are on a mission to ride from Melbourne to Adelaide as part of their fundraiser for DIPG research.
Ride for Lucy is a personal mission led by Lucy McAleer’s uncle, Scott Holmes, and his friend, Rhys Davie. The heart of this mission is the story of Lucy, a bright and creative young girl, beloved by her family and friends.
Story page 3
By Corey Everitt
The counts for Beacon Hills and Central Wards are complete, showing a dominant win for both with three-quarters of their electorate voting for their return.
Both faced only a single opponent in this election and each took 76 per cent of the vote.
Owen received 6036 first preference votes over opponent Kylie Wagstaff who drew 1856 votes.
Ross held a firm with 5519 votes over opponent Rekha Devda Naidu’s 1685 votes.
This will be Owen’s sixth consecutive term with next year marking two decades as a councillor.
Ross has achieved his fifth consecutive term.
With the departure of Graeme Moore, they will be the only current sitting councillors to have served on the council for more than a decade.
This week, residents are set to know the full slate of councillors for the next four years.
On the back of the Melbourne Cup , the VEC continued the count on Wednesday 6 November.
‘Group A’ ballots - the majority of overall votes, being the ones that came in by 6pm on 25 Octo-
ber - had their first preferences counted last week revealing the front runners in each ward.
Over Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 November, the VEC plans to count ‘Group B’, approximately a thousand remaining votes for each ward, to finalise the full first preference standings.
Doing four wards each day in alphabetical order, Beacon Hills, Bunyip, Central and Henty Wards will have their Group B ballots counted on Wednesday and Officer, Ranges, Toomuc and Westerport Wards will be counted on Thursday.
As many of the wards only have two candidates, the final first preference tally will confirm
the winner for five out of the eight wards up for grabs.
The councillors for Bunyip, Officer and Westernport Wards will likely be known by Thursday afternoon.
On Friday, the VEC will count down the ballots for Henty, Ranges and Toomuc Wards where these close races will be decided in the distribution of preferences.
Star News will report on the results as they are revealed throughout the week and readers can follow the coverage online at pakenhamnews. starcommunity.com.au
Last Thursday 31 October and Friday 1 November, the Sikh community in Officer came together at the Officer Gurdwara, Siri Guru Nanak Darbar, to celebrate Bandi Chor Diwas and Diwali.
Due to the lunar calendar, some observed Diwali on Thursday, while most in Australia celebrated on Friday, traditionally held on the new moon night.
The festivities saw community members gathering to cook together, participate in religious services, exchange sweets, and dress in vibrant Indian cultural attire.
In keeping with tradition, many community members brought donations to the Gurdwara, including flowers, groceries, sweets, and financial contributions.
Following its guiding principle, the Gurdwara donates 10 per cent of all financial contributions from big festivals to charitable causes.
As in previous years, the Gurdwara pledged its support to the Fred Hollows Foundation this year, aligning with the belief that Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is most meaningful when one can enjoy it with good vision.
This year, the Gurdwara also encouraged the congregation to bring natural sweets, such as fruits, instead of traditional Indian sweets or
chocolates, as part of an ongoing commitment to promote healthy eating. In a new addition to the celebrations, a live fruit juice corner was set up for attendees.
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin joined the evening celebrations, sharing exciting news with the community.
Ms Vulin announced a grant of $60,000 from the State Government to support langar (community meals) at the Officer Gurdwara, a fulfilment of the government’s commitment to supporting multicultural festivals.
Additionally, she announced that Berwick Springs Lake would be renamed in honour of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith. Formal announcements are expected over the weekend as Sikh communities prepare to celebrate Guru Nanak’s birthday on 15 November.
In celebration of Guru Nanak’s 555th birthday, the Officer Gurdwara is hosting an open week from Monday 11 November to Sunday 17 November.
All are welcome to visit, learn about the Sikh faith, and experience Indian culture. Those interested in understanding more about the Gurdwara’s community work or wishing to visit can email their availability to info@sgnd.com.au
By Afraa Kori
Teachers from Pakenham Springs Primary School
are on a mission to ride from Melbourne to Adelaide as part of their fundraiser for DIPG research.
Ride for Lucy is a personal mission led by Lucy McAleer’s uncle, Scott Holmes, and his friend, Rhys Davie. The heart of this mission is the story of Lucy, a bright and creative young girl, beloved by her family and friends.
Scott said his niece Lucy got hit by a basketball at school and her life changed for the worse.
“Her head was all funny for a couple of days, and they ended up taking her in and found it. Because of the cancer of the brain stem, it just slowly takes over. She was diagnosed just before her eighth birthday, and she passed away when she was eight. She only lasted eight months.”
In July 2021, Lucy was diagnosed with DIPG, an aggressive and inoperable brain tumor. After a brave eight-month battle, Lucy passed away on 12 March, 2022.
As a teacher, Scott is concerned that his students might be affected by DIPG just like his niece.
He aims to raise both awareness and crucial funds for research into DIPG, a cancer that predominantly affects children and carries a life expectancy of just 9-11 months post-diagnosis. Currently, there is no treatment or cure for DIPG.
On Saturday 4 January, 2025, Scott and Rhys will begin their ride from Melbourne to Glenelg, SA, completing their journey on Monday, 12 January. This challenging endeavour provides a range of sponsorship opportunities for organisations wishing to make a meaningful contribution.
According to the Children’s Cancer Institute, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is the most aggressive of all childhood cancers. It is a highly malignant glioma that arises in the most crucial part of the brain, the brainstem – the part of the brain that controls essential functions like breathing and balance.
Each year in Australia, around 20 children on average are diagnosed with DIPG. Most are between the ages of 4 and 11. DIPG is one of the only cancers for which
there is absolutely no effective therapy. Almost all children present with a short history of symptoms, and experience rapid tumour progression. Due to their location within the brainstem,
the tumours cannot be removed surgically. Nor do they respond to chemotherapy. Radiotherapy only slows their growth temporarily.
There have been over 250 clinical trials worldwide for DIPG, no successful treatments have yet been found. A new way of tackling these deadly tumours is urgently needed.
Children’s Cancer Institute are committed to saving lives and finding a cure despite the challenges.
“In 2011 Children’s Cancer Institute established the first DIPG tumour bank in Australia, with samples donated by bereaved families. Since then, we have been able to screen thousands of drugs to find those that are effective at killing DIPG cancer cells. From these we have discovered multiple new promising treatments for DIPG and have launched four different clinical trials, each aiming to find a cure. We believe we are closer than ever to finding the first successful treatment for DIPG,” a Children’s Cancer Institute spokesperson said.
General manager of Run DIPG, Joe Bennett said advocacy is critical for influencing policy by elevating DIPG/DMG to a level of national attention that can drive meaningful change.
“We saw this last year with some of our families attending parliament a number of times to lobby the government, the result was the Health Minister [Mark Butler MP] including DIPG $20 million to find new treatments for DIPG and other childhood brain cancers.
“By sharing stories like Lucy’s, we show policymakers the human impact of DIPG/DMG and the urgent need for dedicated research funding. We hope efforts these can lead to increased support from government entities, funding for DIPG/ DMG-specific research, and the creation of policies that prioritise paediatric cancer research. Strong, consistent advocacy is our pathway to seeing the breakthroughs that families like Lucy’s are hoping for.”
Donate to the cause: rundipg-org.grassrootz. com/ride-for-lucy
Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child.
At kindergarten, your child will:
• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance
• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment
• build skills and confidence before primary school.
Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder
Public speaking puts fear into many people, but the Rotary Club of Pakenham has a project enabling Grade 5 and Grade 6 students the opportunity to conquer that fear at an early age.
The club’s 26th Primary School Public Speaking Competition was held on Tuesday 29 October at the Pakenham Golf Club. Sixteen students from nine primary schools in Nar Nar Goon, Officer and Pakenham, spoke in front of a large audience. The students chose their own topics and did their own research and preparation.
Rotarian Ken Rook said, “Each year we continue to be amazed at range of topics, the obvious amount of research and the outstanding quality of the presentations, this year was again no exception”.
All participants receive a certificate with award winners receiving a plaque; all students receive a prize to assist them with their transition to secondary school. The schools of the top three place getters also receive a donation to assist them with their school programs.
Champion Speaker was Declan Stapleton from St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, who spoke on “Emotions”.
Seconnd place: Abigail-Esther Mphande, Pakenham Primary School, “Confidence is Your Superpower”.
Third place: Jy Hyndman, Pakenham Hills Primary School, “AFL Football”.
President’s Award: Lyla Softly, Pakenham Hills Primary School, “How You Can Help with Climate Change”.
Encouragement Award: Faiza Ali, Pakenham Springs Primary School, “Fake”.
All finalists were excellent and once again their choice of topics was amazing. Other topics included, “Black Hole”, “The Gift of Giving”, “Saving Sea Creatures”, “English is Better than Maths”, “Sounds”, and “Rotary”.
Mr Rook said, “This event is a highlight of the Rotary year, and we congratulate all participants on the excellence of their presentations”.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A serial family violence offender who assaulted an ex-partner, kicked-in her car and threatened to burn down her house has been jailed.
The 35-year-old Narre Warren South man pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to persistently breaching a family violence order, intentionally damaging property and threatening to damage property.
Aside from a volley of insulting messages, the man verbally abused the victim and kicked a $5000 dent in her uninsured car during an argument in August 2023
Six months later, the man swore, verbally abused her and struck her to the head in a car park in front of their child and her mother.
He threatened to burn down the victim’s house by the end of the week.
As she tried to call triple-0 for help, the man pursued her, struck the phone out of her hand onto the ground and threatened her again.
She later reported the attack to a local police station.
In sentencing on 24 October, Judge Gavan Meredith said the man’s violent, threatening conduct while breaching intervention orders had significant impact on her.
The anxious and afraid victim moved into emergency accommodation, missed work and suffered financial stress during the ordeal.
The man had faced court three times previously for family-violence intervention order breaches, property damage and threats.
Two of the cases were against the same victim in 2021 and January 2024 – the latter only weeks before the car park incident.
On each occasion at court, he was fined only.
The man, raised in Pakenham, was effectively homeless and living with friends at the time. He’d long used meth in his 20s up until his child was born.
He’d not seen the child since his most recent offending.
The man had worked until a workplace injury in 2019. He’d unsuccessfully tried to return to this work this year.
Judge Meredith noted that there was a need to deter the man with imprisonment, given his continued offending.
He was jailed for six months followed by a twoyear community corrections order.
The CCO includes 12 months’ supervision, as well as drug-and-alcohol and mental health treatment.
The man was also ordered to pay $5094.97 to the victim for damaging her car.
A 30-year-old Narre Warren man has been arrested after multiple alleged assaults near the Westfield Fountain Gate shopping centre bus stops in Overland Drive on Tuesday 5 November.
Police have charged the man after it is alleged he physically assaulted three people near the bus stops around 2.25pm.
Previous reports of the offender using a box cutter have been recanted, with police confirming that he used no weapons and physical force was used to inflict injuries.
The man allegedly fled the scene before police arrested him inside the shopping centre shortly after.
One woman and two men were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Narre Warren man has since been charged with affray, reckless cause of injury, unlawful assault and possessing a controlled weapon.
He was bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrate’s Court on 14 February 2025.
By Afraa Kori
Berwick gymnast Arianna Mei Naidu is embarking on a glorious journey after winning two championships.
During the National Clubs Carnival held on the Gold Coast in September, her team finished fifth overall and was the top Victorian team.
At the Victorian Championships held in October, Funtastic Gymnastics, won the overall team championship and Ari was the individual overall champion for level 6 division 1.
Arianna felt a sense of accomplishment throughout her rewarding and challenging journey.
“I get a lot of satisfaction when I achieve higher skills. I’ve been doing gymnastics since 2021 (just over 3 years ago). I hope I’ll get the opportunity to represent Australia at the Olympics,” she said.
“Gymnastics is a difficult sport and you have to fail many times before you can succeed in even just getting one skill right. Having to compete in front of a big audience such as states and national clubs events has helped me grow my confidence.”
Berwick’s Funtastic Gymnastics head coach, Janet Howe said the most rewarding part is seeing Ari’s resilience despite the setbacks.
“Ari was injured this year at the beginning of the competition season while training higher level skills, and she was unable to train properly due to this injury for around a month. While injured, she still attended training every day and did what she could, despite being significantly hampered.
“She excelled at the championship particularly on the Beam, she had a minor setback on the bars and in order to win the event she had to stick a flawless beam routine (her last event of the day) which she did, in fact, she performed her best Beam routine of the year when she was under the most pressure she’s possibly ever faced at a competition.”
Ms Howe is confident that Ari will maintain the momentum due to her exceptional skills.
“Ari has worked very hard throughout the year at training to maintain her extremely high standard of results, she is a very driven and motivated gymnast who has very high expectations for herself at competitions which enables her to perform her routines under pressure and achieve very scores.
“Ari will now move to level 7 and will attend State Team Trials in 2025 with the aim of being selected as a state team member to represent Victoria at the Border Challenge competition in 2025.
“The move up to level 7 will see Ari challenge herself with upgraded skills on all apparatus.
Coaching Ari has been a very rewarding experience, I have watched her grow from a very quiet, naturally talented, shy 7 year old who came to our gym to do a one hour recreational class into a confident, determined State Champion gymnast who approaches each training session and competition with 100 per cent of her energy and effort every time and never wants to miss a minute of training.”
Thumbs up to Southern Cross Brix Inc exhibition in Pakenham over the weekend
Thumbs up
To the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society for funding and organising a very talented artist to paint a mural on the back of the Woolworths wall in Kooweerup.
Thumbs down
To the roadworks taking so long, for what? Manhole covers on McGregor Rd and other spots and bumps not being finished properly, traffic chaos with queues still backing up for over a kilometre. Blows my mind how Pakenham gets away with giving nothing back to its residents.
Thumbs down
To the declining state of the Pakenham CBD. Closed and boarded up shops, rubbish, graffiti... Time to turn this ship around.
Thumbs up
To the weather.
By Violet Li
A charity walk was held to raise community awareness against ice on Saturday 2 November at Cranbourne Racecourse.
The event was hosted by the founder of Hope Cartel Gary Wright and the president and founder of the Zerosuicide Community Awareness Program Paul Withall.
“The event was focused on ice. We did the first Australian Anti Ice Campaign in Cranbourne. We get the public down there. And we offered them free space to make a street where people can get direct access to support,” Mr Withall said.
“We managed to run the whole event free of charge for everybody who entered. About 300 people attended to walk against ice when we walked around the park.
“We got 5,000 people to come down on the day from all around Victoria and have some fun with their children while getting direct access to their means.”
Instant access to recovery and support services was provided onsite all day, including Headspace, Wellways, Hope Cartel, Leg Up Program, Butterfly Foundation, Amend Movement, Your Recovery House, and other organisations.
Mr Withall said they had the day in Cranbourne for a reason.
“In Victoria, when you talk from Dandenong, out towards into South Gippsland and up to all the Casey area, there’s not just a lot of ice there. There are a lot of ice deaths. There’s a lot of crime, and it’s very significant,” he said.
“You hear about it more on social media in that area than you do anywhere else, so that’s why we chose that area.
“It’s not just more addicts. There’s more crime and there’s more death.”
Mr Withall said ongoing drug issues stemmed from someone who had been very traumatised or dealing with pain.
“And they haven’t unpacked that trauma yet.
That’s the biggest side of drug use. We need to show that these people are covering trauma. They’re broken people that need help,” he said.
“By doing that, we break the stigma in ice.
“Drugs and alcohol addiction is suicide. It’s just not noticed as suicide. If you continue to use drugs, you will either end up dead from the drug
or you’ll get hurt and killed. Or you’ll kill someone else while you’re on the drug.
“This is a part of suicide that our society doesn’t realise. So doing an event like this, we’re raising hardcore truths and real-world awareness.”
Support is available. In an emergency, call
triple-zero (000).
■ Lifeline 13 11 14.
■ DirectLine is a statewide telephone and online service which supports people seeking alcohol and other drugs information, advice or referral. Call 1800 888 236.
By Ethan Benedicto
Being part of a community is much more than just being there, with Year 6 students from St Margaret’s highlighting the importance - and of course, fun - of engaging with local amenities.
From walks in the parks, contributing to local charities, supporting local businesses and getting involved with community groups, students Angelica, Lindsay and Tracy have taken action to share their findings on how everyone in the Berwick community can feel like they “belong”.
“In a world that often feels disconnected, the neighbourhoods of Berwick stand out as having a community spirit.
“From the many family-friendly parks and local events, Beriwck has an environment where friendships can flourish and everyone can go out,” Angelica said.
The group compiled their research online, and having lived in the suburb for around two years, they too were common visitors of these neighbourhood amenities.
Angelica added that whether someone is passionate about “gardening, sport, art or community service, joining a local club can help you meet like-minded individuals and forge lasting connections”.
Fellow group and classmate Lindsay emphasised the natural beauty that Berwick had to offer, saying that the suburb is “home to several beautiful parks including the iconic Wilson Botanical Park and Akoonah Park”.
“They’re perfect for picnics or simply relaxing, where regular visits to these community spaces can help people connect with others and enjoy the natural beauty of the area,” she said.
Tracy, while absent for the Star News interview, had been an integral part of the group’s research, where they found that “belonging is about connection and in Berwick the warmth of the community shined through every interaction”.
Lindsay, as an international migrant from China, sees the importance of becoming part of the community they reside in, saying that “if we don’t
feel like we belong, we might feel marginalised or isolated”.
“It’s important we can have positive interactions with the people and the wider community.”
Angelica is on the same page, adding that feeling like one with the area can contribute to practical skills not just in theirs, but others’ futures, where for example, constant conversations with people at local events, workshops and more could improve your communication skills.
As residents of the suburb, both Angelica and Lindsay noted that positive interactions with the community through these spaces have helped them both feel welcomed/
Recounting a common interaction with a resident and his pet dogs at the Berwick Springs Lake, Angelica said “he’s kind and I like having that conversation through the walk”.
Lindsay had the same experience at school, where she highlighted that having only been in the institution for over a year, “I feel like I belong because my classmates and teachers are really kind and they’re willing to help me”.
“Many migrants, they don’t know how to speak the language in the country, I don’t have really good English but when I got to school all my classmates and teachers were willing to help and support me,” she said.
Ultimately, the group, utilising their own experiences with the suburb of Berwick and thorough research, see being involved and putting oneself out there, even through everyday acts of park walks and small conversations can help uplift that spirit of togetherness.
enjoyed playing at one of
If you are a person who loves to sing, then you’re needed!
The Pakenham Carols by Candlelight is a major calendar event held at Toomuc Valley Reserve and holds a long standing tradition of showcasing community performers.
A major part of the event is the contribution of the community carols choir who join together to sing and lead the community singing part of the program, accompanied by the 50-piece Cardinia Civic Concert Band.
Regardless of experience or vocal ability, the
choir is open to the whole community from the age of 10 (parents will be required to stay for the rehearsal).
Rehearsals will be held at St James Anglican Church at 5pm on Wednesday evenings until around 6.30pm. Everybody who would like to be
involved is invited to attend and bring a friend to make this the best choir so far.
Further information can be obtained by contacting secretary@cardiniacivicconcertband. com.au
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre wrapped up its celebration of the City of Casey’s Ageing Positively Festival with a barbecue on Wednesday 30 October.
“Throughout October, Merinda Park welcomed the senior residents of the community to a variety of events, which were part of the City of Casey’s Ageing Positively Festival,” a spokesperson of the centre said.
“From a scrumptious morning tea with homemade scones and jam to potting plants with our kinder children, the centre embraced the elderly. The final event, which was a BBQ in the park, turned out better than expected.
“The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and some great friendships blossomed.
“We look forward to seeing more visitors at our next Ageing Positively Festival.”
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At Lifestyle Communities, we believe in creating more than just beautiful homes – we build vibrant, connected communities where over 50s can truly thrive. Our stunning, low-maintenance homes are nestled within lush, professionally landscaped gardens that offer a peaceful retreat, while our state-of-the-art Clubhouses serve as the heart of our communities. Living at Lifestyle Communities means more than just a new home; it’s a chance to embrace a whole new way of living. With a wide range of social activities on offer, there’s something for everyone. From bowls and yoga to workshops and movie nights, our monthly calendar is packed with fun events, giving homeowners endless opportunities to connect and stay active. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, try a new hobby, or simply relax with good company, there’s always something happening.
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11th November
Pakenham
· Time: 10.45am for 11am service
· Location: Pakenham Cenotaph, Cnr fo Henry and John Street Gembrook
· Time: 10.45am for 11am service
· Location: Gembrook RSL, 49 Main Street Gembrook Cockatoo
· Time: 10.30am
· Location: Cockatoo RSL, 20 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Cockatoo Kooweerup
· Time: 10.45am for 11am service
· Location: Kooweerup War Memorial, Rossiter Road, in front of the Kooweerup Community Centre
Bunyip
· Time: 10.45am for 11am service
· Location: Bunyip War Memorial, Main Street, Bunyip
Berwick
· Time: 10:45 am start for an 11:00 am service
· Location: Berwick Cenotaph, corner of High Street and Clyde Road, Berwick
Cranbourne
· Time: 10: 40 am – 12:00 pm (service at 11:00 am)
· Location: Cranbourne Cenotaph, Greg Clydesdale Square, High Street, Cranbourne
Pearcedale
· Time: 10.00 am – 12.00 pm (service at 11:00 am)
· Location: Pearcedale Public Hall, 45 Pearcedale Road, Pearcedale
We have heard time and time again people tell their children, “Never walk past The Salvos without giving a donation, because they helped us (or your grandparents) during the war.”
It is a sentiment that has been around for generations and still exists today.
A long legacy that The Salvation Army has had during devastating times of war and conflict, where they have provided a safe space of rest and support.
This year marks the 125-year anniversary of The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services (RSDS) supporting those during these difficult times. And on behalf of The Salvos, it has been an honour to have served defence members, shoulder to shoulder, during times of war over the past 125 years.
We cast our minds back to the second Boer War in November 1899, when Salvation Army founder William Booth said, “Investigate what can be done for our soldiers in the field of battle.” Since then, The Salvos have been looking to find ways to support Australia’s service men and women wherever they find themselves.
Indeed, there hasn’t been a major conflict or peace-keeping effort since the Boer War where The Salvos haven’t been there to bring support and hope.
From the two World Wars to conflicts in Malaya, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Somalia, East Timor, the Middle East, and more, The Salvos have been there.
During major conflicts, the RSDS, affectionately known as the Sallyman or Sallyma’an, were on the ground with soldiers to provide a warm drink or refreshments, a bite to eat, and most importantly a place to have a chat in a safe space.
The Salvos are proud of the strong bond we
have created with our service men and women across the nation, and around the world.
In these times of devastating violence, hardship and injustice, The Salvos look to bring a glimmer of hope and support to those who really need it.
We continue this important work to this day.
In Darwin, Townsville, Brisbane, Singleton, Holsworthy, Canberra and Adelaide, we serve those who serve and will continue to do so into the future. It is a privilege to do so.
Major Brett Gallagher
Commissioner of
From the committee, players, supporters and sponsors of the Nar Nar Good Football Club, thank you to all the men and women who fought to make us the great country we are today.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”
11th November
What is the difference between ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day? This simple guide explains it for you.
Australia has two major commemorative days for those who have served our country: ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. While they share many similarities, they have a few key differences outlined below.
The dates
ANZAC Day is observed as a public holiday and national day of remembrance each year on 25 April – the date Australia and New Zealand began their first major battle in World War I. Remembrance Day is observed as an international day of commemoration on 11 November, with 11am being the most important time to pause and reflect. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is historically significant as the time that fighting in WWI officially ended.
The history
Some people may confuse ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day because both days trace back to WWI.
ANZAC Day is held on the anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’ landing at Gallipoli, Turkey (now Türkiye) on 25 April 1915. The story of ANZAC Day is one of courage and endurance in the face of trauma and tragedy; what was anticipated to be a quick mission to remove Turkey from WWI turned into a battle that caused thousands of casualties on both sides over eight months.
Though the Gallipoli campaign failed to achieve its military objectives, it profoundly impacted Australia and its reputation as a nation. In 1916, the first ANZAC Day was observed in
remembrance of all the troops who served in the fateful Gallipoli campaign. The 1920s cemented ANZAC Day as a national commemoration, which has since grown to a day of solemn reflection and gratitude to all who have served in Australia’s military.
Remembrance Day is held on the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in WWI. At around 5am on 11 November 1918, the Armistice was signed by representatives of France, Britain and Germany, and six hours later at 11am, the guns fell silent on the Western Front. Remembrance commemorations began a year later in 1919, on what was originally known
as Armistice Day.
The nations
ANZAC Day is the national day of commemoration observed in Australia and New Zealand. However, with large expatriate populations and commemorative sites located across the world, ANZAC Day services are often held overseas as well. For example, the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs manages ANZAC Day services in Türkiye, France, Thailand, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea.
Remembrance Day is commemorated primarily in Commonwealth countries that formed the Allied forces during WWI, such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Canada. The United States, which was also an Allied country during WWI, also commemorates its Veterans Day on 11 November. Like Australia, other commemorating nations usually observe at least one minute of silence at 11am to pay respect to those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
The traditions
ANZAC Day traditions are widely practised throughout Australia and New Zealand, so chances are you’re familiar with them. They include attending a Dawn Service or ANZAC Day march, baking ANZAC biscuits, enjoying a gunfire breakfast, and playing a game of two-up.
The primary Remembrance Day tradition observed in Australia is holding one minute’s silent reflection at 11am to remember those who gave their lives in service. Remembrance Day services are held across Australia for communities to commemorate together.
Several traditions are followed on both AN-
ZAC Day and Remembrance Day, such as playing the Last Post and reciting the Ode of Remembrance.
The symbols Floral symbols are common features of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day events. You may have seen them laid at war memorial sites, worn on lapels, and used in fundraising initiatives for veterans’ support charities and ex-service organisations.
The red poppy is often associated with all military commemorative days in Australia. However, did you know that the traditional floral symbol of ANZAC Day is a rosemary sprig? As well as being symbolically linked to memory, rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, giving it deep significance to ANZAC Day and those who commemorate it.
During WWI, red poppies were among the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields of the Western Front, making them a powerful symbol representing the bloodshed of the war. The red poppy has since grown in recognition as the official symbol of Remembrance Day worldwide. The community is encouraged to wear a red poppy on Remembrance Day in memory of those who served and sacrificed for our nation.
Remember to remember
This Remembrance Day (11 November), join millions worldwide in honouring those who died in service to their country.
Attend an RSL Sub Branch service, observe a minute’s silence at 11am or donate to the Poppy Appeal, and help keep our service people’s legacy alive.
Lest we forget.
The second annual Art Show for Quarters Primary School in Cranbourne West was held on Wednesday 30 October.
The artwork produced by the Foundation to Year 6 since January was on display.
Prep students explored weather-themed art, creating a sun-over-mountain collage using waxresist and paper-ripping techniques and painted umbrella scenes with bubble wrap. They also made collages inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Day the Crayons Quit, experimented with crepe paper bleeding, and crafted cotton wool plane trails.
Years 1 and 2 students focused on warm and cool colours with contrasting art pieces, including patterned hot air balloons and monster faces. They created Matisse-style cutouts, mixed media owls, and wax-resist rainbow paintings.
Years 3 and 4 students worked on perspective with oil pastel trees, seascape collages, and woven owl art. They ended with 3D dioramas depicting mood and inference through detailed scenes.
Senior students mastered advanced techniques, creating insect paintings with watercolour, sunset cityscapes with ink printing, textured weavings, and whimsical self-portraits as mad scientists. A highlight was their coloured clay selfportraits, including staff likenesses for the library.
A local kindergarten is taking big steps towards a greener future with their ‘Collect a Can for Compost’ project!
The Junior Kinder program has launched an exciting fundraising effort to raise $294. Their goal is to install a compost bin and worm farm right in their yard, giving their sustainability curriculum a fantastic boost.
The project is testament to how Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme can contribute to organisations like kindergartens in reaching their fundraising goals.
By setting up a designated collection bin or bag, organisations and community groups, such as this kindergarten can collect eligible containers from their community.
They can also join the scheme as donation partners by registering through the CDS Vic website, allowing them to raise funds from the proceeds of container returns.
The project started with a small but impactful step: the kinder teacher began collecting cans and bottles at home, depositing them to kickstart the fundraising with an initial $6.40.
In just a few days, they had collected a remarkable 589 cans and bottles, generating $58.90. With this contribution added to the initial deposit, the project is already well on its way to reaching its goal, with only $229.70 left to raise.
A teacher at the kindergarten will then transport them to their nearest Return-It depot in Cranbourne West.
This depot offers a quick and efficient way to process drink containers with their new fastcounting machine, the MEGA.
Open seven days a week.
Address: 27 Whitfield Blvd, Cranbourne West 3977
What do you love the most about the Men’s Discussion Group?
I enjoy company and the opportunity to laugh. I love witnessing the change in a new member as he settles in and begins to feel comfortable at our Men’s Discussion Group.
What message would you want to send to people struggling with loneliness or mental illness?
I would encourage them to take small steps, one day at a time and offer them to join and enjoy the positive support of the Men’s Discussion Group. Which five dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to your ultimate party?
Two past mates, the Franciscan priest who married my wife and I, my best man and my old football coach.
What has been your most memorable moment? The birth of our first child.
What were you like as a kid?
Involved in all things practical--- making and building items to amuse myself, and riding my bike.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
The recovery of my father on his return from WWI, and his adjustment back into civilian life without professional help.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Trustworthy, dedicated and determined.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
Go surfing, if I am fit enough.
Where is your happy place?
Reading and writing poetry and trying to grow Men’s Discussion Groups.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
MasterChef? I would need supervision.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
A river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.
As Universal Children’s Day is soon approaching on 20 November, here are three ways you can commemorate the day.
1
Educational workshops and activities are a great way to indulge children with not just fun and enjoyable activities, but also educational sessions that can highlight safety measures when playing with others, using online platforms and more.
2
Community events and celebrations that centre on children are another good way to celebrate, with an emphasis on play and activities that encourage teamwork and fairness, but also highlight the children’s abilities through art, writing, sport or performances.
3
Advocacy and awareness to the wider community is an important step, where groups or the local community can organise fundraising events with proceeds going to children’s charities or programs, as well as shining light on issues that impact children and being a voice of change.
By Ethan Benedicto
Encountering hurdles in life, from work to family, can sometimes be too much to handle, but even through the thick of it, Kaine Bundy dipped into the worst and is determined to come out stronger with the aim of running, walking and just moving to hit 200 kilometres in 24 hours.
Doing so in the name of finding himself and showing others that it is okay not to be okay, Kaine’s 24-hour Beyond Blue Charity Run advocates for mental health and shows others that being vulnerable is part of being human; and of course, is a way to tell himself to be stronger than before.
After a relationship breakdown and having to move away from his kids, Kaine “didn’t know how to handle it”.
“I had a business that was struggling and I turned to gambling as well, which isn’t the answer, and in turn, it cost me everything in life.
“I didn’t know how to handle any of it mentally, being stuck in my own head; I ended up living in my car for a little bit and it wasn’t because I didn’t have anywhere to go, it was just because I didn’t know how to turn to anyone.”
The last year has been more than rough for Kaine, losing all he thought he had, and the feeling of everything slipping from his grasp became unbearable; he was knocked down but through iron will his feet found the floor once more.
With three slabs of bottled water, electrolytes, fruit, muesli bars, extra socks and phone chargers, Kaine took the Marriot Waters Reserve oval for a spin that began at 6pm on Monday 4 November.
While he had never run for this long before, he had his chin held high and his determination set, for the run was not just an act of self-resolution, but a message to others that it is okay to speak about your struggles and it is okay to ask for help.
“This thing I’m doing takes me back to day one when I decided that I’m going to fight for my life again, fight for my kids - I was always there for them in person, but not mentally,” Kaine said.
“I went through some pretty dark days, and my problem was [not] reaching out to someone like my dad, and when I did, as well as a couple of close mates, I became pretty open about things.
“On my Instagram, that’s where I voice my problems and I find it a lot easier to voice my problems, [but still], a lot of other people can’t and that’s why I do try to speak up.
“To you know, just keep spreading the word and getting it out there because I know a lot of people that can talk to those close to them - which is what I struggled with - but they can’t talk in a public setting and they can’t be open about their struggles.
“So that’s where I am now, trying to repay my mistakes in the past by trying to help others wherever I can now.”
Realistically, Kaine is aiming to complete at least four marathons or a total of 168 kilometres by 6pm on Tuesday 5 November, constantly moving even when not running, pushing through burning lungs and sore muscles in the name of advocacy.
His training began roughly four months prior when he began regularly running with 10-kilometre runs and half marathons, but it’s the mental aspect that he believes would prove to be the most difficult.
“It’s more of trying to break the pain barriers mentally more than anything,” Kaine said.
“But I just wanted to have something to look forward to, I couldn’t really get out of my own head so I was looking for a charity that resonated with me and that’s pretty much where it took off.”
Family and friends have set up times to visit Kaine and accompany him on his run, with his
father, Tony, the first on the scene; then followed by his niece and brother, and a number of friends who have also chosen to run alongside him.
As of noon on 5 November, Kaine had completed 120 kilometres and with six hours left on the clock, he had his eyes on the prize.
“I’m not a crazy athlete by any means, I’m your everyday person and sure I’ve worked on my fitness I guess, but I want to show people that if
you have the right mindset, you can do something pretty special.”
By 6pm on Tuesday 5 November and after 24 hours of non-stop movement, Kaine had run and walked a total of 144.85 kilometres, and while just a few short of his intended goal, he remained amazed at himself and the accomplishment. Out of the whole 24 hours, Kaine recalled that it was only three of those hours where was he left to his own devices.
“I had people down all night supporting me, even all morning and at the end there was this big crowd,” he said.
“It was something really special, my kids came down, my nephew, my niece, my brother and dad, my friends, it was amazing.
“But when there were two hours left, I was going on my own for a few hours and I just lost it; I broke down, started crying for no reason, it was just hitting the mental wall and you can’t explain it properly or prepare for it.”
It was only after Kaine’s best mate turned up and ran with him that another eight kilometres was achieved in the last stretch, and at that point, he was struggling to put one foot over the other, recalling that his body refused to take anything else besides water.
Thinking he was going to tackle the challenge as a one-man crew, Kaine was nothing short of surprised at the support he received throughout the entirety of the run, which he said was “the difference between finishing or not”.
Not only is he grateful, but it remains an example to Kaine that no matter what, there will always be someone there to help you.
Thankful for the overwhelming support and his legs giving out, he’s looking to take some rest, and as it stands, a total of $730 has been raised for the charity, with Kaine planning to keep the funding page open for the next few weeks.
• For more information on the challenge, visit gofundme.com/f/g8pnj8-24-hours
• Support is available.
• Contact BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636 or go to beyondblue.org.au
By Ethan Benedicto
Tackling trauma has never been an easy task, and finding an effective medium for it has proven to be much more difficult, but for Left Write Hook, the uncanny combination of boxing and creative writing has proven to be the needed combination for conversations on sexual assault.
With the documentary recently winning the Audience Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival, program founder and producer, Donna Lyon sees the documentary landing in the City of Casey on 25 November as a step forward in advocacy and transparency for those suffering childhood sexual trauma.
The eight-week program, on which its genesis began in 2019, bloomed into a full-fledged initiative in 2022, becoming an organisation as well as undergoing the process of filming; ultimately culminating in a message of resilience, hope and strength.
Lyon, who has lived experience of being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, said that its “impacts were deep and lasted many years”.
“So when I went on a process of healing and recovery, part of that was finding boxing, and at the beginning, it felt like a sport where I could release my anger, but I quickly discovered that it wasn’t about that.
“It was actually about mindfulness, and it was probably the first time I began to feel a real sense of power and agency in my body,” she said.
After going on a two-year amateur fighting journey, and subsequently racking up more losses than wins, Lyon realised that she wasn’t “meant to be a competitive fighter”, but the love for training, the sport and everything that “it gave to me” was true, and it stuck.
“I felt like I wanted to meet other survivors and work with them in a setting of boxing; but I didn’t just want to teach boxing,” Lyon said.
With a background in creative arts and filmmaking, Lyon had a vision, of introducing creative writing into the group, combining it into a formula where boxing served as a medium to exert one’s emotions but then channelling them through the act of writing.
Lyon acknowledged that being in the group in itself is a bold endeavour, to let oneself be open and vulnerable to others with lifelong trauma is no easy task.
However, “very quickly people forged incredible bonds in the group, and there’s an incredible amount of strength that comes with the vulnerability of sharing”.
“What happens is people tend to move from a very internal space often full of fear and trepidation, but as they begin to write and share and reflect, and then box, they begin to move into a form of empowerment and it’s really beautiful to watch.
“There are incredible transformations taking place and we’ve done a lot of research that actually provides evidence to suggest this is happening, and that there’s an incredible effect on people’s mental health and well-being,” Lyon said.
Julie, the very first member of the program and one of many actors in the film, said that what the program has done for her has been life-changing, and delivering its messages out to the public, through exposure in film or other forms of media is integral in what Left Write Hook aims to do.
For her, being through an array of different therapies and finding no solution, Julie’s choice of joining the program was a last-ditch effort that instead turned her world for the better.
“I’ve been through a lot of therapy, a lot of hospitals and not with great outcomes so I had nothing to lose,” she said.
“I love writing, but I’ve never boxed in my life before, so I said, ‘let’s see where it goes’, but of course, it was scary you know, it’s something you don’t talk about with anyone and going in a room filled with other women who are all survivors, I’ve never experienced that before.”
Being a shy person, it was difficult at first for Julie to open up, but once she began to listen and observe how everyone was being open about their experiences, it gave her the drive to do the same, recalling that she felt “this ease come over me”.
“I started talking about things that I’d been told to be quiet about for such a long time, trauma’s not talked about in the community and it’s a bit of a taboo subject, but I felt quite comfortable and I wasn’t judged.”
Being part of the film, Julie admitted that it was strange to have the cameras around at first, considering that it made her conscious and she
“held back” and didn’t “share a lot”; but once she and the others got into the program, it was business as usual.
“Once the writing prompts are down, you go into your own space and you write for 10 to 15 minutes or so and then you’re boxed in and you are at your most vulnerable state in that spacebut in all honesty, you don’t realise the cameras are there and you’re just your true self.”
Despite the cameras, “everything comes out, there’s sweat, tears - there’s a lot of crying, hugging, a lot of emotional surges from people”.
“The program, with the boxing especially, gives you a sense of power back in your own body again, when you have that sense that your body isn’t yours and you feel very violated, but when you’re boxing, it empowers you and you feel strong.”
The combination of writing and boxing allowed the participants to be able to express their emotions, whatever they may be, through different mediums at different levels, stable and steady through writing and heavy and strong through boxing.
The two activities served as the perfect combination of displaying one’s feelings and being vulnerable but also, as with Julie’s expression, assuming authority over what was once yours.
Safe spaces, that is the goal of the program, and are something that Lyon continues to pursue in order to have that “real transformation” and impact on people’s mental health and well-being.
“Our program isn’t about trying to read traumatised people, it’s about gently using creativity and boxing as an empowered way to release and reclaim narratives,” Lyon said.
“Those are the biggest challenges, but we go
slowly, and we know people need to just make sure that they’ve got the right therapeutic or mental health support in place because you want to make sure that it’s not meant to destabilise people.
“It’s there to help them grow, but something through that there can be some discomfort, which I think is a healthy way to grow,” she said.
Likewise, during the process of filming the documentary, a “trauma-informed approach” was ensured, one that gave the participants as much choice and agency throughout the filming journey as possible.
Through doing that, Lyon, the other producers and director Shannon Owen were able to capture that presence of vulnerability and strength with the participants in tow to deliver a message of having that conversation.
“Sexual violence statistics are alarming and they’re very high across women and men that cause long-lasting impacts of trauma, and I think that our film offers a really incredible insight into the effects of that trauma,” Lyon said.
“It opens up a conversation about how it manifests in the lives of people and I think that it will give people a sense of empowerment about how to have these conversations and how to sit with difficult subject matters like child abuse.
“This film, in its heart, is a real story of resilience and hope, and I think because it allows people to engage with the difficult topics in an easier way.”
Both Lyon and Julie admitted that the program has changed them, and allowed them to find themselves when they both previously thought it impossible, and they want the film to be able to show that same possibility to as many people as
possible.
“Fundamentally I think I’ve changed during this whole process and I feel grateful for that, that I’m in the film and in many ways healing alongside the group of participants,” Lyon said.
“I know I founded it, so they were my ideas, but I think my engagement with those ideas became deeper and more connected to actually who I am rather than what I’m trying to say.”
The way the program has changed Julie has been enormous, where she said that after going through everything, “I feel like I can stand up for myself”.
“I can say no to people, even if it’s something small that I don’t want to do, I’m emotionally stronger, I’m not afraid of the repercussions.
“I’m more open with people as well, especially with the film and doing the Q and As, if they ask me a question I’m happy to answer, I’m not ashamed any more of my trauma.”
Registered as an official charity in 2022, Left Write Hook has had 68 participants take part in the program throughout 13 different locations in Melbourne, but Lyon is eager to bring this to the national stage and deliver the message to more and more people.
Once more, the movie will be screening in the Village Cinemas at Westfield Fountain Gate on Monday 25 November, from 6.15pm to 8.45pm. For more information please visit events. humanitix.com/left-write-hook-documentaryscreening Help is available.
In an emergency, call triple-zero (000).
1800RESPECT is the national domestic family and sexual violence counselling service. Call 1800 737 732 or chat online at 1800respect.org.au
By Violet Li
Casey
Council
approved the planning permit for the controversial waste transfer station next to the Hallam Road Landfill on Monday 4 November.
Hallam Road Landfill operator Veolia lodged the planning permit in late December 2023 to build a $27m commercial waste transfer station on the land adjacent to the landfill.
The proposed facility will be located approximately 250 metres from the nearest residential dwelling, and it is set to accept about 550,000 tonnes of municipal residual waste, construction and demolition waste, and commercial and industrial waste from Melbourne’s south-east.
It would recover and recycle some waste streams and transfer residual waste to energy recovery facilities.
Star News reported in January this year that the surrounding community rejected the proposed facility with concerns about fire risks, midnight noise, and increased traffic, dust, and odour.
On Casey Council’s website, it states the application achieves the objectives of several State Government policies including the State-Wide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan 2018 and the Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Plan.
“A review of the application against the relevant requirements of the Hampton Park Hill Development Plan, Casey Planning Scheme and relevant State Government policy was undertaken to ensure the waste transfer station is strategically justified,” it states.
“The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Department of Transport (DOT) have also reviewed the proposal and indicated no objection to the grant of the planning permit.
“Council considered several technical reports and utilised specialist input when making this decision.”
In a letter to the impacted residents, City of
Casey Senior Statutory Planner Paul McMahon stated that there were no appeal rights for this decision as the application had been exempt from public notice requirements, the decision requirements, and the review rights.
Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) spokesperson Viv Paine said once again planning in Casey was embroiled in controversy with the waste transfer station approval announcement after the council had repeatedly promised residents that once full the Hallam Road Landfill
would revert to public open space.
“Once again the objections of 1056 Casey residents surrounding the landfill have been thrown aside by Casey Council in favour of allowing a huge new waste transfer station to be built alongside family homes in breach of the basic human right to live in peace and quiet without foul odours invading properties and impacting health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Clearly a far better location for any new
waste transfer station in Casey would be on open ground along the Gippsland railway line so containerised waste from the facility can be efficiently transported by freight train to Maryvale for processing.”
EPA is assessing a development licence application by Veolia, a separate process to the planning permit application submitted to the council. EPA will be undertaking community consultation on the development licence.
The Diwali Festival was in full swing in Berwick, as the Stockland Minta estate hosted an event that garnered more than 350 residents who joined the festivities on 25 October.
Known for its dazzling lights and cultural richness, Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated around the world with the goal of bringing together communities in a celebration of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
The local celebration brought the spirit of Diwali to life through festive lights, tunes from a Diwali DJ, belly dancers, dhol drummers and of course, food trucks serving traditional dishes.
The event culminated in a bright and lovely performance from Bollywood dancers as a symbol of victory over darkness, but also as the finale of an event that fostered a strong sense of friendship, camaraderie and togetherness in the local community.
Clean up day in Bunyip
Bunyip Renewables Action Group and Bunyip Connect are hosting a clean up day in Bunyip on the weekend to mark the opening of a new playground and BMX track along Wattletree Road.
Participants can register and collect rubbish bags, gloves and hi-vis vests to help efforts to keep the small town tidy.
The event will be held on Sunday 10 November from 10am starting at the new playground and BMX track at 69 Wattletree Road.
Free Martial Arts Classes
Australian Oriental Martial Arts Tai Chi or AWCC Tai Chi, will be hosting free trial classes for kids interested in martial arts this weekend.
For the past 8 years, AWCC Tai Chi has been making contributions to the Melbourne community, the founder is Tai Chi Master Wendy Jiang Hui, the 16th World Wushu All-Around Champion. There will be two classes for residents in Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong.
On Saturday 9 November, AWCC Tai Chi from 11am to 12pm and 12pm to 1pm at Nazareth College, Manning Drive, Noble Park North.
• On Sunday 10 November, from 11am to 12pm and 12pm to 1pm at Berwick College, Manuka Road.
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
2025 Leongatha Art and Photography Show
Calling all artists and photographers!
The highly anticipated 2025 Leongatha Art and Photography Show, hosted by the Rotary Club of Leongatha, has announced entry submission for the 2025 show is now open until 6pm on Friday 6 December.
The 2025 show will open to the public at Leongatha Memorial Hall on Saturday 18 January and will run until Saturday 8 February.
Celebrating over 48 illustrious years, the event has evolved into a cornerstone of artistic expression within the Gippsland community.
• For more information, visit www.leonartshow. com.au or contact rotaryleongatha.artshow@ gmail.com
Officer Probus Club
The new Officer Probus Club meets on the first Friday of the month from 10am at the Officer Sports Club on the corner of Princes Highway and Sterling Road in Officer
Be part of a social club to meet new friends, hear from guest speakers and enjoy activities and outings.
• For more information, contact Helen Kusters on 0412 170 300 or officerprobussecretary@ gmail.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
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.
Line dancing
The Berwick Senior Citizens Centre is hosting line dancing sessions from 10am to noon every Tuesday at 112 High Street in Berwick.
First session is free, with a small fee for future classes.
Morning tea or coffee included.
Probus Club of Casey Combined
The Probus Club of Casey Combined is welcoming any new members to meet at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick from 9.45am to noon on the second Tuesday of each month.
After morning tea, the club hosts an interesting guest speaker, with members often meeting up for lunch at a local cafe after the meeting.
• For more information, contact Margaret Luxford on 0409 861 207 or Magda Michael on 0406 468 265.
Inner Wheel Club of Berwick
The Inner Wheel Club (IW) Berwick is a ladies international friendship club which raises funds to support local charities and other worthwhile causes.
Pakenham RSL will be hosting a Remembrance Day service starting at 10.45am at the Pakenham Cenotaph, Monday 11 November.
They have a dinner meeting on the first Monday of the month and enjoy a range of activities including guest speakers, morning teas, book club and craft afternoons.
• For more information, visit their Facebook page Clean Up Bunyip Day
Bunyip Renewables Action Group and Bunyip Connect are hosting a clean up day in Bunyip on the weekend to mark the opening of a new playground and BMX track along Wattletree Road.
Participants can register and collect rubbish bags, gloves and hi-vis vests to help efforts to keep the small town tidy.
• The event will be held on Sunday 10 November from 10am starting at the new playground and BMX track at 69 Wattletree Road.
• or contact iiw.au.berwick@gmail.com
Berwick Springs VIEW Club
Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.
The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.
The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.
Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.
The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.
• For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com
Probus Club of Pakenham East
The Probus Club of East Pakenham is encouraging new members to join the Club.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, 71 Racecourse Road, Pakenham, commencing at 10.30am.
A short meeting is followed by morning tea and the opportunity to get to know members prior to the introduction of the guest speaker.
Various activities are held throughout the month.
• For more information, phone president Gary on 0428 255 178 or contact secretary Dorothy on probuspakenhameast@gmail.com
Did you know that U3A Casey now has 471 members and operates out of multiple venues across the Casey area?
It offers 65 different classes, ranging from exercise/movement/dance groups to literature, crafts, music, discussion groups and more.
Membership from July to December is $30 with no further costs.
• If you want to keep both your mind and body active after retirement, then visit u3acasey.org.au Yoga and meditation
Run by Heartfulness Yoga and Meditation, the sessions are conducted in a community environment to promote wellness.
Heartfulness is a simple and subtle practice of meditation which aims to connect all participants with the light and love in their hearts.
All are welcome to come and experience yoga and meditation on Sundays at Bunjil Place starting from 8.30am.
No previous experience is required.
Bring your own yoga mat.
Gold coin donation welcome.
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, a chat, then afternoon tea. Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate.
• For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Cardinia Diabetic Awareness Group
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Pakenham Uniting Church meeting room at 10am.
The group would love to see people who have diabetes or live with someone who has diabetes attend or join.
The meeting consists of a short meeting and then a guest speaker dealing with diabetes.
• For more information, contact Lyn on 0149 116 972 or lestep12@people.net.au
BADFolk Club
Berwick and District Folk Club has been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 22 years.
The club meets on the third Friday of each month and every month features a different genre of music.
The club also welcomes spot acts.
Doors now open from 6.30pm and the music runs from 7pm to 10pm, no bookings required, entry $15.
The kitchen sells sweet and savoury snack food and a variety of drinks – tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks.
• For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club is hosting a Scrabble Club every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a one-toone basis.
Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.
Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.
• Contact David on 0433 566 456.
“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 communion service was conducted by Rev. Dr Denham Grierson.
He started the service by recounting the fact that he lost his car in his retirement village as he stopped to get the mail and was engrossed in one of the letters that he walked home and left his car at the community centre and did not realise until this morning when he found that there was no car in the garage. Oh dear. I’m sure we have all lost our car in the supermarket carpark. He also told the story of a new minister in a town who had to go to the shop and ask where the post office was
so he could post some letters. The shopkeeper said he was not doing a very good job as he could find his way around. Can we find God? It may not be in our as we cannot escape God. There is nothing we can do to find or escape God. We can find God by rising above all we know. There is no escape from God even in the depths of despair. God is always waiting and we cannot flee. God is the one in whom we live. Even great people like Martin Luther King said this.
At times, we all turn from God, considering only our own comfort. God holds us and allows us to seek our own way with his support. Recognising that there is no escape is the beginning of our relationship with God.
Please note if you have not yet completed Safe Church Training 2 sessions are coming. Tuesday 29th October 7.00pm at Presbytery Noble Park and Tuesday 12th November 7.00pm on Zoom.
Please contact Pastor Jo 0403127433 or Doreen Stitt 0432581767.
Things to remember:
· Friendship Group Wednesday 6th November 1.30pm
· Beehive Craft at Fiona’s November 12th 1.30pm
· Homework Hub Tuesday 12th November 3.30pm – 5.30pm
· Playgroup Thursday 14th November 9.30 –11.00am · BBQ Frontier Services following church Sunday
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 “146 V1 “Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord,
By Justin Schwarze
With play resuming on the second day of Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) District Competition’s round four, there were many storylines to follow, including Nar Nar Goon-Maryknoll getting their first win on the board by comfortably putting away Melbourne Sixers.
Following last week’s drama and bizarre circumstances, notably with two Sixers batsmen timing out, the Marygoons put themselves well and truly in control of the match with their stellar bowling.
James Markland and Liam Hill took to the crease at the beginning of day two, requiring just 28 runs to walk away victors.
The pair got comfortable without giving away their wicket and guided the visitors home to claim a season first victory in dominant fashion, blowing the Sixers away by 10 wickets.
The win places Nar Nar Goon-Maryknoll inside the top four after four matches, and leaves Melbourne Sixers winless on the bottom of the table.
Elsewhere, Officer rode a massive first innings to crush Lang Lang.
The Tigers had four wickets in hand when they took to the crease on day two, but scored just 23 runs in the previous day of play.
After taking four wickets on day one, Devon Gabriel-Brown picked up right where he left off, finishing with 7/16 and running out Dylan Halden.
With the outright result within Officer’s reach, Lang Lang was sent into bat again.
For the second time around, the visitors only had eight available batsmen due to injuries, so Officer could smell blood.
Opener Shehan Dharmarathna was dismissed before Lang Lang even registered a run, and once again the culprit was Gabriel-Brown.
Gabriel-Brown still wasn’t done, taking a further three, bringing his total to 11 for the match, a brilliant display of bowling.
Kuldeep Sidhu bowled 2/18 and no Tiger batsmen reached a tally higher than 29.
After 27 overs, the visitors were all out (eight wickets) for 113, giving Officer the outright victory they were searching for.
“It’s not just one person doing it, it was a whole team performance,” fast-bowler and captain Cooper Pursell said.
“All of our bowlers have been bowling really well, creating pressure, (bowling) dot balls and being able to hold our chances and take wickets.”
From the outside looking in before the game, Officer and Lang Lang read first versus second on the ladder and looked to be a matchup of two
potential premiership contenders, but it was the Bullants remaining undefeated and sending a huge message to the league.
“We take it one week at a time,” Pursell said.
“It was a massive statement to the rest.”
At Chandler Oval, Emerald couldn’t shake their low scoring problems, with Pakenham Upper Toomuc proving too strong.
The Bombers posted 129 the first time with the bat, but Michael Nell, Sam Booth and Jordan Robinson combined for 108 of those runs, and the rest of the order contributed just 21.
The Yabbies were three down overnight, but batted well on the second day to reach 8/253.
As they were near declaring, Brian Kulasena was closing in on a half-ton.
However, he was caught off the bowling of Lawson Cocks on 49, leaving the visiting side 9/253.
The declaration came from Pakenham Upper Toomuc and Emerald was forced to bat out the rest of the match.
The day’s play concluded with Michael Nell notching 77 not out but the Yabbies left Chandler Oval as winners.
In the other matchup, Carlisle Park’s surprising struggles continued as they fell to Cranbourne Meadows.
After being four down at stumps, the Vikings
middle order collapsed and could only manage a score of 72.
The visiting side were ordered to bat again, and they finished the day by posting 6/160, with opener Ethan Davies bringing up 46.
The win sees Cranbourne Meadows leap into the top two, but also sees Carlisle Park plummet to sixth.
The two day matches continue in round five, as Emerald travels to Carlisle Park, Pakenham Upper Toomuc host Melbourne Sixers, Nar Nar Goon-Maryknoll are matched up with top of the table Officer and Lang Lang take on Cranbourne Meadows.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham captain Jack Anning has heaped praise on Nick Sadler, who coolly guided the Lions to victory against Clyde on Saturday with an unbeaten 30 in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association Premier competition.
Playing against his old side, Sadler absorbed pressure, arriving at the crease after the fall of two quick wickets with his team 60 runs from victory and a youthful lower order trailing him.
Initially, team balance put him on the outer of First XI selection this season, but a late withdrawal in round 1 gave him an opportunity and his strong performances since have kept him in the side.
“I was super proud of Nick on Saturday,” Anning said.
“The biggest improvement in his batting has been his willingness to give himself 10-15 balls to get in.
“Too often he used to bail out if it gets a bit hard.
“He’ll try and hit his way out of it and teams will have a cow corner and deep long on and he’ll often get bowled or caught on the fence.
“His ability to take the ones and twos and then hit the boundaries rather than searching for it was massive.”
Sadler has batted as high as five for Paken-
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Anning chipped in with
a handy 39 before three quick wickets and five consecutive maidens before tea got the Cougars back in the game.
The skipper addressed the worrying trend of losing wickets in clumps, having already reared its ugly head on multiple occasions this summer.
In round 1 against Upper Beaconsfield, there was a continual stream of wickets, while in Pakenham’s last two hits, the repeat wickets have been more pronounced.
Against Tooradin, Pakenham looked in control before losing 3/0 to put the match back in the balance and on Saturday, Pakenham separately lost 3/4 then 2/4.
“We’ve got a mantra of ‘play what’s in front of us’,” Anning said.
“We can control our attitude so I think we have adapted pretty well.
“We’ve lost clumps a couple of times so we need to address that.
“We can’t allow that to happen again but Zac (Chaplain) and Dom (Paynter) have absorbed pressure and put it back on the opposition.”
On Saturday, they made 44 and 42 respectively after resurrecting Pakenham’s chase against Tooradin with 31 and 34.
Pakenham currently sit third on the ladder with two wins and two draws.
By Marcus Uhe
A barnstorming finish from Snipers to conclude the 2024 South West Gippsland Dart League grand final cemented their status as the team to remember from this year’s marathon campaign.
Sitting neck-and-neck with Predators after the first four rounds at four wins each, Snipers locked in midway through the doubles ties to secure the next four contests, running away with the 8-4 victory.
The contest seesawed in momentum during the first half with three lead changes, sowing the seeds for an epic finale.
Bill struck the first upset of the afternoon by taking down Predators star Steve in the opening singles contest, despite three tons from Steve.
Steve threw the most tons in the regular season and shaped as the man to beat in the decider but Bill proved more than up to the challenge to land the first major blow.
Jordan and Nathan then secured the next two ties for Predators, over Chris and Tim respectively, before Aaron and Dean closed the singles component with strong wins over Chris and Shane.
It meant Snipers took a slender one-point lead heading into the doubles component, and extended their margin in the first leg, having neutralised Steve once more.
Bill and Aaron combined to get the better of Predators’ main man and his teammate, Nathan, combining for two tons compared to the Predators pair’s single.
Steve and Chris hit back in the second tie for Predators with each throwing pegs in excess of 140, before Chris and Jordan levelled proceedings with a win in the third tie to lock the scores at four wins apiece.
With the contest on a knives-edge, in stepped Dean to restore order for the minor premiers.
The bedrock of the Snipers team that cruised to the top of the table in the regular season, he threw tons in the next two contests to help his
side edge ahead at the last turn.
He teamed with Tim in one contest and Bill in the other to open a two-point lead before the final singles ties.
Predators deployed two of their key players in Jordan and Nathan across the final two pairings with Shane, but despite the trio throwing five tons across the two contests to four, Snipers’ star-power went unmatched.
Needing a win to arrest momentum, Predators played its trump card by sending Steve to the mound in the first singles tie.
On the other side was Aaron, and the pair traded tons for the opening stoushes.
Aaron then made his move, with a critical 118 to edge ahead in the vital contest, where Steve could only muster another 100.
Aaron’s victory put his side 7-4 ahead, leaving
Teenaged Officer athlete Kevin Navodya blitzed the Victorian All School Track and Field Championships at Lakeside Stadium last Saturday.
The Officer Secondary College student came first in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.66 seconds, which led to selection in the Australian National Championships in Brisbane during December.
Navodya also came third in discus, with a throw of 37.28 metres and fifth in the 100 metre sprint semi-finals, with a time of 12.09 seconds. 2024 is the second consecutive year that Navodya has taken out the state hurdles title, winning the 90-metre hurdles last year.
The National Championships in December
will cap off an eventful year for the aspiring Olympian.
The 14-year-old placed in the top two in each of the following events at last summer’s Coles Regional Track and Field Carnivals: high jump, discus, 100-metre sprint and 90-metre hurdles.
The Casey Cardinia athletics junior also had strong meets at the State Track and Field Championships in March, placing first in the 90-metre hurdles and third in the discus and 100-metre sprint.
As well as his track and field accomplishments, Navodya also plays basketball at Dandenong Ranges and Berwick Basketball Club and is also part of the Beaconsfield Football Club.
Jordan to get the better of Chris to keep the Predators’ hopes alive in a do-or-die contest.
Despite one ton of 125, Chris’ two 100s carried Snipers to victory, sealing the result 8-4.
It put the finishing touches on a brilliant season for Snipers which lost just once in the homeand-away season and cruised to a direct place in the grand final by downing their runner-up opponents in the semi-final rounds.
Throughout the home-and-away rounds, they were borderline untouchable, losing just 78 rubbers in the 26 weeks with an average winning margin of nine.
In the second division battle for the Don Brown Memorial Shield, the task was far simpler for Just Social, making light work of Gembrook in an 8-2 thrashing.
Ninja, Ricki and Tony opened a quick 3-0
advantage in the singles round before Will and ‘Damo’ hit back to tighten the margin at 3-2 entering the doubles.
Just Social then slammed the door emphatically on its opponents, winning all five doubles ties to romp away with the Don Brown Shield.
Just Social finished seventh in the regular season and were the second seed heading into finals as a consequence, behind their conquered opponents.
‘4x4’ was the Shield winners’ leading tons thrower in the regular season with 81.
The competition will take a break over the summer months before resuming in the new year.
Snipers’ grand final winning squad: Bill, Aaron, Chris, Tim, Dean, Bec.
Just Social’s grand final winning squad: Ninja, Ricki, Tony, Jake, 4x4, Jason.
By Justin Schwarze
The Pakenham Warriors have welcomed two fresh faces to the club, with the announcement of new head coaches for both the Youth and State Championship Women programs.
Jonathon Goodman will serve as the club’s State Championship Women’s coach, replacing Robertus Dielemans.
Goodman has previously coached at various other levels, including state level teams, NBL1, SEABL, Big V and VJBL.
While coaching state teams Victoria Metro and Country, he has led them to numerous national championships.
He’s also played a pivotal role in Basketball Australia’s High-Performance program.
“Jono’s been around for many, many years coaching all different levels,” Warriors vice president Rob Roberts said.
“He’s very knowledgeable and very experienced at a high level.”
Goodman and the Warriors aim to build on last season, where they finished fifth on the ladder and were eliminated by Bellarine in the semi-finals.
For the Youth Women, Dave Barry has been named as the head coach for season 2025.
Barry replaces Ben Gaze, who had been the team’s head coach since the start of the 2023 season.
Under Gaze, the Warriors had reached the finals in back-to-back seasons, including a grand final appearance in 2024.
“The enthusiasm side of it probably won’t change much,” Roberts stated.
“’Gazey’ was unreal at that, at getting the girls up and about and Dave should just compliment what he started to build over the last couple of seasons.”
Barry brings a wide range of coaching experience, with over 20 years of basketball coaching experience and most notably an assistant coaching role in NBL1 Women.
“He brings that sort of enthusiasm that you need with a youth girls team,” Roberts said.
“He’ll be up and about, he knows exactly
The State Championship Women have welcomed a new head coach. (Stewart Chambers: 413421)
what he’s talking about, he knows his basketball inside and out and he’s very technical.
“You need somebody there who’s going to have that up-and-about attitude when it comes to coaching youth teams.”
Youth League captain Chelsea Schreuder is looking forward to playing under Barry.
“It really looks like it’s going to be a great year with him leading us, he has a really good character, brings energy and really cares for the players,” Schreuder said.
“He’s looking to build a really strong team that can succeed next year which is really exciting to be a part of.”
Before the regular season tips off in 2025, the Youth Women aim to gain promotion to the Youth League Championship through the upcoming Challenge Tournament.
Freshly appointed Barry will lead the Warriors from the sidelines in their quest to move up a division for next campaign.
In training, Goodman and Barry will also aim to build a cohesive program between the State Champ and Youth teams.
“We want a women’s program where the youth girls and the senior girls feel like they’re part of one,” Roberts said.
“We want to make sure everyone understands there’s a pathway at Pakenham.
“That’s the goal that everyone understands, that we are one united association.”
