25 October, with the Victorian Electoral Commission urging residents to vote before it’s too late. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said that “local councils make all kinds of decisions for their communities, so it’s important that you exercise your right to vote”.

“Your vote will help decide who will be representing you at the local level or the next four years.”

Completed ballot papers must be in the mail or delivered to the election office by 6pm on Friday, with ballots posted after the deadline not being counted. Voters who haven;t received their ballot pack should go to the VEC website at www. vec.vic.gov.au/2024-council-elections to complete an online replacement ballot pack before Wednesday 23 October. After this date, voters will need to visit their election office to get a replacement on the spot. Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled for this election at 4pm Wednesday 7 August - voters who don’t vote may be fined.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To the Bunyip Community Market on this Sunday with more than 110 stalls.

Thumbs up

To the amazing Relay in Casey committee. After a year of planning and finally this Saturday, we hit the track. All the very best to all the committee and teams participating. Cancer sucks!

Thumbs down

To the theft our local traders are experiencing in their stores. A real problem is evolving.

Thumbs down

To the state of the roads. Major highways, back roads, length of grass.

Thumbs up

To each day being a new day and the sunshine.

Thumbs down

To the reopened giant potholes everywhere again. What was even the point of filling them when they just reopened? Just do the whole section of the road.

Director of Monash Health’s South East Public Health Unit and director of Infection Prevention & Epidemiology at Monash Health Professor Rhonda Stuart. (Supplied)

Hooded Plover at Flinders Beach. (Gary Sissons: 439448)

Plea for safety upgrades

By Ethan Benedicto, Cam Lucadou-Wells

In light of a tragic incident last week that resulted in the death of a young child, residents are calling for safety upgrades on an 80km/h road section in Endeavour Hills.

Mila, 3, was critically injured when struck at a signalised pedestrian crossing on Heatherton Road, near the corner of James Cook Drive about 8.30am on Thursday 17 October.

Her grieving mother Wenna Lin posted on a social media group: “I can see Mila’s face looking so worried every time I close my eyes. I know she didn’t do anything wrong… Mummy is here for you. Love you Mila.”

A 24-year-old Endeavour Hills man, Kamal Ghali, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death as well as dangerous driving causing serious injury since the incident.

Melinda Ambros, an independent Casey Council election candidate for Kalora Ward, told Star News that action should be taken to prevent any future incidents, from initiatives such as “safer traffic light setups, speed reduction measures and better signage”.

Ambros also added that the steep hill encouraged speeding for Dandenong-bound traffic, with the traffic lights malfunctioning a week prior to the incident a telling indication of the road’s dangers.

Andrew Brasilis, from Endeavour Hills Chiropractor, echoed the same sentiments, agreeing that more should be done in consideration of the children at nearby primary schools, as well as the general public.

“I would say that there is an accident every month on this road, so that’s a red flag for me,” Brasilis said.

“The other point is that on the pedestrian crossing. They were running lollipop people up until this year, and then they took them out, and that’s staggering to me.

“Chalcot Lodge (primary school) is a busy

A touching tribute of flowers, stuffed toys and condolence messages covered the barriers in pink to honour the death of a young girl. (Gary Sissons: 439283_21)

school, and to get there, everyone that lives on the other side obviously has to cross the road, and we’re talking a lot of primary school-aged children that are unaccompanied.”

The City of Casey’s CEO, Glenn Patterson offered his condolences to Mila’s family, saying that the council is committed to keeping communities safe, especially around schools.

“We have several road safety programs in place to educate our community, including our road safety education program and Safe Around Schools [which] is specifically designed to support school communities across Casey.

“Council is committed to improving road safety and will continue to advocate the State Government for reduced speed zones, better pedestrian sequencing (time allowed for pedestrians to cross) and red and speed light cameras where there are large numbers of school student

pedestrians,” Patterson said.

However, Brasilis said that in the 35 years of operation in the intersection of James Cook Drive and Heatherton Road, he has seen his fair share of accidents in what he called a troubling “black spot”.

While admitting that the most recent incident is the only pedestrian collision he has heard of, he said it’s not uncommon for vehicle-to-vehicle crashes to occur.

“Something should be done, the population has increased, the density in this area has increased and nothing’s happened,” he said.

The intersection of James Cook Drive and Heatherton Road is situated at the bottom of two hills, a topographical trait that both Ambros and Brasilis said makes for a dangerous location when it comes to drivers’ speeds when moving downhill.

Ambros said that the local community has asked for a dedicated traffic light, design changes for safer crossings, a supervised crossing guard and more, adding that “we’re not just asking for improvements, we’re asking for life-saving measures”.

To Brasilis, with schools in the vicinity, the area’s accident-prone nature and the most recent incident, action needs to be taken.

“It’s a crossing for kids, it needs to be improved, and now we’re paying the price,” he said.

The Department of Transport and Planning is supporting a police investigation into the incident, and says it’s inappropriate to comment further at this time.

“Any life lost on our roads is a tragedy,” a department spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating incident, especially family members and friends.”

Mila, 3, was fatally injured after being struck by a car at a pedestrian crossing on Heatherton Road, Endeavour Hills on 17 October. (Facebook)

Shadow Cabinet talks Casey

By Ethan Benedicto

Issues from infrastructure to the struggles of small businesses were discussed at Fountain Gate Hotel as the Victorian Shadow Cabinet spoke to local businesses and community groups during the Casey Community Lunch.

A casual event that opened the floors to the community from banter to discussion of topical matters, the majority of the cabinet was present, from the leader of the opposition and of the Liberals John Pesutto to local Berwick MP Brad Battin.

Pesutto addressed the crowd of roughly 50 people who gathered in the hotel’s function room, touching base on the importance of having the cabinet’s boots on the ground and engaging with growing cities like Casey.

The topic of ‘alternatives’ was the main focus, with Pesutto emphasising on “providing balance” to the current State Government’s policies and agendas.

“I love taking the Shadow Cabinet out on the road and we try to do that as often as we can, it’s really important to meet with local community leaders and hear their concerns,” he said.

Members from the Berwick District Woodwork Club, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) and many more were present, all of who were more than eager to speak with the politicians.

Pesutto said Casey was one of the biggest councils in state and it was “growing rapidly”. He said it needed more support.

With family in the City of Casey, he said he understood the importance of proper representation, with Evan Mulholland, the shadow minister for home ownership and housing affordability echoing the sentiment, agreeing that Casey’s challenges needed to be in the spotlight.

“It’s very difficult to get new housing projects off the ground, particularly connecting new suburbs with infrastructure,” Mulholland said.

As for Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) funding, Mulholland said they support a system “where what is collected is spent straight away, so things are built as housing estates are going up, whether that be roundabouts, bus stops, train stations”.

“We need to build infrastructure before or as people move in, not decades after.”

In November 2022, the government faced criticism after it was revealed the GAIC fund had more than $368 million in unallocated funding. At the time, a government spokesperson said, “every dollar of the contribution is spent on providing infrastructure for growing communities – such as schools and ambulance facilities”. The government denied it was not using the contributed funds appropriately, the ABC reported at the time.

For Brad Battin, the process of getting out there isn’t anything new, but it remains an integral process of “hearing what’s happening on the ground”.

“Engaging with groups like Syndromes Without a Name (SWAN), and meeting the children tackling these challenges; these small businesses, the different religious groups and talking about topics like mental health in the justice system has been amazing.”

Maya from SWAN sees a benefit in having political figures out and engaging with everyone.

“While I’m not too big into politics, it’s nice to be able to get in touch with people who are able to talk about Syndromes Without a Name, people like Brad (Battin) who attend fundraisers and so on,” she said.

Omar Saleem, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said that it is essential for politicians to have their “boots on the ground”.

“It’s good to get an audience with the Shadow Cabinet, we believe that the status quo has to be settled, has to be challenged,” Saleem said.

Shadow minister for youth Sam Groth sees

gagement, especially surrounding crime, mental health, and how to foster prosperity and growth.

“Itshouldn’tbeabunchofpoliticiansinSpring Street telling young people what to care about, we have to go out and speak to young people in their environment and hear what’s important to them first,” Groth said.

“More than ever young people are getting more and more involved in politics, and their access to information now is much more readily available - and they are the future.”

Charlotte Jones from the Mental Health Legal Centre said that having the chance to speak to the cabinet is significant for residents and lo-

“The City of Casey has a unique set of challenges particularly within the health space, the access to good healthcare is complex down here, as is access to good mental health care,” she said.

“With the expansion of the state’s hospital infrastructure, it’s important that this area and its needs locally are met.”

Also present during the lunch was Akoonah Ward candidate Samuel

and Grevillea

Dennison

Ward candidate John Ternel alongside a number of other shadow cabinet members from AnnMarie Hermans MP, Emma Kealy MP and David Southwick MP.

Leader of the Coalition and of the Liberals, John Pesutto MP addressed the crowd on the importance of hearing the community’s needs and concerns. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_11)

Brad Battin MP and David Southwick MP with Berwick District Woodworkers members Brian Crowe, John McMahon and Don Buchanan. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_02)

Many members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community attended the event, with Omar Saleem (maroon blazer) second to the left. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_15)

Brad Battin MP with Rinal, Lloyd and Maya from SWAN (Syndromes Without A Name) Australia. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_09)

Mark Burnell (Australian Horse Industry Council), Sue Leslie from CFA Large Animal Rescue Team and Emma Kealy MP (Nationals Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Agriculture). (Stewart Chambers: 438580_18)

Sam Groth MP and Evan Mulholland MP both touched on issues around housing, infrastructure and the youth. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_13)

Carbon, ecosystems focus

By Ethan Benedicto

Recent reports have revealed that the world’s carbon sinks are on the decline, meaning the natural capacity of Earth’s nature to absorb human emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been severely reduced in 2023, as compared to previous years.

A Guardian article, which cited research from a global research team, stated that in 2023 the global land carbon sink absorbed 0.44 gigatonnes of carbon per year (GtC), far below the 2.04 GtC average from 2010 to 2022.

The U.S-based not-for-profit Conservation International responded to the article, with scientists Will Turner and Bronson Griscom agreeing that nature’s ability to absorb CO2 is weakening but emphasised that natural processes are continuing, although on a much smaller scale.

Belinda McPhee, a Federation University student in Environmental and Conservation Science, shared insights from a pilot project, where she and her peers planted native species across local councils to see how they adapt to climate changes.

“Really, working ecosystems store the most carbon, so we need to make sure that we keep our ecosystems healthy over the long term,” she said.

She acknowledged the severity of the situation but stressed that preserving healthy ecosystems remains key in balancing the carbon equation.

“We can’t plant our way out of the carbon crisis, there is not enough land on Earth to plant enough trees to absorb it all… we have to stop emitting so much.”

McPhee added that projects like the one she took part in can help ecosystems adapt to the already changing climate.

The Guardian’s article was based on research from institutions like Tsinghua University, the University of Exeter, Leipzig University, University of Paris-Saclay and Microsoft Research, titled “Low latency carbon budget analysis reveals a large decline of the land carbon sink in 2023.“

The findings emphasised that nature’s ability

to mitigate climate change is faltering, driven by deforestation, fossil fuel burning, and industrial activities.

Conservation International critiqued the ar-

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ticle for missing opportunities to highlight successful restoration efforts globally, which showed that natural climate solutions could offer some hope.

With both Conservation Natural scientists calling for natural climate solutions, McPhee and her peers saw good progress in the first threemonth interval of their project, with a 94.3 per cent survival rate across the five sites from the Greater Dandenong Council, Knox City Council and Maroondah City Council.

The project’s plants, where some originated from Warrandyte and in cooler climate areas such as Inverloch “are not affecting their ability to establish”.

“We’ve used five locally indigenous species sourced from cooler, wetter climates, to help local plants adapt more quickly to the expected future climate,” McPhee explained, noting that intermingling species accelerates this adaptation.

The international report also highlighted the impacts of extreme climate events, such as record temperatures and droughts, which reduced nature’s ability to absorb CO2.

Droughts in the Amazon led to carbon losses of 0.31 GtC, and wildfires in Canada contributed 0.58 GtC in emissions.

The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii recorded a CO2 growth rate of 3.37 billion tonnes in 2023, 86 per cent higher than in 2022, marking the highest rate since measurements began in 1958, with this rapid increase pointing to the weakening of natural carbon sinks.

For McPhee and Conservation Natural, restoring and supporting natural ecosystems is essential.

“Where this project fits in is that these are ecosystems that we’re working to restore because they help with mitigation, they help people feel good, they help with the ecosystem that they are in.

“We also need to think about Australia, how big of an influence we’ve had in the ecosystems and the species here… we need to be looking after our natural capital, it’s all we’ve got.”

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Belinda McPhee believes that measures that cultivate nature, much akin to the project she took part in, are what is required to mitigate the effects of climate change. (Riley Fisher Photography)

Aus Day ceremony debate

By Violet Li

As calls to change the date of Australia Day have gained increasing public attention in recent years, Star News spoke to Casey South candidates across six wards on their attitudes towards Australia Day celebrations at the council level.

In 2022, the Federal Government allowed councils to hold citizenship ceremonies within three days before or after Australia Day.

Casey Council had chosen to stick with its tradition of holding the Australia Day citizenship ceremony on 26 January, despite many councils pulling out after the policy change.

The endorsed City of Casey Reconciliation Action Plan in May this year states that the council will seek wider community feedback on holding the annual Australia Day citizenship ceremony on an alternative date(s) within the parameters of the Federal Government Guidelines.

Most candidates surveyed across Correa Ward, Cranbourne Gardens Ward, Kowan Ward, Quarters Ward, River Gum Ward, and Tooradin Ward have supported the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.

Kowan Ward candidate Shane Taylor said he saw no compelling reason to alter the date of this significant national citizenship ceremony.

“Australia Day, celebrated on 26 January, holds a deep historical and cultural significance for our nation. It’s a day that symbolizes unity and national pride, offering an opportunity for all Australians to come together and celebrate our shared values and achievements. For many new citizens, this day also marks a meaningful milestone as they are officially welcomed into the Australian community,” he said.

“Having spoken with a number of immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds, I have found that they are eager to embrace Australian traditions and values.

“They view the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day as a powerful affirmation of their commitment to their new home.

“It’s a moment that signifies their acceptance into Australian society and their respect for everything that makes this country unique.”

Mr Taylor said he understood that there were differing opinions.

“I believe changing the date of the Australia Day citizenship ceremony could potentially create more division rather than fostering unity,” he said.

“Our focus should be on celebrating what unites us as Australians, rather than what divides us.

“We must ensure that we can celebrate our nation without feeling as though we are offending other cultures or communities.”

Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Tamas Kapitany shared a similar attitude with Mr Taylor.

“I see no reason to change that date,” he said.

“It’s a tradition we have and value. Attempts to change that date only divide us and create potential conflict.”

Another Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Michelle Crowther said Australia Day had been a key topic in her conversations with locals throughout the election and she would bring more events on the day if elected.

“In 2024, there wasn’t an official City of Casey Australia Day event, so my family and I attended a community celebration at Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park. It was a wonderful occasion that

brought together many different cultural and community groups,” she said.

“We celebrated Australia Day and reflected on how fortunate we are to live in a united and diverse country.

“If elected, I will advocate for bringing back Australia Day events in the City of Casey. These events offer a chance for our community to come together and celebrate the values that unite us.

“I understand that Australia Day can be challenging for some, so I believe the City of Casey could offer events that acknowledge our history while celebrating the best of Australia, giving everyone the freedom to participate in a way that feels meaningful to them.”

Kowan Ward candidate Jawad Erfani said if elected, he would not support any changes to the Australia Day citizenship ceremony or altering the significance of Australia Day and its celebration.

“I understand that there are differing views on this topic, but I personally support maintaining the current date for citizenship ceremonies and celebrating Australia Day as a national holiday,” he said.

“It holds great importance for many residents in the City of Casey, and I believe in respecting their views.”

Quarters Ward candidate David Rolfe said Australia Day celebrations and citizenship ceremonies won’t change on his watch.

“The day celebrates being Australian, regardless of heritage and welcomes migrants to our big Aussie family,” he said.

River Gum Ward candidate Wayne Smith said he was absolutely in favour of an Australia Day Citizenship.

“I attended every year for nearly 25 years and MC’d at various Aust Day events for almost as long,” he said.

Quarters Ward candidate Aftab Hussain said he supported the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.

“Our community has expressed their desire to celebrate Australia Day and I am committed to celebrating it,” he said.

Correa Ward candidate Gary Rowe said: “We as Australians can’t continue to give up on our

traditions and celebrations. We have no good reason to.”

River Gum Ward candidate Damien Rosario said he would keep the ceremony and tradition of awarding citizenships on Australia Day.

“Australia Day should be a time to unite every one of all backgrounds together to celebrate what’s good about modern Australia. We have progressed a long way as a nation since our founding and though we cannot change the past, we can learn from our history and stand united for a brighter future together,” he said.

Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Mary Beth Melton and Tooradin Ward candidates Anthony Tassone and Jennifer Dizon believed that it was not an issue that should be focused on at the council level, but they supported the celebration on the day.

Ms Melton said the local council needed to focus primarily on local issues.

“As long as Australia Day remains on the 26th, I support citizenship ceremonies on the day to signify pride in our national identity, emphasise our civic responsibilities and promote community celebration,” she said.

“I do not believe our local councils should be weighing in on the day we celebrate Australia Day at all, but personally, I will celebrate on the 26th as I always have.

“I am absolutely committed to doing everything I can to ensure that our local council remains focused on local issues and is only involved in affairs that impact our local community as much as possible.

“I believe changing the date of when we celebrate Australia day is a Federal issue and I believe Victorian councils are too politicised. Community members I have spoken to are crying out for local councils to stay focused on local issues. This is what I intend to do if elected.”

Mr Tassone said it was not within the remit of local government to debate what day the national day should be.

“That is a matter for other levels of government. Whenever our National Day is declared, and it is currently the 26th of January, I strongly believe that local councils should fully support it as a day of community celebration recognising how great our country is made all the stronger by

our diversity and multiculturalism,” he said.

“Citizenship ceremonies are a tremendous honour for not only the recipients of Australian citizenship but for local councils to host.

“Whilst I have been doorknocking, I have met many residents who have become Australian citizens on Australia Day, and they feel great pride and gratitude. It truly is very special.

“Many Australian service men and women, and the families that have lost a loved one, have paid the ultimate price defending our country and interests under our nation’s flag so we can have the freedoms we enjoy. This should never be taken for granted.”

Ms Dizon said: “I believe that changing the date of Australia Day is a Federal Government issue, and it’s important for the Casey City Council to remain focused on the issues that directly impact our local communities. Councils should move away from non-local issues and focus on essential local matters. If elected, this will be my utmost priority.

“Nonetheless, I strongly support maintaining the current date for the citizenship ceremonies and celebrating Australia Day on 26 January. It is a day of significance for many Australians, and I see no reason to abandon this tradition.”

River Gum Ward candidate Garry Page has been the only responding candidate saying the starting point for discussion should be what event was to be celebrated as Australia Day.

“Wikipedia has the first designated ‘Australia Day’ as Friday 30 July 1915. The current date is not a celebration of Captain Cook’s discovery of Australia, or Federation when the original colonies joined together to form the Australian nation. What is the point of celebrating the wrong date?” he said.

“The starting point for discussion should be what event is to be celebrated as ‘Australia Day’.

“Why should we celebrate ‘Sydney Day’ as ‘Australia Day’?

“If Australia becomes a republic would there be a new date for ‘Australia Day’? The current date makes as much sense as having a Queen’s Birthday celebration when we have King Charles. Let alone the fact that the Queen’s Birthday public holiday was never held on the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.”

Kowan Ward candidate Kasuni Mendis said: “Australia is a country full of a diverse and broad range of people who have different views and opinions on Australia Day. For some, it is a day of pain and hurt as a result of past and present transgressions, for some, it is a day of celebration for all that our country is.

“I believe we need to find a solution for this issue that allows for both perspectives.

“I believe we absolutely should be celebrating the best of what this great nation has to offer. Changing the date of the public holiday, however, is a Federal Government issue.”

Tooradin Ward candidate Andrew Gai said If elected, one of the biggest shifts in the next council’s decision-making would be to consult prior to making a final decision on big issues such as Australia Day.

“So I would like to hear what Casey residents think in regards to holding a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day 26 January and I will respect the outcome of such consultation,” he said.

“I personally would like to see Australia Day move to a Day that all Australians, particularly our First Nations people can celebrate.”

‘A collective effort’: Honour for Wellsprings leader

Known as a tireless champion for migrant women, Wellsprings for Women chief executive Dalal Smiley is among 21 new inductees in the 2024 Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

Smiley’s induction in the ‘local champion’ category was announced by Women’s Minister Natalie Hutchins at the Arts Centre Melbourne on 16 October.

It was important to note that her induction was due to the “efforts of the women in my life”, Smiley said.

“(Their) contribution, kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness and appreciation made this happen.

“From (Dandenong MP) Gabrielle Williams who nominated me, to our chairperson Janet Cribbes whose endorsement of the nomination

was critical, to my staff and management team whose work is being celebrated and acknowledged through this award today.”

In 1976 Smiley arrived with her family as refugees from the civil war in Lebanon.

In a varied and storied career, Smiley has led award-winning programs at City of Darebin, chaired the Victorian Arabic Social Services and served as a commissioner with the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

Smiley has been a strong advocate at the helm of Dandenong-based Wellsprings for Women since 2017.

It provides services such as specialist family violence case management for migrant and refugee women.

“Nothing is achieved by one person,” Smiley

said.

“But mountains are moved by a collective effort as evidenced at Wellsprings as we all pulled together in the last seven years to be the safe and enabling place for women to thrive.”

The Honour Roll was created by the late Premier Joan Kirner in 2001.

Since then, more than 750 women from across Victoria have been inducted for their contributions in fields such as science, art, environment, law, social justice, research, health, media and education.

Hutchins said the Honour Roll recognizes “remarkable, intelligent and determined women who have paved the way for countless others, contributed to their communities and become leaders in their fields”.

Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smiley has been inducted in the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. (Stewart Chambers: 365111)

Do you support the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day? (AAP Image/Darren England)

Ready for the next journey

By Ethan Benedicto

Place, but the moment was even sweeter for Elizabeth Zavros.

The culmination of 12 years of schooling reached a climactic end on Wednesday 16 October, as the journey to becoming a maternal and child health nurse came to a close, Elizabeth delivered a riveting speech to the audience, one that spoke of resilience, perseverance and triumph.

“I still feel like I have to pinch myself that I actually got here,” Elizabeth said.

“But I was nervous, I don’t think anyone really enjoys public speaking, but getting up there and delivering that speech, made me reflect on the last 12 years or so of my life.

“To get to that moment it was like, tying it all together rather beautifully, it was the last time I was going to be doing that, and I don’t think I’m going to study again, so I really kept those

[thoughts] at the back of my mind.”

Elizabeth completed a Graduate Diploma of Health (Child and Family Health Nursing) after training and working as a nurse and midwife; beforehand, she was motivated to enrol in the course while recovering from a preventative double mastectomy after discovering she had a BRCA2 gene mutation.

When she first began her studies in 2013, it was as a single mum, and after dropping out of high school in Year 11, “people thought I was pretty crazy”.

“‘Uni is really hard’, I remember being told that many a time, that it’s really tough, and that I have two little girls and that I’m a single mum, they asked, ‘do you really think you should be doing this?’

“And I did, I got through three years without failing anything, I did my nursing grad year after, but I’ve always wanted to do midwifery and maternal and child health, that was always the goal.”

After applying to the midwifery course, Elizabeth met her current husband, and also with two

daughters meant a “demanding” few years from her studies to her everyday life.

Nevertheless, she pushed through, soon after working as a midwife for five years before she was diagnosed; but it was then, a wave of feelings and realisation, the determined thought of working towards a greater good when Elizabeth decided to apply for her course.

The previous year was nothing short of difficult, with her coming out of her surgery at the beginning of 2023, and with classes beginning in March with 330 hours of placement on top of her part-time role as a midwife and nurse.

“Then, in the middle of last year, my father passed away, it was a lot, it was a tricky year,” she said.

“Dealing with the mastectomy, and the ongoing procedures, but I got there in the end, I just had to take one step at a time.

“If you think about it and you stand back and go, ‘oh my God, I’ve got to do three degrees, there’s no way I’m going to be able to do this’.

“But you’ve just to take it one step at a time

and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, close friends, and my children as well.”

For Elizabeth, it was all about taking it slow, and through the support of her loved ones, having the confidence in herself to achieve what she has always wanted to become.

“My children are my number one priority, hence why I went into midwifery and maternal and child health,” she said.

“I look at my children and think, I want to provide them with a great life, and I want to be able to show them what you can do as well.

“It’s all about going step by step, one week at a time, one day at a time, being slow and pacing yourself, and you just have to think about what your goal is and really hold on tight and make sure you follow through.

“Don’t listen to that self-doubt, and I didn’t think I would ever say how much I absolutely love a job, but it’s just a job for me - it’s about holding on to that dream and to keep on going,” she said.

Youth celebrated at inclusive awards dinner

By Violet Li

Local charity Bakhtar Community Organisation held its annual Bakhtar Youth of the Year Award Dinner on Friday 11 October.

The night recognised the outstanding contributions and achievements of the youth, with a turnout of over 300 attendees, including dignitaries from more than 70 organisations as well as government representatives.

Award winners included Parisa Sekandari for Bakhtar Youth High Achiever of the Year, Zahira Malikyar for Bakhtar Youth Volunteer of the Year, and Nilab Mohammadi for Bakhtar Youth Athlete of the Year.

Bakhtar founder and chief executive Bassir Qadiri said this year the award night was a bit different because it wasn’t for the Afghan community only.

“It was inclusive of everyone. As in the guests, they were not only from the Afghan community. We had guests from different community backgrounds, and the session was full in English,” he said.

“That’s how we moved on to become a multicultural organisation. That’s why we wanted it to be reflected in our events as well.

“We had performances like Bollywood performances from India, and we had a Turkish performance.”

Finalists for the Bakhtar Youth Awards.

Youth Volunteer Finalist Rahmana Basit and chief executive Bassir Qadiri.

Bakhtar Youth High Achiever of the Year winner Parisa Sekandari and South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis.

Turkish performer Serkan Tumkaya is performing Turkish dance.

Bakhtar Youth Volunteer of the Year Award winner Zahra Malikyar and chief executive Bassir Qadiri.

With chins held high and smiles on their faces, graduates from Federation University’s Berwick and Gippsland campuses graced the halls and stages of Bunjil

The stage was adorned by colourful academic regalia, complete with hats, gowns and pride on their chests. (Gary Sissons: 437629)

Elizabeth Zavros delivered a speech during Federation University’s graduation ceremony on Wednesday 16 October. (437629)

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING Seasonal asthma

October brings the start of grass pollen season, generally lasting until 31 December. Warmer weather, increased amounts of grass pollen in the air and certain types of thunderstorms, when combined, can result in an Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma (ETSA) event triggering severe asthma.

Thunderstorm Asthma can cause serious health impacts for people with known and unknown conditions of asthma. Symptoms of ETSA include an itchy and runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and/or chest tightness. Some of these symptoms can become very se-

vere, very quickly, and may require urgent medical assistance.

Sharon Rukavina, respiratory clinical nurse consultant – asthma and allergy at Northern Health, said that during the 2016 event, thousands of people suddenly had asthma attacks, therefore, finding it difficult to breathe.

“Some had never had asthma symptoms before,” Ms Rukavina said.

“In Victoria, from October to December, thunderstorm asthma results from a combination of high grass pollen counts, such as ryegrass, and specific weather conditions. Strong winds carry

the pollen, while storms or moisture break open the pollen grains, releasing ultrafine particles into the air.

“These particles are small enough to penetrate the lower airways, potentially triggering severe asthma symptoms in those that are susceptible.

A comprehensive review of the 2016 Melbourne thunderstorm asthma incident revealed that it primarily affected individuals sensitive to grass pollens,” explained Ms Rukavina.

“Consequently, those with springtime hay fever or poorly controlled asthma – characterised by asthma symptoms on many days of the week or frequent ongoing use of a reliever inhaler – will require additional protection against thunderstorm asthma. If you think your asthma may not be controlled or you have spring hay fever, then please see your GP as soon as you are able.”

Ms Rukavina urges everyone in the community to be able to recognise the symptoms of someone having an asthma attack and to know the four steps of asthma first aid.

“It is very important not to ignore any symptoms of asthma such as wheeze, persistent cough or unexplained breathlessness. Everyone should be able to recognise the symptoms of someone having an asthma attack and to know the four steps of asthma first aid,” Ms Rukavina said.

· Step 1: Sit person suffering the attack upright.

· Step 2: Shake the blue/grey reliever puffer and give them four separate puffs using a spacer if available.

· Step 3: Wait four minutes and give four more puffs if the person cannot breathe normally.

· Step 4: Call an ambulance if they still cannot breathe normally and keep giving reliever puffs as above until an ambulance arrives.

To access daily forecasts for ETSA events, please visit: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/ environmental-health/epidemic-thunderstormasthma-risk-forecast

Fine art of dentures

Kerri Sawdon is a dental prosthetist who makes and repairs dentures as well as mouthguards.

Her Pakenham-based business offers a friendlyandrelaxedenvironment,andprovides services direct to the public.

Kerri’s business encourages patient feedback to ensure that every customer receives the desired outcome.

Kerri has been working in Pakenham as a prosthetist for 11 years , although Kerri offers more than 30 years of experience in the industry.

Her friendly and relaxed clinic aims to ensure every customer feels comfortable throughout their visit.

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

Lifeblood needs donations

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging tens of thousands of people with a common genetic condition who need to give blood as part of their medical treatment to consider donating at a donor centre to save lives.

Haemochromatosis, a condition that causes the body to store too much iron, is linked to cancer and organ damage and is the most common genetic disorder in Australia, affecting one in every 180-200 people.

The main treatment to reduce high levels of iron is the removal of blood, which is typically done every 12 weeks.

In Australia, around 73,000 bags of blood taken from patients at pathology and GP services to treat haemochromatosis are discarded every year.

With blood demand nationally at a 12 yearhigh, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is joining forces with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Haemochromatosis Australia to encourage people with haemochromatosis to speak to their GP about donating at a Lifeblood donor centre.

New research by Lifeblood revealed that many are not aware that their blood can be used to save lives – a misconception that could be preventing donations.

Lifeblood researcher Dr Peter Bentley said that people with haemochromatosis have the potential to contribute to the blood supply as they often need to give blood.

“People with haemochromatosis make up 2.5 per cent of the Australian blood donor panel, with 15,000 donors already making 37,000 donations every year at Lifeblood donor centres,” Mr Bentley said.

“Almost 90 per cent of donations from people with this condition are useable, however around 40 per cent of people we surveyed didn’t know their blood could be used to save

lives,” he said.

“We know that not everyone will be eligible to donate, or it may not be convenient if people don’t live close to a donor centre, but we believe that even if some of those 73,000 bags of discarded blood, were donated at a Lifeblood centre, it would make a significant difference to the nation’s blood supplies and the lives of patients across Australia at a time of record high demand.”

Donations from people with haemochromatosis currently save up to 111,000 lives a year, and with greater awareness, Lifeblood believes this figure could be tens of thousands more.

Donations can be arranged by calling 13 14 95 or visiting donate.blood.com.au

New doctors

We are thrilled to welcome Dr Niranjani, also known as Jenny, to our One Centre Square Medical Hub practice. She welcomes new and existing patients gracefully. Her special interests are Paediatric Health, Chronic disease management, Women’s health, Geriatric health, and Minor Skin diseases.

She will ensure that comprehensive patient care is provided with empathy and dedication. She also speaks Tamil fluently. Ready to take the next step in your healthcare journey? Contact our reception on 03 9087 6050 to book your consultation with Dr. Jenny today. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive expert care from our dedicated team.

Dr Parvin

One Centre Square Medical Hub is pleased to welcome Dr Parvin Dasht-Poor. She provides a great blend of clinical education and knowledge

with a strong passion for providing communitybased care.

She believes in treating all patients with chronic illnesses individually, as each person’s journey is unique. Some of her special interests are acute and chronic disease management, mental health, women’s health, antenatal care, aged care, palliative care, dermatology, and aesthetics. Dr. Parvin is currently only doing telehealth appointments while on maternity leave. Contact our reception on 03 9087 6050 to book your consultation with Dr. Parvin.

At one Centre Square Medical Hub, we are starting occupational health, audiogram and injury management services. At One Centre Square Medical Hub, we pride ourselves as a centre that provide the highest standard of patient care and take the time to listen. We ensure that our staffs are respectful towards everyone’s culture, gender and their community.

FAMILY MEDICINE

• Chronic Disease Management

• Men’s Health • Paediatric Health

• Sexual Health • Mental Health

• Minor Procedures • Immunization • Fracture Reduction & Plaster Cast • Pain Management Wound Care

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

• Pre-Employment Medical • Fitness for Duty Assessment

• Driving Medical • Medical Review Officer • Rail Medical

• Travel Medicine • Aviation Mecical

• Occupational Audiometric Testing

• Occupational Spirometry Testing

ALLIED HEALTH

• Physiotherapist • Psychologist • Dietician

• Podiatrist

OTHER SERVICES

• Pathology: Australian Clinical Labs

• Pharmacy • Dentist

Dr Jenny

Dr Niranjani, also known as Jenny.Dr Parvin Dasht-Poor.

CWA showcases creativity

By Violet Li

Country Women’s Association of Victoria West Gippsland Group held its Creative Arts Exhibition at Cranbourne Public Hall on 18 and 19 October.

Group president Ann Laws said the exhibition had a display of Home Industries, which was all about cooking, preserves, crafts, knitting, patchworking, embroidery, sewing, photography, and flowers.

“This event is an opportunity for members of the Country Women’s Association to showcase their talents in those categories. We also invited about five residents from the retirement villages around the area,” she said.

“We had entrants from some of those people because it gave them an opportunity to showcase their craft and their talents and things because they probably don’t get that opportunity all that often.

“It’s a wonderful day. People sat around and chatted, and there were a couple of people there demonstrating crafts.

“There was card making, all free. You just have to sit in, quite a few people took away lovely gift cards that they made. And there were people knitting and crocheting and just showing people how to do things.”

Berwick MP Brad Battin attended the day.

Country Women’s Association of Victoria West Gippsland Group president Ann Laws (Casey Dinner Branch) with her award-winning bloom. (Stewart Chambers: 438153)

Nancy Leonard (Casey Dinner Branch) with her patchwork quilt that won the Esdaile Cup awarded for Best Piece of Patchwork. (438153)

Delia Hunt (Dingley Branch) with her canvas long stitch artwork that won the Mae/Scadden Trophy Best Exhibit in Canvas Work. (438153)

Yvonne Bannon (Casey Dinner Branch) First Prize for Embroidery Cross Stitch with the Jean Moffatt Memorial Trophy for Best Piece Needlework. (438153)

Brad Battin MP holding Gael Napier’s (Vice President Noble Park Branch) craftwork that won the Colles Cup Branch Craft First Place. (438153)

FOCUS ON … CHILDREN’S WEEK

Nurturing every child’s potential for growth

Every school has a motto or mission statement that outlines how each member of the community can benefit from being part of the school community. St Clare’s Primary School, Officer, has the following school motto:

Faith leads to courage, wisdom and compassion

In order to live out this motto, all members of our community are asked to follow our school wide expectations which are Respect, Optimism, Courage, Kind and Safe – ROCKS.

Our students follow these in their daily actions at school by doing their job, having a go, making positive choices, seeking help when needed, modelling and practising kindness and keeping themselves and others safe.

At St Clare’s these expectations are modelled and explicitly taught and reinforced in an ongoing way. Our student awards are based on living out ROCKS and we link these expectations to scriptures in the Bible. Our hope is that all members of our community will leave St Clare’s with our school wide expectations and our motto instilled in their minds as they go through life.

We look to nurture the holistic development of each child at our school. For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is Religious Education – developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. We encourage active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.

As we work towards 2025 this term we are inviting our 2025 Foundation 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 as we have limited vacancies.

For all enquires or to receive our enrolment documentation please phone 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic. edu.au

Jump in and learn to swim

Welcome to Jump! Swim Schools Pakenham Prepare, Instruct, Praise: Our Path to Water Confidence!

Our Prepare, Instruct, Praise philosophy is the backbone of our program. It’s the difference between children developing confidence and skills in the water and resisting.

· PREPARE: We start by helping kids feel at ease in the water, building trust so they can have fun splashing around.

· INSTRUCT: We give clear directions and demonstrate essential swim movements with gentle support.

· PRAISE: We celebrate every achievement, making learning to swim an exciting adventure. To learn more contact us on 03 5941 6555 or visit: https://jumpswimschools.com.au/pakenham/

JUMP! Swim Schools Pakenham - 6/99 Bald Hill Road, Pakenham, 5941 6555.

St Clare’s our aim is to have each child reach their potential; to be a well-rounded individualwithin a supportive and caring learning environment.

JUMP Swim Schools - our path to water confidence.

WHAT’S ON

Berwick CWA

The Country Women’s Association Berwick Branch acknowledges recent support for their ‘Spring Comes to Berwick 2024’ Fashion Show in September.

As promised, 100 per cent of profits from this event is supporting their Casey North Community Information and Support Service Christmas Appeal.

This is being donated as $4000 of food hampers for some of the community’s most vulnerable members and $500 of children’s toys. The members of CWA Berwick recently voted unanimously that a further $500 be donated to Bk2Basics in Narre Warren and Have A Little Hope in Pakenham in the form of children’s presents.

A further $500 of food and presents supporting the local WAYSS branch is also being donated.

• The CWA ladies are holding their Christmas Bake and Craft Stall at Akoonah Market on Sunday 1 December.

Australian Basset Hound Races

Tails will be a-wagging next month, as keen basset hounds get ready to race as part of the free 10th Australian Basset Hound Races event at Caldermeade Farm and Cafe on Sunday 10 November at 11am.

In additional to the traditional ‘jockey’ races, the second chance races will feature the bassets wearing sailor hats, life saver caps, bow ties and more accessories.

Casey Radio will be there to call the races and will be live streaming the event.

• To register your basset hound, email Julie at djlehmann@bigpond.com

Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy

The Rotary Club of Emerald and District is gearing up to hold the event for the 21st time on Sunday 24 November at Gembrook Puffing Billy Station.

This will be the fifth year the event will support Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre. Children aged three to 12 run in seven age groups against the train and every participant receives a show bag and certificate.

• To register, visit www.emeraldrotary.org.au/ page/kfrwpb

Varroa mite information session

Beekeeping is an essential service, a hobby and

The

a livelihood.

Pollination by honey bees is responsible for 70 per cent of our nation’s food production.

Should the Varroa mite (detected in New South Wales 18 months ago) reach the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, it will threaten local honey bee well being, pollination services and honey production.

As part of the national roll out of a training program and a transition to management process, the National Varroa Mite Management workshops are aimed to help Australian Beekeepers prevent, manage and control Varroa mite in their beehives.

All beekeeepers in the area are invited to attend the upcoming nationally organised Yarra Valley Varroa Management Training Workshop on Thursday 26 October 9am to 3pm at Gembrook Community Centre.

Registration is essential and seats are limited.

• For more information or to RSVP, visit events. humanitix.com/yarra-valley-varroa-management-training-workshop

Men’s discussion group celebration

Emerald Cemetery Walk

The Narre Warren and District Family History Group is hosting a 90-minute walk through the Emerald Cemetery at 180 Macclesfield Road, Avonsleigh on Sunday 27 October from 10am.

The group will be sharing stories of people from theCaseyCardiniaarea,includingayoungman shot by his best friend, a pioneer in vitamin C research, a humanitarian involved in starting Amnesty International Australia, a nurse who set up a Bush Nursing Centre, and a policeman who arrested a dead man.

The Emerald Cemetery was established in 1883 and is managed by the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.

Light refreshments will be included at the end of the walk and a book will be available for purchase. $10 entry.

• For more information, contact cemetery. tours@nwfhg.org.au, treasurer@nwfhg.org.au or 0412 084 671.

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.

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. 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.

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?

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.

The hedgehog concept

In 1996, American researcher, author, speaker and management consultant James C. Collins lead a team of 21 research associates to understand what made an American business great. They had some pretty stringent criteria for what constituted a “great” company. They examined thousands of businesses and assessed each as follows: the company had to have been able to generate a stock return three times better than the average stock market return over a 15 year period; the business had to have demonstrated a consistent pattern of growth (i.e. not a one-off wonder); and it had to be a well-recognised entity. As a result, only eleven businesses made the cut. The team’s conclusions are documented in Jim Collins’ book “Good to Great” which is a valuable read for any business owner since it identifies what these eleven companies all had in common in order for them to be successful.

One of their key conclusions was that each business adhered to what Collins termed ‘The Hedgehog Concept’. The theory goes like this: The hedgehog (much like its Australian equiva-

TAKING CARE IAN ASH OF BUSINESS

lent the echidna) does not have a wide array of techniques to protect it from potential predators – it does just one thing really well: when it is attacked, it rolls itself into a ball and becomes pretty well impenetrable by virtue of its sharp spines. In a similar way, each of the American ‘great’ companies all shared the three core attributes at their core which collectively made them very hard to beat.

These core attributes were:

· Understanding what they were deeply passionate about;

· Being exceptionally competent in that space and

· Great insight into their ‘economic engine’. Let’s look at each of these in turn.

Very few worthwhile things in life are achieved without passion. This is the oil that keeps things moving even when times get tough. The great companies had people that were genuinely passionate about the business they were in and it permeated their company culture. The passion was focused on what the company was there to do, not necessarily on how they went about it. Interestingly, not one of the ‘great’ companies had as their core focus to make a lot of money. Financial success naturally followed as a result of their collective passion.

‘Being exceptionally competent in that space’ (or as Jim Collins stated “Understanding what you can be the best at”) might sound obvious at first sight, but the point here is that these great companies understood what it took to be exceptional in their field and focused on this rather than get drawn into spaces where they were less capable. This meant that business decisions tended to be based upon rational logic and objectivity as op-

posed to emotional reaction. Focus is the key word here.

Finally, having ‘great insight into their economic engine’ meant that each of these successful businesses knew what underpinned their success financially. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly only one of the eleven businesses was in a ‘top 10% industry’ which meant that the majority of these great businesses were able to stand out in industries where it was not seen as easy to succeed. The ‘great’ companies each understood what drove their financial success, i.e. which products and services provided a great return or cash-flow and which did not. In essence, they really knew their numbers.

So, a great Hedgehog Concept is where a business has deep understanding and knowledge in all three of these areas and applies this consistently to achieve and maintain success.

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

Pakenham Regional Mission Area

“Our vision as a Christian community is to honour each individual’s experience of God, while sharing the love of Jesus in a positive, safe and inclusive environment.”

Sunday’s service was conducted by Pastor Jo Crisp and the theme was serving one another. It is impossible to serve God without serving one another.

In the gospel, the disciples did not understand that Jesus was being betrayed. They discussed the

gravity of what was happening to him. James and John want to be beside Jesus. Jesus told them all that it would be hard to follow him and he told them that they must use their power to help others. In Jesus’ time, a social rating existed which Jesus challenged. Just like today status comes with wealth, background and where we were born. Is there still an honour system in our society? We are asked to change and serve. Power today is often through violence, threats and fear. We need to ask how can I serve? Today we need to work to create a world of peace and not be in the middle.

How much do we need one another – trust is essential. When someone offers help and support be there. Jesus said “I came not to be served but to serve”. Like the disciples, we do not always understand Jesus’ message but we must continue to try.

Please note that next Sunday is All Saints and Souls Day and people are asked to bring along a flower to place on the communion table. Things to remember:

· Homework Hub Tuesday 22nd October 3.30pm

· Playgroup Thursday 24th 9.30 – 11.00am

· Sunday 27th October 11.00 (following service)

Congregation meeting t0o elect 3 new Elder5s and to hear about the covenant agreement from Presbytery.

Please ensure that the doors are locked when you leave the building and the heating and lights are off.

Please continue to contribute to the Lazarus Food Relief which is being run by the COPTIC church who are providing hampers for the community which they distribute each Saturday at 2.00pm. A box is in the foyer for donations. Psalm “104 V1 “Bless the Lord, O my soul.”

Narre Warren and District Family History Group is hosting a 90-minute walk through the Emerald Cemetery next week. (Stewart Chambers: 438234)

Funds flow to community

A bank has celebrated its 25th birthday by handing out $250,000 of grants to South East community groups.

Community Bank Carrum Downs and its Marriott Waters branch gave grants to 30 awardees at a birthday party and presentation on 9 October.

Recipients included a Christmas twilight market, a cat adoption program, a bike donation program to refugees, a mobile kitchen outreach service, free school lunches, Skye CFA, Cranbourne Rotary Club, Cranbourne Little Athletics, Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce and Cranbourne CFA and Cranbourne Cricket Club.

“It was such a special event and a poignant time to reflect on the massive impact that Community Banking has made over the last 25 years and how we continue to help our community thrive,” the bank posted on social media.

“There were so many great stories that were shared, and so many amazing groups involved that we couldn’t possibly fit them all into one post.”

Over their 25-year history, the branches have returned 80 per cent of their profits back in the community, totalling nearly $5 million. The full list of grants is below:

■ Lyrebird Community Centre - Christmas Twilight Market

■ Frankston Bombers FNC - Trophies / presentation night

■ Melbourne Roller Hockey - Junior Development Program

■ Pines Men’s Shed - Defibrillator

■ 2nd Chance Cat Rescue - Cat adoption program

■ Skye Cricket Club - Life members and sponsors event

■ Door of Hope Aust. Inc. - Provide support to the Sudanese community in Australia.

■ Cranbourne Rotary - Support ACE Foundation. 100 pairs of glasses.

■ Rotary Club of Frankston North - Refurbish phones for domestic violence survivors

■ Belvedere Bowls Club - Prize money/membership drive

■ Peninsula Dragonfly’s - Boat Covers

■ The Sixth Child - Positive Incentive Program –10 schools

■ Camp No Fear - Sensory space and equipment for special needs campers.

■ The Babes Project - Re-print motherhood book

■ Fusion Australia - Case work for social housing project

■ Skye Fire Brigade (CFA) - New space for members, amenities and equipment at Skye Fire Station.

■ Mum’s Supporting Families in Need - Hamper containers for Christmas food support.

■ Brainwave Bikes - Donate 20 bikes to refugees in South East suburbs.

■ Cranbourne Little Athletics - Replace athletics equipment

■ Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce - Help locals from multi-cultural backgrounds with skills to set up and operate businesses.

■ South Sea Roller Derby - Subsidise cost of attending roller derby tournament.

■ Frankton & District Netball Association - Bendigo Bank Umpire Program. Essential items for stadium.

■ Frankston SES - Upgrade training equipment

■ Cranbourne SES - New unit, SES Open Day. Attract new members and volunteers.

■ 21st Vic. Boys Brigade Mitcham - Training course for volunteer leaders.

■ Elevate 180 - School lunch program (nine schools and one kindergarten. 210 meals per day – 1 year).

■ Seaford Tigers Cricket Club - Sport & Life Training (SALT) leadership program.

■ Life-Gate Inc. - Upgrade food van and trailer. Mobile kitchen outreach program.

■ Frankston Rovers Junior Football Club - Commercial dishwasher for safe food and drink service.

■ Cranbourne Cricket Club - Junior development program.

Community Bank Carrum Downs staff and grant recipients celebrate the bank’s 25th anniversary. (Gary Sissons: 435501)

Bank senior manager Len Barda presents a grant to Cranbourne SES controller Brian McMannis. (435501)

Camp No Fear receives a grant during the 25th birthday celebration. (435501)

Cranbourne Little Athletics receives a grant for athletics equipment. (435501)

Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood presented with a grant to help multicultural communities start up businesses. (435501)

South Sea Roller Derby was among the grant recipients. (435501)

Len Barda, Senior Manager Bendigo Bank Carrum Downs, presents a grant to Skye Fire Brigade (CFA). (435501)

The bank’s business development manager Gary Rowe at the lectern. (435501)

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

with Country Women’s Association of Victoria West Gippsland Group president Ann Laws

Tell us about yourself and your work in your organisation.

I joined the Casey Dinner Branch of The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc in 2005 and have served as a Branch President and Branch Secretary and now I am the CWA West Gippsland Group President.

What has been your most memorable moment during your work in your organisation?

One of the memorable moments was after the Bunyip State Park bushfires when our CWA Branch was able to donate vouchers, food stuffs and plants to the Tonimbuk Hall Relief Centre. We were able to spend some time with local residents and we were filled with admiration for their sense of community and support of each other.

What do you love about your work in your organisation?

I have made so many friends at CWA and am always impressed with their community spirit and their “can do” philosophy. The support and friendship I have received will always stay with me.

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

I would love to be a guinea pig. They are so adorable and seem to enjoy life being with other guinea pigs.

What were you like as a kid?

When I was a kid I grew up in Bethnal Green, London and enjoyed playing street games like skipping, hide and seek and cricket.

What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

I would like to witness the world coming together to seriously reverse climate change.

Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

I would invite David Attenborough, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Paul McCartney, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Three words I hope my friends would use to describe me would be: industrious, humorous and supportive.

What would you do on your perfect ’day off’?

My perfect day would involve reading with my feet up with constant cups of tea brought to me.

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

I am very much a plain food cook so I probably wouldn’t make the grade on MasterChef.

Where is your dream holiday destination? My dream holiday destination now would be Samoa. A tropical paradise with wonderful friendly people.

THREE … ways to celebrate World Kindness Day

As World Kindness Day approaches on 13 November, here are three ways to celebrate the day.

1

Performing a random act of kindness can go a long way, not just for the person you help, but also for yourself. This can be anything from paying for someone’s coffee, helping a neighbour, or helping an elderly resident cross the street - small gestures can go a long way.

2

Volunteering for a good cause is another way to celebrate, where you can take part in the efforts of your local charity, soup kitchen or local community cleaning events at parks.

3

Organising something like a kindness workshop at your workplace or institution is an effective way to get yourself and others involved, where team-building activities or discussions with a focus on kindness can engage larger groups in celebrating the day.

CWA Group president of West Gippsland Ann Laws. (Stewart Chambers: 438607)

Pledge lacks candidates

By Sahar Foladi

Four City of Greater Dandenong candidates have joined a statewide pledge to make Palestine a local council election issue. Nearly 300 local government candidates across Victoria have pledged to take action for Palestine if elected.

The four in Greater Dandenong - out of 45 candidates - were Victorian Socialist Sean Stebbings in Springvale Central ward, Greens members Isabella Do and Rhonda Garad in Keysborough South and Cleeland wards respectively and Sinan Akkurt running for Keysborough ward.

One of 89 candidates in City of Casey signed, and zero in Cardinia Shire.

The pledge is part of the We Vote for Palestine “transparency campaign”, said to be initiated by an alliance of advocacy groups in NSW and Victoria.

It is to demonstrate Palestine is an important “voter issue” and uses the pledge to identify candidates who share its values.

Garad has been vocal on the matter from the beginning, attending protests in Dandenong calling for a ceasefire.

“I have been strongly concerned about the illegal genocide of Palestinians which is being found to be illegal from the highest courts of the land.

“We’ve seen thousands of deaths of Palestinians. They’ve been starved, displaced, orphaned, Gaza is in ruins. We need to stand up and be accountable to this - that’s why I took the pledge.”

According to the United Nations, more than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza and almost 99,000 wounded in 12 months by Israeli attacks since October 7 last year.

The incumbent councillor had moved a motion in a Greater Dandenong Council meeting in November calling for a permanent ceasefire.

“To say Dandenong is immune to this, we are

uniquely connected to the whole world we are one Whats App away from the news in real time.

“Many of our residents are affected by this situation in Gaza. We have such a big Muslim diaspora, Lebanese community and they’re all deeply affected.”

Running for the Cleeland ward at this local government elections, she says she “sticks to her values” as a human first and foremost to “oppose violence” anywhere.

“For me it’s not a question and I don’t weigh it up against my chances of getting elected.

“It’s a fine balance because a lot of residents say local government has nothing to do with foreign wars.

“They (candidates) may perceive it goes against them but for me I know I can be a good councillor and care about the mass slaughter of women and children.”

Candidates were emailed the pledge through

their VEC contact details and many also received a follow up from community groups according to the organisers.

The organisers believe they could’ve seen much higher pledge numbers with more time and publicity.

The campaign, established less than four months ago, had a short time to reach areas without established community groups advocating for Palestine according to the organisers.

Incumbent councillor Jim Memeti, who has attended a number of protests in Harmony Square Dandenong and also supported Garad in her motion for a ceasefire, missed the pledge request. He says if given the chance, he would’ve most likely taken part in the pledge “if it’s calling for a ceasefire.”

Candidates are sent a considerable amount of different materials as they juggle campaigning and listening to the residents, he said.

“I would always recommend a ceasefire in any war because I think it’s easier and better to sit at a roundtable instead of creating war where people are the biggest loser.

“There’s so many emails for different pledges with different groups that we’ve lost track while everybody is busy campaigning.’

“Residents have different issues - speaking to them at the same time ultimately ensures pledges like these are left in the tray to get back to.” We Vote for Palestine states that it has mobilised diverse community groups, especially in Melbourne’s western suburbs and regional Victoria, as groundwork for Federal elections in 2025.

Fatima Measham, a WVFP co-organiser, says overall the campaign has been successful as many residents refer to the pledge to inform their voting decisions.

“We Vote For Palestine is breaking ground, starting at the council level. The response from candidates and voters shows a strong appetite for substantive justice in Palestine.”

Scene from the Harmony Square after the motion for Palestine calling for a permanent ceasefire was passed in November 2023. (Supplied)

Bullants claim major scalp in District win over Vikings

By Justin Schwarze

Officer made a big statement in round 3 of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) District Competition, comfortably taking down Carlisle Park by eight wickets.

On paper, the matchup was going to be one full of intrigue, as the Bullants entered as a cemented premiership contender, and the Vikings were recently relegated from the tier above.

Both teams came in as victors from round 2, with Officer defeating Pakenham Upper Toomuc and Carlisle Park handling business against Nar Nar Goon-Maryknoll.

The visiting side went on the front foot early with star fast bowler Cooper Pursell quickly removing opening batsman David Nutting for just 18, leaving the hosts at 1/28.

His opening partner Ethan de Vries soon joined him, courtesy of an LBW from Kuldeep Sidhu.

Sidhu wasn’t done there, taking the next two wickets and ripping through the opponent’s batting line-up.

The Officer bowling followed suit, taking another 5/19, including three wickets in a row from Ash Smith and one from Dan Irvine.

Carlisle Park sat at 81 runs with just two wickets in hand, before a handy 20 from tail-ender Ryan Hughes provided much needed scoring to help them limp to their total of 104.

Only five batters reach double-figures in runs, with the highest for the Vikings’ innings being a tally of just 21 from de Vries.

For the Bullants, both Sidhu and Smith tallied three wickets each, and Pursell and Irvine both managed a pair.

They bowled out the hosts in just over 36 overs, putting themselves into the driver’s seat for the chase.

Officer rode the momentum from its dominant bowling to a comfortable batting display.

Jaswinder Gill set the tone for what was to come, making a good knock of 44 off 26 balls before being trapped in front by Sean Hinkley.

Despite losing Gill, the runs continued to pile on for the visitors.

Chathura Imbulagoda scored a steady 26 not out off 34 deliveries, and the target was well in sight for Officer.

A second wicket for Carlisle Park came as Jack James fell after adding a quick 21, including five fours, but the visiting side needed just a further 21 runs to come away as victors.

Ash Smith came to the crease and comfortably guided Officer home to the eight-wicket victory, hitting three boundaries in nine balls.

The Bullants reached the total after just over 13 overs, with an impressive run-rate of 8.1.

Sean Hinkley took the only two wickets for the home side, but was costly, hit for 42 runs off 4.2 overs.

Over at Lang Lang, the hosts defeated Nar Nar Goon-Maryknoll by 28 runs.

Lang Lang batted first, and an early mistake led to opener Tim Miller being run out without scoring.

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However, that proved to be just a bump in a smooth road, as the Tigers cruised to a score of 8/201.

The innings was highlighted by Oshadha Ariyadasa tallying 88 off 66 deliveries, and William Wykes adding 44 not out.

Nar Nar Goon-Maryknoll started hot, but then lost 3/4, derailing their hopes of a successful chase.

Nathan Mclean took four wickets for Lang Lang, and the hosts held their opponents to 9/173.

The final match that saw play on the weekend was Cranbourne Meadows’ defeat of Pakenham Upper Toomuc.

A half-century for Jass Dhaliwal steered the Rebels to 9/160.

The visitors looked primed to reach the target of 161, before a late bowling takeover made Cranbourne Meadows successful in their defence.

With the visiting side at 5/132, needing just 29 runs, the middle and bottom order for the Yabbies fell in very quick succession, losing 5/9 to finish the innings.

In the final matchup of the week’s play, Emerald won by forfeit against Melbourne Sixers.

Up next is round four, where the competition moves to two-day matches.

Melbourne Sixers take on Nar Nar GoonMaryknoll, Officer face Lang Lang, Cranbourne Meadows hosts Carlisle Park and Pakenham Upper Toomuc visits Emerald.

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Jaswinder Gill scored 44 in Officer’s win over Carlisle Park. (Rob Carew: 438651)

Lions edged by Mentone

SATURDAY

Pakenham’s Weekend Pennant sides kicked off their seasons last Saturday with a mixed bag of results.

With the departure of a number of familiar faces, the return of a couple of former players and the influx of some new blood, it was a somewhat different Division 1 side that headed off to Mentone for what was expected to be a winning start to its 2024-25 campaign.

However the Mentone Edge had a different idea and by handling the windy conditions better than the visitors, defeating the Lions by 13 shots and with two rinks up, collected 14 of the available 18 Pennant points.

Pakenham’s best rink with 21 shots to 14 was Chris “Foxy” Fox (S), Max Mannik (three), Darren Webster (two) and Debbie Parker (L).

They won the first five ends in a row and were never headed.

“Nifty” Nev Brown’s rink put up a great fight to come from behind and win 20 shots to 16.

The Ones will be at home against Cheltenham next Saturday.

The game under the Lions’ dome between Pakenham Two (Division 3) and Narre Warren Two went right down to the wire.

After the first twenty ends, both sides had two rinks up and with the score at 18 shots to 19, the Lions trailed the visitors by just one shot.

However by the halfway mark, with two up and one all square, the Panthers had pulled ahead by 14 shots overall and appeared to have the momentum.

After the break, the Lions regrouped and began the fight back.

By the time the game entered the business ends, the locals had regained the lead on two of the four rinks and by that stage the deficit had been reduced to just six shots.

It was then an arm-wrestle over the last twenty ends but the Lions fell just short, losing overall by four shots.

Best rink with a very healthy score of 27 shots to 17 was Peter Bott (S), Charles Harris (three), Vince Bevilacqua (two) and Luis Aguilar (L).

The Twos will be away at Cranbourne next round.

Pakenham Three (Division 5) shared the Dome with the Twos but managed to deliver a happier outcome.

The Lions controlled this game from the outset; after the first twenty ends they had their noses in front on all four rinks and led by 22 shots to 14.

By the halfway mark, their lead had increased to 19 shots, although at that stage the visitors had managed to pull ahead by two shots on one of the four rinks.

The Lions continued to apply the pressure after the break and by the start of the run home, with three rinks comfortably in front and the oth-

er level, their lead had blown out to 35 shots.

By the end of play Pakenham had the ton on the scoreboard and had virtually cruised to a 100 shot to 57 victory – a nice way to start to the season.

Best rink with 30 shots to 11 was David Moore (S), Rick Burns (three), Judith Ferrari (two) and Bill Bosch (L).

The Threes will have a tougher assignment at the Dandenong Club next round.

Pakenham Four (Div 7) made the trip across country to Ferntree Gully, a venue which has proved to be something of a graveyard for the Lions in the past.

However this Lions side apparently had scant regard for previous history.

After the first 20 ends they held a 29 to 15 lead and were in front on three of the four rinks with

“Stormin” Norm Box’s rink having won the first six ends on the trot.

From that point however, the locals fought back hard and by the halfway mark, although Pakenham’s lead had marginally increased to 16 shots, each side had two rinks up.

During the second half of the game Ferntree Gully slowly made inroads into the Lions’ lead and by the start of the business ends, it had been reduced to single figures.

From then on it was a battle to the finish with the Lions scraping home to win by just three shots but with two rinks up, collecting 14 valuable Pennant points.

Best rink with 26 shots to 12 was “Stormin” Norm Box (S), Gillian Harper (3), Kevin Holley (2) and Karen Rayner (L).

The Fours will be at home to Mulgrave Country Club in round two.

HI-LO

The round one winner was Ray Illing with number 29.

MIDWEEK

The Midweek Pennant season opens on Tuesday 22 October.

LADIES GALA DAY

Pakenham Bowls Club held a very successful Gala Day last week with 22 teams from far and wide competing for cash prizes proudly and generously donated by our local Priceline Pharmacy. It was a great, fun day of two bowl triples with a barbecue lunch, very well organised by Karen Oosthuizen and supported by a host of volunteers – both male and female.

The winner for the day and taking the Lions’ share of the prize money was (very appropriately) the Pakenham team of Brenda Moloney, Gayle Harkness and Karen Rayner.

Runners up were a team from Narre Warren with three ladies from Heathmont collecting third prize.

- Des Leigh

Cardinia Waters split results in opening Bowls weekend

Cardinia Waters Bowls Club started the new season with one gritty win and one heavy loss from the two teams it fielded last Saturday.

Fine weather greeted the bowlers after the heavy rain and storms that appeared on Friday.

The home surface handled the weather well, however side Two had a heavy grass green to contend with at Churchill Waverley Golf Club.

Playing at home, side One faced off with Beaumaris, a side new to section eight.

It is a few years since the village team played against their Bayside opposition.

Beaumaris looked dangerous early, with one Cardinia Waters rink being dominated by the away side.

This was to change later in the afternoon.

By the afternoon tea bell, Cardinia Waters had a slender six shots lead, with only one rink behind at that point.

After refreshments it was the home which took the ascendency, to win eventually on all four rinks and by eighteen shots overall.

It was a handy result as no other team won on all rinks, thus giving Cardinia Waters top spot on the ladder after just the one round.

Remarkably it was John Van Vugt’s rink that scored the best win, after being well-beaten early.

They were down seven shots at the break, and motored home strongly to eventually win by the same margin.

Van Vugt played with Mick Knight, Del Dance and Therese Mitchell.

They really caused an upset, after only winning four singles from the first ten ends.

The final eleven ends were completely different as they outscored their Beaumaris opponents 18-4. The overall score was 22-15.

Keith Lewis skipped a rink that won by five shots.

He played with Bill Hite, Jim Barrie and Val Moore. They led by five at the break, and after leading by up to nine shots in the second half, were eventual winners.

Winners by three shots were Ray Naylor (skip), Jill Naylor, Cathy Swinkels and Bill Tippelt.

They commanded a lead of up to twelve shots, but needed to survive a Beaumaris comeback late in the game to claim victory.

John Moore’s rink also made heavy work of their three-shot win.

Up by seven shots at one point they needed strong nerves to hold out their opponents who rallied in the last four ends.

Moore played with Ashley Graham, Dennis Patmore and Ian Kennedy.

It is early to crow, but side one survived an important test in their first round game, and need to enjoy their stint on top of the ladder.

Behind them lurk the unknown Frankston team who dropped one rink in their big win against Mulgrave Country Club.

Frankston gained a large percentage boost, winning by 50 shots.

Side Two suffered a large away loss against Churchill Waverley Golf Club.

Always good at home, the golfers won easily, however Cardinia Waters did take one rink off them.

Steve Hale skipped the winning rink, playing with Michele Bondfield, Donny Gibson and Terry Nye. Their 23-18 win was tempered somewhat when they dropped six shots on the last end. The seconds hold down position five on the early ladder.

One disappointment was the late withdrawal of the Upwey-Tecoma side in this division.

They forfeited their game against Cranbourne, and are listed to play Cardinia Waters next Saturday.

Next week side One play Burden Park on their grass green, a big test for this side that hasn’t seen turf since last season.

Midweek bowls starts this week, and a report will be seen in next week’s Gazette. - John Moore.

Therese Mitchell leads the way in her game last Saturday. (Supplied)

Pakenham’s Chris Fox lines one up. (Stewart Chambers: 257763)

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