Holiday riding fun
What is more fun during school holidays than biking around town with your friends?
Pakenham Bike Repair Hub ran a free program these holidays to ensure local kids could do just this and do it safely.
Three sessions were held in the program at Living Learning Pakenham for young people between the ages of 6 - 17 years.
The 4-hour session saw kids learn to prepare their bicycles, basic riding skills, repair and maintenance and what to do in the instance of an accident.
Most of all, it was a good bit of fun where kids enjoyed lunch and snacks.
Three sessions were held on Tuesday 8 April, Thursday 10 April and Tuesday 15 April.
You can see more from the bike repair hub at facebook. com/pakenhambikerepairhub
The
As part of the reforms, households must split their waste between general waste, mixed recycling, food and garden waste, and glass recycling.
The recent council meeting on Monday 14
April revealed that over 20 Victorian councils, including Cardinia Shire, conducted independent modelling into the impact of the glass bin and the reported findings showed “limited benefits.”
Maintaining the additional bin could come at a $27 increase per household in their annual gar-
bage charge, the modelling found.
According to the council, this would be “the largest increase to the garbage charge to date.”
Full story page 5
Lachlan (7) from Pakenham. (Stewart Chambers: 472248)
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Star News sent out questions to candidates for the seats of La Trobe and Bruce to provide a brief profile of who they will be voting for in the upcoming federal election. Here, readers can glimpse what each candidate stands for and their key policies. In La Trobe, six candidates are running in the strong Liberal seat held by Jason Wood. In Bruce, eight candidates are contesting the closer seat held by Labor's Julian Hill. Star News will seek to publish over the next two weeks the responses of all candidates who do not appear in this survey at this time.
See Bruce candidates on pages 15-16.
Wood Liberal
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I live in the Dandenong Ranges and have done so since I was four years old.
Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe?
I am passionate about local issues and wanted to help the constituents in the Dandenong Ranges. I have always wanted to be of public service and make a positive impact on my community.
Why did you choose to join your party or run as an independent?
I chose to join the Liberal Coalition because it represents values that are dear to me and to the communities I work closely with in La Trobe. The party stands for the rights and freedoms of all people, nurtures and encourages its citizens through incentives, and promotes a just and humane society. It also emphasises the importance of family, the role of law and justice, and equal opportunity for all Australians.
What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living?
The cost of living is the number one concern I hear from locals. As part of our plan, a Coalition government will provide immediate help to families by cutting the fuel excise by 25 cents per litre. This will save a two-car family about $1,500 a year.
Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe?
I have been fighting for my local communi-
ties since 2004, have had the privilege of collaborating with local residents to achieve significant milestones, such as the completion of the Beaconsfield Interchange, major upgrades to sports facilities with a special emphasis on female sports, and the establishment of the Beaconsfield Scout Hall. I am dedicated to addressing the issues that matter most to the locals.
Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our 10-year-old daughter. We love hiking, swimming, gardening, and playing with our new puppy, Smokey.
What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?
The three biggest issues facing the electorate are the cost of living, community safety, and housing affordability.
What are your three most important policies?
· Cost of Living Tax Offset: We will deliver a Cost of Living Tax Offset to more than 10 million taxpayers as part of our plan to get Australia back on track. This means Australians earning up to $144,000 will receive up to $1,200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return for the upcoming 2025-26 financial year.
· Mortgage Interest Deduction: First home buyers can deduct the interest paid on up to $650,000 of their mortgage from their assessable income.
· Controlled Migration and Housing Infrastructure Programme: We will implement a two-year ban on foreign investors and re-
Leo Panetta
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I have been a resident of Tynong since 2018 and
my family and I love being part of this community.
Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe?
I chose to run for the seat of La Trobe as that is
Jeff Springfield Australian Labor Party
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I live in Emerald where I was born and raised and have lived in La Trobe for most of my life. Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe?
I’m running for La Trobe to step up and serve the communities that I love, this beautiful regionwherewelive.Weareindesperateneedof fresh leadership, a positive change in how we are represented as a region in Federal Parliament. The incumbent MP has been La Trobe’s representative for so long now, many residents are crying out for a change. For someone who can lead us into the future as we grow, evolve and adapt to the times. Someone who is deeply connected with the people, the heritage and the diverse townships and environments in which we live. Someone with a positive vision for our future. Dedicated to working collaboratively across all levels of Government to deliver for our residents at home. Dedicated to moving beyond the toxic divisive opposition politics that we have had to endure for the past three years.
Why did you choose to join your party or run as an independent?
I’ve always cared deeply about social justice, fairness, inclusion and equality for all. These same principals are central to everything Labor stands for. The Albanese Government has been working hard during their first term. Delivering the first budget surplus (x2) in 15 years, while simultaneously providing tax cuts for all Australians, investing in a better future for us all by bolstering our healthcare and ed-
where I live, which makes me familiar with the local people and our issues.
Why did you choose to join your party?
I chose to join One Nation as my Christian beliefs align perfectly with the value set and policies of One Nation.
What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living?
One Nation’s top policy for tackling cost-ofliving pressures is slashing electricity bills by 20% through changes to the National Electricity Market (NEM). Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe?
As I’m not a career politician I am not scared to say what I mean, and I mean what I say. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
As a father of three, my weekends are packed with cheering from the sidelines at my kids’ sports games, rain, hail or shine, with a coffee in hand and a loud voice to root for their efforts. It’s a whirlwind of soccer and football, and I love every minute of watching them grow through teamwork and grit. Coaching my daughter’s soccer team is the cherry on top—an absolute privilege. It’s not just about teaching drills or strategy; it’s about seeing her and her teammates gain confidence, learn resilience, and have fun. Being their coach lets me connect with her in a special way, and I’m
ucation systems, combating inflation and the cost of living. They’re the only choice to see us safely through these difficult times of continuing global uncertainty.
What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living?
Health and education! We are investing heavily in both the health of our nation and the education that we need for our future. These fundamental pillars are essential for the healthy, productive, economically stable society that we all desire.
Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe?
I believe I am the only candidate standing who has the real potential to improve upon that which we have experienced in the past. A proven performance capability to stand and deliver for my community. Dedicated to solving our problems rather than blaming them away. A new voice for our region. Support me to be your next MP and together we can do La Trobe better!
Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
Outside of work I love playing music and the arts, the beautiful environment in which we live and the friends and family I call home. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?
· Cost of Living.
· Community safety.
· Housing.
What are your three most important policies?
Substantial and focused investments in –Health, Education, Housing Affordability.
proud to be part of their journey.
What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?
· Housing Affordability and Homelessness
· Cost of Living and Financial Hardship
· Youth Crime
What are your three most important policies?
· Electricity Bill Reductions: Change the National Electricity Market (NEM) rules to enable and incentivize cheaper coal and gas-fired baseload power while supporting nuclear energy in the medium term. Aim to slash electricity bills by 20% immediately.
· Fuel Price Relief: Halve the fuel excise to 26 cents per litre for 3 years with a review after 12 months, with the option to extend further. This measure will reduce costs for motorists and lower freight expenses, directly impacting the price of groceries, goods, and services.
· Tax Relief for Households and Retirees: Enable aged and veteran pensioners to earn more without penalty. Introduce income splitting and joint tax return filing for couples with dependent children.
· Raise the tax-free threshold to $35,000 for self-funded retirees.
Jason
Jamie Longmuir
The Greens
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I have lived in officer my entire life. Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe?
I have chosen to run for the seat of LaTrobe because I believe the current leadership is failing to adequately represent the interests of its constituents. My candidacy aims to offer an alternative that prioritises the genuine needs of the community. Many residents are grappling with the rising cost of living and housing unaffordability.These issues are, in large part, a consequence of the major political parties prioritising the interests of large corporations, that contribute significant political donations to liberal and labor.
Why did you choose to join your party or run as an independent?
I joined the Greens because they are a party
that demonstrates integrity in their approach to politics. The party is built on the collective power of ordinary people. Its policies are designed to serve the majority of the population. What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living?
Making price gouging illegal with a tough new corporate watchdog to monitor illegal rorting in the major supermarkets, under a new greens plan to push down the cost of living and make groceries more affordable.
Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe?
As a local in Officer, I am deeply committed to addressing the cost of living and the climate crisis. After 18 years under the current MP, it is time for bold, progressive leadership. If elected, I will fight for systemic change and a fairer future that truly reflects the needs of La Trobe. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy being active in nature through hiking, rock climbing and surfing. I value time with family and friends and have a strong appreciation for live music. I’m also passionate about activism, working alongside others to protect our basic right to live in a safe and habitable environment.
What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?
· Housing affordability has become a significant challenge, with individuals increasingly required to work excessive hours simply to afford a home.
· Health: Cost of living is hurting all of us. Our basic health needs are being neglected.
· Climate change impacts, from bushfires, floods and storms, our community is on the front line.
What are your three most important policies?
· Making property developers allocate affordable homes to first home owners and introducing a public and affordable housing levy.
· Dental into medicare and see the GP for free.
· Replacing coal and gas exports to become a clean energy export powerhouse.
Egg-cellent safety tips
Hopping out of town for the long weekend? Before you leap into the car, take a final lap around the house to check it is secure.
Hare’s a few eggscellent tips to make sure you’re keeping your property safe:
• Lock all doors, gates, garages and windows.
• Don’t hide your keys outside (that fake rock is so obvious).
• Send any expected parcels to an Australia Post parcel locker.
• Brings the bins in before you leave.
Oh and remember! Should you need to report a non-urgent crime, you can do so by using our online reporting service https://www. police.vic.gov.au/police-assistance-line-andonline-reporting
If the incident is happening now or someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). Enjoy the break, eat lots of chocolate and look out for one another!
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I have lived in La Trobe for 15+ years. Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe?
I decided to run to oppose radical gender ideology, push back against the obsession with net zero at the expense of our economy, and oppose the participation of men in women’s sports.
Why did you choose to join your party or run as an independent?
Family First’s mission is to build a political movement that will fight for and sustain the social and economic well-being of the nation, by promoting family, life, faith, freedom, enterprise and subsidiarity (empowering individuals, families and communities
Enjoy the long weekend and take care.
(Eyewatch - Cardinia Police Service)
to resolve the matters closest to them). This aligns with my personal values.
What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living?
Considering and promoting initiatives and policies that encourage efficiency, and reduce excessive Government waste and bureaucracy, as this contributes to inflation, which affects everyone.
Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe?
My common-sense approach towards public policy, combined with my financial acumen, my conservative views and an understanding of faith and its connection to western values, means that I will stand for initiatives that promote family, financial well-being, faith and freedom.
Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
I am a family man with conservative views, passionate about restoration of common sense in public policy, protection of individual rights, economic prosperity for all, and preservation of traditional western values. My professional background is predominantly in wealth management, private banking, consulting, entrepreneurship and coaching. I am passionate about family, faith, freedom and financial independence.
What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?
Australians, including new migrants, that I have met with are primarily concerned with the cost-of-living crisis, rising electricity costs and the protection of faith-based schools. What are your three most important policies?
Economic-freedom for families such as housing and energy affordability, child-protection from radical gender ideology, and protecting Australian values. More can be found about these policies, and others, via https://www. familyfirstparty.org.au/policies
Ron Malhotra Family First
$300K promise to ‘break the cycle’
La Trobe MP Jason Wood will support Pakenham’s ‘Creating Change to Break the Cycle’ youth program, pledging to deliver $300,000 through a revitalised Safer Communities Fund (SCF) if the Coalition forms government after this election.
The Liberal incumbent, Mr Wood said this funding would address the root causes of risky behaviours and provide the necessary support to help young people make positive life choices.
“This funding is a direct response to the concerns raised by our community. I’ve heard firsthand from Pakenham residents that supporting our youth is a priority, and we’re responding with
practical measures to address and prevent violence and criminal activity among at-risk youth,” Mr Wood said.
“The program will empower young people through leadership opportunities and provide critical wraparound services.”
‘Creating Change to Break the Cycle’ is run by Mother on Mission Inc. The program’s purpose is to empower the community and support the next generation.
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson said under a
Cardinia Shire Council
Federal Election
Community
Coalition Government, the Pakenham community will be stronger, more secure, and better supported to tackle crime.
“Getting Australia back on track means keeping Australia safe – safe for families, safe for businesses, and safe for communities,” Senator Paterson said.
“Projects delivered under the Safer Communities Fund will help protect local communities by investing in programs and community organisations that will provide practical support to young people.”
Q&A Session
Come along to Cardinia Shire Council’s Federal Election Community Q&A session at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Tuesday 29 April.
Hear from candidates standing for the seat of La Trobe at the upcoming election on 3 May.
Strategist and futurist, Simon Waller, will moderate the session.
All questions must be submitted via the registration link prior to the event and will not be taken from the audience on the night.
We will endeavour to ensure a wide range of topics and issues are covered. Learn more about Council’s advocacy priorities www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/advocacy
Early voting begins
Early voting for the federal election will begin next week, providing an easy opportunity for many to miss the line on election day.
After Easter Monday, early voting will begin on Tuesday 22 April and run until Friday 2 May.
The AEC will close booths on Anzac Day.
Local early voting centres include:
· Pakenham Uniting Church, 47 James Street, Pakenham.
· Akoonah Park Centre, 2 Cardinia Street, Berwick.
· Clyde Public Hall, 30 Railway Road, Clyde.
· 1st Cranbourne Scout Hall, 255-257 South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne.
· Dandenong Stadium, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong North.
On Mondays through to Thursdays, centres will be open from 8.30 am - 5.30 pm.
On Saturday 26 April, centres will be open from 9am - 4pm and from 8.30 am6pm on Friday 2 May.
Tuesday 29 April, 6–7:30pm
Cardinia Cultural Centre 40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham
Registrations essential: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/advocacy
(Element5 Digital: Unsplash)
Jason Wood MP with community members at Pakenham Hall. (Supplied)
NEWS Garbage hike for ratepayers
By Corey Everitt
Cardinia Shire Council has joined a wider effort to delay the rollout of the glass-only purple bin, calling for alternative measures that would prevent a large hike on rate bills.
The State Government has set July 2027 as the deadline for all councils to implement the purple bin as part of the new four-stream kerbside bin system.
As part of the reforms, households must split their waste between general waste, mixed recycling, food and garden waste, and glass recycling.
The recent council meeting on Monday 14 April revealed that over 20 Victorian councils, including Cardinia Shire, conducted independent modelling into the impact of the glass bin and the reported findings showed “limited benefits.”
Maintaining the additional bin could come at a $27 increase per household in their annual garbage charge, the modelling found.
According to the council, this would be “the largest increase to the garbage charge to date.”
Estimates showed that the implementation of the glass bin could be $2 million more for each council than was originally projected by the State Government’s modelling. The overall four-bin system could be $4 million more than projected.
“Our council officers are not comfortable with the proposal the State Government have offered,” Cr Paton said.
“We want to let the Victorian Government know that we are not satisfied that their scheme is affordable, we are not satisfied that their scheme is practical.”
The success of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in Victoria has provoked opposition to the glass bin as it’s widely believed to be an efficient and cheaper alternative if it’s expanded to accept glass.
Queensland has expanded its CDS to include glass, it’s reported to have seen a 13.4 per cent in-
crease in glass bottles returned.
Research conducted by the councils said expanding the CDS would result in higher quality glass being recycled, negate the need for more garbage trucks on the roads and provide a more cost-effective solution.
The State Governments of South Australia and New South Wales have conducted their own
modelling, which is reported to have reached similar conclusions in support of expanding their CDS.
Councillors also raised logistical concerns about each household managing more bins.
Cr Ross mentioned one local site of units that was designed to accommodate 12 bins and currently has 24 bins, which has caused issues for
neighbouring households.
“So we are talking about increasing it to 36 bins, it’s horrible,” he said.
“These are the sort of things that need to be taken into consideration if you live in an urban area that wasn’t designed for these retrofit solutions.”
The motion was passed unanimously.
Free Kinder: Enrol for 2025.
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
Cardinia Shire Council is questioning the mandatory rollout of the purple-lidded bin. (File)
Give blood and save lives
By Afraa Kori
When Pakenham mum Leonie Williames was rushed to hospital during the height of the COVID pandemic, she was grieving the sudden loss of her son and fighting for her own life.
“I was pregnant and we suddenly lost our baby Zion. The doctors aren’t exactly sure what happened,” she said.
“But there ended up being complications and I needed two bags of blood and an iron transfusion.”
Alone in a hospital room, separated from her husband due to restrictions, she was losing blood fast. Two transfusions and an iron infusion later, it was the generosity of strangers that gave her the strength to survive.
“I never thought I’d need a transfusion and suddenly I needed to rely on the generosity of strangers,” Leonie said.
“Being one of the one in three people who will need blood during their life, it will always resonate with me, that someone else’s generosity made a really awful time for us, just a bit easier. I cannot thank my donors enough for their time, and if you’ve ever donated, someone directly benefited from your kindness.”
Despite it being a horrific time, it has given her the strength to speak out and encourage others to consider the life-changing impact of blood donation.
“I’m happy to share because I directly benefited from the generous donation of someoneprobably two someones, as I needed two transfusions after the complications I had,” she said.
“Blood donations cost nothing but your time. But the benefit to someone else can be literally life changing.
“I hope people can take a little time out of their day to make a horrendous day for someone else,
just that little bit easier.
“You never know when you or a family member might be in a position where you need to rely on a blood transfusion to keep you safe
and healthy.”
After losing Zion, Leonie and her husband shared their story on social media, encouraging friends and family to donate blood in his mem-
Boxer imprisoned after nightclub altercation
By Corey Everitt
An amateur boxer from the South East has been sentenced to nine months in prison after a drunken night club attack left a man needing surgery for a fractured skull.
Alexander Dahmes, 35, appeared in the County Court of Victoria on Thursday 10 April for sentencing after pleading guilty to a charge of recklessly causing serious injury.
The offence took place at Retro Nightclub in 2023, where Dahmes was accompanied by his girlfriend and a group of friends.
The court heard a ‘minor altercation’ between the victim and Dahmes’ girlfriend preceded the offence, a second altercation claimed by Dahmes just before the offence was not accepted by the court.
Both parties were intoxicated, with Dahmes consuming alcohol and the victim consuming cocaine and alcohol.
CCTV shown to the court showed Dahmes confronting the victim with his girlfriend.
The trained Muay Thai fighter proceeded to strike the complainant multiple times, includ-
ing to the head and the back of the head, using a headbutt, his fist, knee and elbow.
After the offence, the victim presented to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The court saw photographs showing a “2x2cm indentation” on his forehead which required a later surgery to address the depressed skull fracture where metal plates and screws were installed.
He was reported to suffer from secondary nerve damage with some remaining loss of sensitivity.
A doctor’s opinion of the injury said that the part of the skull in question requires “800 to 1600 pounds” of force to fracture.
On the night of the offending, messages seen by the court showed Dahmes stating it was a “great ending to the night” and Judge Robyn Harper said he made “no attempt to check the welfare” of the complainant.
Dahmes would later report to Narre Warran Police Station, where he expressed remorse for the offence by stating to police it was a “massive overreaction”.
The victim reported the offending had affect-
ed his confidence with ongoing anxiety in public as well as self-consciousness about his scar from the surgery.
Dahmes pleaded guilty to the charge that holds a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment.
Judge Harper said Dahmes had been “cooperative” through the proceedings and “displayed an acceptance of responsibility” for his actions.
Dahmes had strong connections in his employment and family life, Judge Harper described, with “excellent” prospects for rehabilitation.
Referring to the previous altercation involving Dahmes’ girlfriend, Judge Harper said the incident was “over” at the time of the offence and “had nothing to do with you.”
The level of violence was “horrific”, Judge Harper said.
The offending may have been only “4 to 5 seconds”, but it was still “shocking,” and warranted “serious punishment”.
Dahmes was sentenced to nine months imprisonment in combination with a 12-month community corrections order.
ory. They were deeply moved by the number of people who responded to the call.
Leonie is also helping to break the silence and stigma around grief—creating space for others to feel seen, heard, and supported in their own journeys.
“There’s no shame in loss. Every time I talk about loss, people also feel comfortable to share their stories and there’s a whole other issue of loss being socially not addressed well,” she said.
As the Pakenham Pop-up Blood Donor Centre opens, Leonie sees it as a positive step in making blood donation more accessible and convenient for the community.
“Local people need local support- it’s our community, your friends, family, work colleagues or neighbours that may benefit. Imagine a place where access to life-changing blood just wasn’t a concern? That’s possible if people step up,” she said
“Blood donations (maybe like so many other important topics) is just an area we’ve grown a bit apathetic too. It’s so easy to metaphorically look away because it hasn’t affected you. But with a one in three statistic, it will. Maybe not you, but someone you know will need life saving blood.
“I encourage people to look into it more and find out about it. It’s not difficult, and there’s free snacks!”
The Pakenham Pop-up Blood Donor Centre will run across April and May at the Pakenham Library Community Hall, with flexible session times for easy access.
“Our blood supply is running low and we need a new blood donor every 5 minutes. Save lives this Easter and have some chocolates on us,” Australian Red Cross Lifeblood states.
For more details: https://www.lifeblood.com. au/donor-centre/vic/pakenham-pop-up-donorcentre
Acai run cut short
In the early hours of Sunday 13 of April, Cardinia Highway Patrol members on night shift detected a vehicle on the Princes Freeway in Officer allegedly travelling at 161km/h.
The vehicle was intercepted, where an unaccompanied male learner was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. The driver’s reason for the excessive speed: “I was going out to get an Acai bowl”.
The vehicle was impounded at a cost of $1444, with an 18-year-old male from Pakenham to be charged on summons.
“All jokes Acai’d, travelling at that speed is incredibly dangerous and it was lucky no one was hurt,” EyewatchCardinia Police Service shared on social media.
Leo and her husband were blessed with another addition (son Milo) to the family. (Supplied)
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Healthy Harold helps to keep kids safe online
With recent data from the eSafety Commissioner revealing a 450 per cent surge in cyber bullying over the past five years and continuing news reports of the tragedies that occur as a result of online activity, Healthy Harold and the Life Ed team are bringing online safety education forward to keep kids safe earlier. Through the launch of the new module, Harold’s Online World, Life Ed aims to equip Year 1 and 2 students early with the tools to stay safe online.
“Like all of Life Ed’s modules, Harold’s Online World is designed to teach kids about topics they may soon confront in their world, empowering them to critically evaluate the issues at hand. We want to give kids the chance to practice making positive choices in a safe environment before being confronted with difficult decisions,” said Karen Robertson, head of education and impact at Life Ed Australia.
Harold’s Online World encourages students to balance screen time with offline activities, recognise and report harmful content, engage in positive online interactions, and seek help from trusted adults.
“This type of holistic education is what Life Ed prides itself in. Our more than 45 years of experience in schools has taught us that scare tactics don’t encourage long-term change. It’s about empowering children to learn about their bodies and celebrate their strengths, to instill confidence and resilience.” As a Trusted eSafety Provider, endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner, Life Ed has been supporting school communities with education on online safety and well being since 2016, with the bCyberwise module for Years 3 and 4, and Relate Respect Connect for Years 5 and 6. Harold’s Online World
now while there is still availability. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore, learn, and empower people in your community. Contact hello@everythingdisability.com. au or 1300 886 311 today! The expo is on Friday 2 May and Saturday 3 May.
The
is available in schools across Australia from Term 2. (Unsplash)
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Reducing holiday sugar hit
Dentists love chocolate as much as the next person – but mindful of the damage even small amounts of sugar can do, they’ve got advice for Australians so they can have their Easter eggs and eat them too.
Sugary temptation is but a hop away for chocolate lovers of all ages, so it becomes even more of a priority knowing that 34 per cent of children aged 5-6 have experienced decay in their primary or baby teeth, and 24 per cent of children aged 6-14 have had tooth decay in their permanent teeth, according to Australia’s Children and Young People Oral Health Tracker Children and Young People 2018.
Adults don’t fare much better with other data (Australia’s Adult Oral Health Tracker 2020) showing that just over 32 per cent of people over 15 suffer from untreated tooth decay and 48 per cent are consuming too much free sugar, or sugar added to food and drinks or sugar in honey, syrup and fruit juice.
“We don’t like to rabbit on about this too much because who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate now and then? But all things in moderation will see you through this time of choccy indulgence,” said Australian Dental Association (ADA) President Dr Chris Sanzaro.
“The good news is that there are lots of creative ways to reduce the holiday sugar hit such as these simple guidelines from the ADA, so your mouth is not an Easter casualty.”
- Try restricting chocolate eggs and sugary treats to mealtimes rather than snacking on them between meals. This is because the saliva produced to help digest larger quantities of food also cleanses and buffers mouth pH
from acids in food and drink.
- Pair chocolate treats with drinks of water to help swish away chocolate residue from the mouth.
- Look for less sugar-dense options such as dark chocolate, which can have up to 1/3 less sugar than milk chocolate.
- Have a sugar break before and after Easter by limiting the intake of processed snack foods such as muesli bars and baked goods. It also pays (all year round) to be aware of foods containing hidden sugars, many of which are sold as ‘healthy’ snacks.
- It’s a great idea to have some small toys and inedible treats such as a skipping rope, frisbee or bat and ball set that encourage movement, to give out over the long weekend.
- Keep young ones occupied with Easterthemed art and craft activities or use decorative wooden or paper eggs in the Easter egg hunt, with perhaps just one chocolate egg at the end to celebrate.
“Observe these simple rules and kids big and small in your family won’t feel like they’re missing out,” said Dr Sanzaro.
As at any other time of the year, keep on top of your oral health by brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day, eating and drinking healthily and hop along to see your dentist regularly.
For trusted oral health information from dental experts including pro tips on brushing and flossing, go to teeth.org.au
Here to help
Rossiter Road Medical Centre has continued to grow since its 2023 opening.
The practice has a total of five male and five female GPs providing a bulk billing service to all patients with a Medicare Card.
The clinic supports the community with access to doctors six days per week, opening Monday – Friday as well as Sunday and all Public Holidays. The practice offers evening appointments till 7pm from Monday – Thursday.
The practice have a multi-disciplinary team also offering: Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Diabetes Education, Psychology and Audiometry. Pathology collection is also available five mornings per week.
Rossiter Road Medical Centre is situated in
Kooweerup and welcomes new patients from all areas.
Appointments can be obtained by calling the practice or online via the website or the HotDoc app.
Rossiter Road have a team of highly experienced doctors, nursing and medical staff who do their best to support the community.
Rachael Hatzopoulos, Operations Manager, wished to express thanks on behalf of the clinic to the community for their ongoing support of this young business. She said it has been great to establish the practice and provide jobs and medical care to locals in the community.
RossiterRoadMedicalCentreisopenthroughout Easter.
Australian Dental Association (ADA) President Dr Chris Sanzaro.
Dr Raj, Dr Su, Dr Monika, Dr Sawsan, Medical Receptionist - Natalie, Dr Ehab, Operations Manager Rachael, Practice Nurse Samantha & Dr Mark.
Good Friday Appeal success
By Afraa Kori
Cardinia Life was buzzing with community spirit on April 16 as locals gathered in the foyer to support the annual Good Friday Appeal fundraiser in aid of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The event, which featured raffles, games, and plenty of laughter, saw generous contributions from attendees who brought gold coins and shared plates of delicious treats. Many arrived in festive spirit, donning bunny ears and embracing the cause with enthusiasm.
Volunteer and host, Irene Latherick, was thrilled with the turnout and the community’s willingness to dig deep for a worthy cause.
“It’s always heartwarming to see our community come together for the kids,“ she said.
“A lot of our grandkids were involved in helping make the easter hats and also that a lot of us were keen to get involved because our children or grandchildren have been treated at the hospital. So we’ve all had some sort of connection with the hospital, whether it be our own kids or our grandkids.”
They raised $461.35, which goes directly to the Royal Children’s Hospital to support life-saving care and research.
The fundraiser added to the ongoing efforts across Victoria as part of the statewide Good Friday Appeal, showcasing once again the power of local generosity.
For the ladies who regularly attend water aerobics and aqua classes at Cardinia Life, the event was not only a chance to support a great cause but also a meaningful way to strengthen social
BUSINESS PROFILE
connections and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
“It just brings out the community side of Car-
dinia Life — making people feel welcome and involved,” Irene said.
“There are a lot of people like myself who are
on our own, so we do it as a social thing too, just to help everyone feel engaged and like they’ve got something to be part of.”
A milestone Term 1 finish for Drouin Campus students
Students at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Drouin Campus celebrated the end of their milestone first term with a joyful Easter egg hunt.
The day began with a casual clothes day, where gold coin donations were collected to support the community’s West Gippsland Hospital.
For lunch, the students enjoyed a delicious sausage sizzle, cooked for them by the Head of St Paul’s Drouin Junior School, Rowan van Raay.
Following lunch, the students received a surprise treat from their caring educators – an Easter egg hunt held in the Early Learning Centre playground. Brimming with smiles and excitement, the Prep to Year 3 children eagerly filled their hand-decorated baskets with chocolate eggs.
This fun-filled celebration was a perfect way to mark the end of their first term at Drouin Campus – the newest addition to St Paul’s.
Students search for eggs in the Early Learning Centre playground.
Blaire Davey, Year 3, enjoys the Easter egg hunt.
Navy May, Prep, collects eggs in her easter basket.
Grayson Upston, Year 1, proudly shows all the eggs he found.
Mack Flint, Year 1, has a basket full of eggs.
Irene, Kerry, Jacque, Maureen and Anna. (Afraa Kori)
Easter decorations.Margaret and Noemi. Egg race. Stall.
FOCUS ON … EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE
Yee-haw, it’s rodeo time
This family-orientated rodeo is held traditionally each year on Easter Monday.
It bucks into action all day for spectators with Barrel Racing, Roping, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding and more.
The Lang Lang Rodeo has been running since 1944, for novice and open competitors that travel the circuit throughout Victoria.
It is the first event with Australian Professional Rodeo Association to be inducted into the “Hall of Fame”.
As the Cardinia Shire’s Event of the Year in 2016, the rodeo is a fantastic family day out, each year the event gathers the best riders
through the country.
There is junior and ladies barrel races, steer riding, bucking broc, and the ever popular bull riding and much more.
The “Hughie Bourke Memorial” dog high jump is a great crowd pleaser with cash prizes for the winner and runner-up.
With food stalls, amusements, and plenty of action, for every age group, the exciting day out starts at 10am. The rodeo is affiliated with the APRA association.
Check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/p/Lang-Lang-Rodeo-100063713016337/
Come and experience the Walhalla Goldfields Railway
Bring your family and enjoy a spectacular ride on Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
Take in the breathtaking views as the train makes its way through the spectacular Stringers Gorge on what is considered one of the country’s most picturesque rail journeys.
Travelling through the gorge you will pass Happy Creek Station as the train crosses seven bridges hugging the cliff face which in themselves are a marvel of engineering before reaching the spectacular Thomson River bridge.
Upon arrival at Thomson Station passengers disembark and have the opportunity to peruse the station and surroundings before re-boarding for your return journey.
For young train buffs we also offer the opportunity to get up front and experience a different perspective from the vantage point of the locomotive cab. See the amazing track work and bridges and chat to our knowledgeable crew along the way! Ask the Station Master on the day for availability.
Make Walhalla Goldfields Railway your next day out.
Trains depart Walhalla daily during the Easter school holidays.
Bookings can be made at: www.walhallarail. com.au For more information phone: 03 5165 6280.
Come and experience Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
Action from last year’s Lang Lang Rodeo. (Gary Sissons: 394795)
ANZAC DAY
A precocious sporting talent, Bill Stone earned the nickname of the Pakenham Giant in league football circles - and went on to become a giant of the local community as well.
Bill a giant of Pakenham
Bill ‘Nobby’ Stone was “undoubtedly the best all round sportsman this district has produced - a high distinction in an area noted for its athletic record”.
This glowing description was part of a Pakenham-Berwick Gazette tribute to Bill Stone - a giant of the Pakenham community - upon his death in June 1975.
Bill was a son of Peter Stone and his second wife Emma Tilley. Peter settled in the Toomuc Valley back in the 1870s and raised a very large family (he had a total of 19 children from his two marriages) in a wattle and daub house on what is now Brown’s Road. Young Bill attended Pakenham State School and later worked on the Toomuc Valley Orchard.
Bill’s name always featured prominently in the ribbon and pennant lists for local sports carnivals.
Amongst his many local athletic accolades was setting a local record for “sheaf tossing” at the Clyde Railway Sports Carnival in February 1915, tossing the sheaf some 39 feet (nearly 12 metres)! At the same carnival, Bill demonstrated his athletic versatility by also winning the high jump, jumping five feet five inches (1.65m).
It was as a footballer though, that he is most remembered.
Old timers regarded Bill, together with his brothers Bert and Fred, as the “best football ruck trio Pakenham ever knew”.
He was a member of the Pakenham team which won the 1914 district premiership, before
becoming the first Pakenham player to make it to the “big league”, playing nine games for Fitzroy in the VFL (now AFL) during 1915.
Standing six feet (1.83m) tall and weighing in
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ANZAC DAY
We remember, honour, and pay our deepest respects to all who served, and who continue to serve. We mourn those whose lives were lost. And we grieve for those who continue to carry the heaviest burdens and scars of service that last a lifetime.
Today and every day, we recognise and honour their contribution and sacrifice,and we commit to supporting our veterans and their families.
Lest we forget.
at over 13 stone (86kgs), Bill was known at Fitzroy as the “Pakenham Giant” and regarded as a “good kick” who marked well .
Bill missed the 1916 VFL season which was won by Fitzroy, as he enlisted for service on 26 February 1916. At the time, Bill was 26 year old and was working in Pakenham as a baker for Patrick Halloran.
After enlistment, Bill was assigned to the 10th Australian Field Ambulance. He left Australia in June 1916. After a period in England, Bill proceeded to France.
In May 1917, Bill was appointed as a Lance Corporal. The following month, during the Battle of Messines, Bill was stationed at the Regimental Aid Post (RAP) at “Dead Horse Corner”. Their task was to evacuate the wounded to the RAP, with half of each section working a 12 hour shift while the other half rested in the shelters at Charing Cross. Bill appears to have been a ‘loader” with the stretcher bearers; someone who helped get the wounded men onto the stretchers.
Later in 1917, 10 AFA was deployed near Ypres. There, the atrocious conditions that stretcher bearers worked in was described in a letter from one of them: “My job was to carry wounded from the advanced area to the first aid post on the line of evacuation. It is no exaggeration to say that every inch of ground was a shell hole, or rather a quagmire of shell holes, as the weather is rainy, and the bearers sink to their knees every step, and progress very slow. Never before have I seen so many dead - in many places we had to actually walk over the bodies, and the sights were sickening... The work at night is terrible. I was with a party for two hours lost in the mud, with no idea of direction.... Floundering in the mud - You can only imagine what it was like when I tell you we came across a ‘Tommy’ (English) Officer sunk down to the armpits and calling for help, and we had to lever him out of the mud with pieces of wood under his arms”.
In October 1917, a letter from Bill reached home in Pakenham, saying that he was well and had met several other Pakenham boys, who were also okay.
By August 1918, the challenge for field ambulance units was to keep up with the rapidly shifting front line, as the Allies pushed the Germans back. On the 19 August 1918, 10 AFA took over the Advanced Dressing Station at SaillyLaurette, on the Somme River near Le Hamel, with the A and C sections taking over the posts in the forward area. Bill was wounded that day, but this must have been relatively minor, as he was recorded as having remained at duty.
Harriet Shing MP
MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION
216 Commercial Road, Morwell VIC 3840
P: (03) 5134 8000
E: harriet.shing@parliament.vic.gov.au harrietshingmp @ShingvWorld
Apparently, Bill was gassed three times during the course of his war service, including by chlorine and mustard gas. By the end of the war,
Pakenham Football Club
From The Committee, Players, Sponsors, Members & Supporters of the Pakenham Football Club.
Remembering the brave service Men & Women who served for our Country and fought for our Freedom Lest We Forget
he had reverted to the ranks at his own request and was serving as a driver instead.
Remarkably, in the midst of this brutal war, Bill’s reputation for sporting prowess continued to grow. At one point, Bill was vice-captain of the 3rd Division football team, which comprised 16 former players from the VFL and VFA.
In July 1917, at an inter-unit sports carnival held at Steenwerck, Bill helped the 10 AFA claim the 10th Brigade’s Sports Championship by winning the 100 yards and hurdles and running third in the 220 yards events. In doing so, he earned nearly half of the 10 AFA’s total points!
For his efforts, Bill was presented with a special gold championship medal by Brigadier General (later Sir) Ramsay McNicoll. However, befitting the legendary status Bill acquired in Pakenham over the years, the local folklore later had it that the medal was presented to him by none other than His Majesty King George V himself! This perhaps conflated the presentation of the medal with the fact that Bill’s unit had been inspected by the King the year before.
After the war ended in November 1918, Bill received some furlough in London. He returned to his unit in France for a few months, before being marched out to England in May 1919 for repatriation to Australia.
Bill arrived back in Melbourne in August 1919 and was discharged the following month. He was officially welcomed home to Pakenham in October 1919, along with other returned soldiers. Between 400 and 500 people attended the event, at which the soldiers were presented with special gold medallions from the people of Pakenham.
Bill returned to the Toomuc Valley, where he initially lived with his brothers Percy and Arthur. He also returned to the local football scene, and played for Fitzroy again in the VFA. Indeed, it is said that Bill acquired enough football jumpers while playing for Fitzroy to kit out the entire Pakenham side!
In December 1920, Bill married Ethel Smith at St James’ Church. Ethel was a daughter of Oscar Smith, the local blacksmith and undertaker. As the couple was from two long-established Pakenham families, 200 people attended the reception at the Mechanics’ Institute. They raised two sons. Bill and Ethel lived in Oakleigh for a period, before returning to Pakenham to care for Ethel’s parents.
Bill then held down a range of jobs, including as a labourer, carrier (in partnership with one of his sons) and a bus driver. At one stage, he was also president of the local ANA branch.
Even at the age of 38, Bill was chosen to captain the Pakenham East (formerly Pakenham Juniors) football team at the start of the 1932 season!
Over the years, Bill became a living legend around town and an inspiration to a younger generation of footballers.
Graham Treloar remembers that as an older man, Bill would sit on the verandah of his Main Street house. Graham says that if Bill asked you up for a chat, you felt like you were really someone!
Although he suffered from increasingly ill health, Bill was described even in later life as a “tall powerful man”.
When he died in Pakenham in June 1975, aged 81, the Pakenham Gazette paid tribute in the following terms: “Bill Stone was not only a great sportsman but also a most likeable man and many throughout the district and far beyond will sadly miss his kindly, always cheerful presence”.
Interestingly, Bill did not claim his Victory medal until the 1930s, when Ethel wrote to the Defence Department requesting it on his behalf: “Anzac Day is drawing near and I always promise my two little boys, I shall write and try and get another medal that their father is entitled to. He has the 1914-1918 and if you would kindly send me the other one, I would be very much obliged ... as his sons will be real proud ....”.
The Giant of Pakenham Bill Stone in uniform.
Support for our veterans
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman joined RSL Victoria recently in calling on Victorians to help support veterans via the Anzac Appeal as we count down to Anzac Day.
“This is a time for all Victorians to unite and reflect on the immense sacrifices made by those who have served our country.
“We know that veterans sometimes need a helping hand after their service ends – RSL Victoria’s Anzac Appeal is a tangible way for Victorians to show their support and make a difference,” she said.
RSL Victoria president Dr Robert Webster explained that demand for veteran support is increasing.
“The RSL exists to support veterans and their families, and the Anzac Appeal is the major annual fundraiser that supports veterans in the sometimes-difficult navigation of life post-service.
“The final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made it clear that those challenges are increasing. This is consistent with the feedback from our Sub-branch network who are reporting a growing need for their help in meeting the issues faced by the younger generations of veterans.
About the Anzac Appeal
A4 posters, landscape point-of-sale tickets, and in-store radio.
This year’s campaign will see 20 cents for every pack of Anzac Biscuits sold from Woolworths Bakery from 23-25 April go to the Appeal, while proceeds from Bakers Finest Anzac Biscuits will go to RSL Australia.
Anzac Badges
As always, Victorians are encouraged to show their support this Anzac Appeal through donating online, or purchasing a collectable commemorative badge.
The Anzac Appeal is the annual public fundraiser that helps RSL Victoria support veterans.
This support includes advocacy to help gain compensation for physical and mental health injuries through service, assistance with day-to-day medical support and employment, social support for veterans and families, and programs that promote physical health and social connection like RSL Active.
Donations to the Anzac Appeal can be made at
“The support of the RSL is needed more than ever before, so we urge the public to get involved,” implored Dr Webster.
anzacappeal.com.au
Getting involved at the checkout Woolworths has been a supporter of the Anzac Appeal for more than ten years, with customers purchasing 2.7 million Anzac and Poppy Appeal products to wear and show their support for veterans and their families over this time.
The partnership has raised $13.6 million over the past 10 years, which has been distributed nationally based on where sales were generated.
The supermarket will support the Anzac Appeal via an in-store marketing campaign with a media value of $1.1 million across digital screens,
100 per cent of proceeds from the appeals go to supporting Veterans and their families through Veteran Central – support from Ex-Service Organisations to maintain wellbeing, Health and Wellbeing Support and programs that reduce social isolation and encourage mateship, RSL Active (social networks that improve physical and mental health), Compensation Support, Financial Welfare (emergency benevolent support through a patriotic Trust Fund), Mental Heath Initiatives (suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops), and Employment Support Services.
All badges can be viewed at commemorativebadges.myshopify.com/collections/all
The Ode of Remembrance and where it came from
The Ode of Remembrance is an extract from a longer poem.
The Australian Army, on its website, states: “The Ode comes from For the Fallen, a poem by English poet and writer Laurence Binyon. The poem was first published in The Times on 21 September 1914. It was later published in the Winnowing Fan - Poems of the Great War.
“By mid-September 1914, less than seven weeks after the outbreak of war, the British Expeditionary Force in France had already suffered severe casualties. Long lists of the dead and wounded appeared in British newspapers. It was against this background that Binyon wrote For the Fallen.
“The Ode is the fourth stanza of the poem. The verse, which became the League Ode, was already used in association with Anzac Day commemoration services in Australia in 1921.” For the Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children
England mourns for her dead across the sea, Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free.
Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres, There is music in the midst of desolation And glory that shines upon our tears.
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow,
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
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.
They mingle not with their laughing comrades again,
They sit no more at familiar tables of home, They have no lot in our labour of the daytime, They sleep beyond England’s foam.
But where our desires and hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the night.
As the stars shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
- Written by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943) We will remember them.(File)
The Anzac Appeal is the annual public fundraiser that helps RSL Victoria support veterans. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 403513)
ANZAC DAY
April 25th
Local Anzac Day services
EMERALD RSL SUB-BRANCH
DAWN SERVICE
· Gather at Anzac Place 5.00am, service to start at 5.30am
· Memorial Drive, Emerald
MID-MORNING MARCH AND SERVICE
· Gather at the Cenotaph in Emerald 10am (near the Emerald Commonwealth Bank)
· March along with Veterans and local community groups to Anzac Place for the mid-morning service or
MID-MORNING SERVICE
· Gather at Anzac Place 10.30am, service to start 11am
· Memorial Drive, Emerald
Our Clubrooms and bar will be open for patronage following both services and you are most welcome to join us in camaraderie.
LONGWARRY RSL SUB-BRANCH
Service Location: The Cenotaph at the rail crossing Longwarry 3816
Service Time: 2:00pm Sunday 20 April at Longwarry Hall, 14 Kennedy Street, Longwarry 3816
Refreshments Location & Details: Tea, coffee and sandwiches and cakes will be available at Longwarry Hall, 14 Kennedy Street, Longwarry 3816 following the service.
For more information visit: facebook.com/p/ Longwarry-RSL-100071403427715/ PAKENHAM RSL
Pakenham RSL ANZAC Day Dawn Service to be held at 5.45am Friday April 25, at Pakenham War Memorial on Cnr John and Henry streets, Pakenham, followed by breakfast in the Pakenham Hall at the conclusion of the service. Gold coin donation would be appreciated. Everyone is welcome.
L-R Nick Lind (Vietnam Vet), Geoffrey Stokes (British Vet), Rodney Edwards (Ex-Serviceman), Frank Ferguson (Vietnam Vet), Bev Edwards (ExServicewoman), Alan Donnelly (Ex-Serviceman) and John Camiller (Vietnam Vet).
THE VIETNAM VETERANS AND VETERANS MC GIPPSLAND CHAPTER
TheVietnamVeteransandVeteransMCGippsland
Chapter will be holding ANZAC Day services on the 25th of April at 199 Princes Way, Longwarry North. The dawn service will begin at 6.00 am, followed by a mid-morning service at 11.00 am.
KOO WEE RUP & DISTRICT RSL SUBBRANCH
The Koo Wee Rup & District RSL Sub-Branch will hold its ANZAC Day Dawn Service on 25 April. March assembly will take place at 5:40 am at the end of the Avenue of Honour, on the footpath beside Cochrane Park in Koo Wee Rup. The march will step off at 5:50 am, proceeding along the Avenue of Honour to the Cenotaph. The Dawn Service will commence at 6:00 am in front of the Community Centre, followed by a traditional Gunfire Breakfast at the hall.
25 APRIL 2025
Dogs welcome at dawn
By Violet Li
Dogs Victoria is hosting its first annual Anzac Day Dawn Service this year in Skye.
The service aims to honour the men, women, and service dogs who served and lost their lives in war, conflict, and peacekeeping missions in Australia and New Zealand.
Event manager Aimee Farnsworth said the organisation wanted to bring the community together.
“We thought it would be a point of difference where members of the community can bring their dog along as well,” she said.
The ceremony will be held from 6am at KCC Park, 655 Westernport Hwy, Skye, 3977. The service will be conducted by Dogs Victoria member Lieutenant Commander Dave Lassam RAN (RET) and will include a wreathlaying ceremony. Dogs are welcome on lead.
Robyn Ross and Louise McFarland from Dogs Victoria Therapy Dogs Committee were with their two certified Therapy Dogs, Tia and Rampage, who would be joining the Anzac Day Dawn Service. (Supplied)
Locals will once again gather to honour the nation’s fallen. (File)
Bruce’s candidates
In Bruce, a packed field of eight candidates will contest the seat held by two-term Labor MP Julian Hill by about 5.3 per cent.
Top of the ballot is One Nation candidate Bianca Colecchia, followed by Greens academic and councillor Rhonda Garad and then Hill. Under his main rivals, Liberal candidate and
operations manager Zahid Safi was drawn fifth. Others standing in Bruce are customer service officer Christine Skrobo (Libertarian), director Samuel James Anderson (Trumpet of Patriots), software engineer Andrew Louth (Legalise Cannabis Party) and home maker Wendy Birchall (Family First). Bruce.
Rhonda Garad Greens
1. Where do you live, and how long have you lived there?
I live in Dandenong and have raised my four children here. It’s my home and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
2. Why did you choose to run for the seat of Bruce?
As a second-term local councillor, I’ve seen firsthand how Bruce has been overlooked because it’s considered a “safe labor seat.” Neighbouring electorates get the funding and attention, while our community misses out. I’m running to change that.
3. Why did you choose to join your party?
I joined the Greens because they put people and communities first—not big corporations. They stand for fairness and believe everyone should have access to essential services like free, high-quality healthcare and education in a wealthy country like Australia.
4. What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living for the people of Bruce?
We’re pushing for bold action—breaking up the supermarket duopoly to lower food prices, stopping unlimited rent hikes, and making housing more affordable. Our no-deposit firsthome buyer scheme and cheaper mortgage options will help renters become owners. We’ll also invest directly in public and afford-
able housing—something Bruce desperately needs.
5. Why are you the best candidate for Bruce?
I live in Bruce, love this community, and want it to thrive. I’ve run a family business for 25 years, raised four kids, completed a PhD, and now work as a public health expert at Monash University. I’ll bring both lived experience and professional expertise to Canberra.
6. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
I’m a proud grandmother of two, and I enjoy cycling on our local trails. I’m also active in community and environmental groups that work to make our area cleaner, safer, and more sustainable.
7. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the Bruce electorate?
· Soaring cost of living—rents, mortgages, groceries, health, and education
· Lack of affordable housing and public homes, with youth priced out of the area
· Struggling small businesses, which need urgent support to survive and grow
8. Local question on housing affordability: We’re the only party with real solutions: a nodeposit home buyer scheme, direct public and affordable housing investment, and fairer tax rules. Right now, low- and middle-income people are subsidising wealthy landlords. That must change.
Christine Skrobo Libertarians
1. Where do you live, and how long have you lived there?
I live in Narre Warren South and I have lived here for almost all my life.
2. Why did you choose to run for the seat of Bruce?
Bruce is where I grew up, where I went to school and where I worked my first jobs. I genuinely care about this area and the people living here. Bruce deserves a representative who will defend their freedoms, listen to their concerns and advocate for them in parliament.
3. Why did you choose to join your party? I joined the Libertarian Party because they are the only party that defends the rights and freedoms of individuals every single time. They never stray from their principles and all their elected members both past and current, have never voted to decrease individual liberty or increase tax.
4. What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living for the people of Bruce?
The Libertarian Party has a policy to raise the income tax-free threshold from $18,200 to $50,000. This will allow Australians to keep more of their hard-earned money and provide genuine cost-of-living relief.
5. Why are you the best candidate for Bruce?
I am the best candidate for Bruce as I am committed to advocating for policies that will improve the lives of every single person living in Bruce. I will fight so that people living in Bruce can keep more of their money and make decisions for their own lives and families without government interference.
6. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
Outside of my studies and work, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, music and getting outdoors - especially to beautiful local spots like Lysterfield Lake!
7. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the Bruce electorate?
· 1 – High cost of living
· 2 – Housing affordability
· 3 – Government interference in personal lives and businesses
8. Local question on housing affordability: As a young person who feels the Australian dream of home ownership is so far out of reach, driving down house prices and the cost of rent is extremely important to me. The only way to achieve this is to ensure more housing is being built by removing unnecessary restrictions, simplifying planning approvals and re-zoning.
WIN TICKETS
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Wendy Birchall Family First
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I have lived in this area for most of my adult life.
2. Why did you choose to run for the seat of Bruce?
Politicians have created a cost of living crisis through net zero policies, they are confusing our children about their gender, and the government is putting pressure on parents’ rights to educate their children at a faith-based school of their choice.
3. Why did you choose to join your party?
A team is far more effective than being an independent. Family First believes strong families create a strong nation and the more family-focussed MPs we can get
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I live in Dandenong. I grew up in southeast Melbourne and studied, lived and worked in our area foryears.IwenttoMonashUniandlivednearthe city while raising my daughter, and have been living in Bruce again for over a decade.
2. Why did you choose to run for the seat of Bruce?
Since 2016 I’ve represented our community with energy and determination. I am a genuine local who cares deeply about helping people, and am determined to stand up for everyone in our community and keep working hard for our area.
3. Why did you choose to join your party?
My mum was a kind woman who grew up in a poor family that couldn’t afford the uniforms for hertocompletehighschool.Mumwasneverable to fulfil her dream of being a doctor, becoming a nurse instead as it was free. This seared in me a belief that everyone deserves a fair chance at life. Politics is not a team game, but government has to be, so I don’t believe in parties of protest. I’m prepared to do the hard work of being our community’s voice in a party of government and actually do things.
4. What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living for the people of Bruce?
I am working with the Government to tackle the cost of living pressures from every possible angle. Tax cuts, cheaper medicines, cheaper childcare, seeing a GP for free again, power bill relief for householdsandsmallbusinesses,FreeTAFE,student debt relief. Building more houses and tackling grocery prices and supermarket behaviour through competition reform.
5. Why are you the best candidate for Bruce? Bringing extensive experience in federal, state, and local government and working with busi-
One Nation
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
Unfortunately, I live outside of the electorate, but many MPs are elected while residing outside of the boundariesoftheirelectorates.Ihaveadeepconnection to this city and this community, and that’s what matters. I landed in Melbourne when I came with just 1,000 euros from Italy, with little English, 8 years ago, and the division of Bruce is a community I will be proud to fight for and for which I renounced my Italian citizenship.
2. Why did you choose to run for the seat of Bruce? Labor has taken its people for granted for too long. Australian families are struggling to make ends meet, crime is on the rise, and our communities are being divided by identity politics. Let’s look at housing: the cities of Casey and Greater Dandenong, which take up most of the electorate, have experienced an increase in working homelessness of 9 percent and 22 percent respectively, just in the last few years, rank-
nesses, I have a track record of doing the hard work to bring people together and achieve things.
Saving the Doveton pool, getting our fair share of infrastructure and community funding after the Liberalsgaveusnothingandahistoricagreement that will see all of our primary and secondary schools fully and fairly funded.
6. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
What life?! Being a good MP is a privileged role but, some days, a terrible job. Frankly, politics done properly is a vocation, not a job, and you don’t have much of a life, but I am energised by helpingpeopleandwork.IspendtimewhenIcan with my daughter and family, the odd trip away or time bushwalking or down the beach, reading and thinking.
7. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the Bruce electorate?
· Cost of Living
· Medicare and the health system.
· Access to quality education for their kids
8. Local question on housing affordability: The core problem is that Australia has not been building enough houses. A re-elected Labor Government will guarantee a portion of a first home buyer’s home loan, so they can buy a home with a 5% deposit and not pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Build up to 100,000 homes for sale only to first home buyers. Introducing tax incentives for build-to-rent developments, unlocking 80,000 new rentals with five-year leases and no-fault evictions. Build on Labor’s 45% increase to Rent Assistance. Deliver the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme starting this year. Re-commit to an ambitious goal of building 1.2 million homes by 2030, including 55,000 social and affordable rentals. Train more tradies with Free TAFE, getting more people working in residential construction with the $10,000 incentive payment for apprentices.Cuttingredtapeinplanningreforms.Crackdown on foreign investors. Migration is falling, which will also have a small impact.
ing 1st and 5th in Victoria’s top 20 for homelessness among employed people. I want to bring back common sense, fight for everyday Australians, and give Bruce the strong, unapologetic representation it deserves.
3. Why did you choose to join your party? I joined One Nation because I believe in putting Australia—and Australians—first, and I say this as a migrant who has renounced her dual citizenship to stand here as a candidate.
One Nation stands for policies that prioritise our
into Parliament, the more we can improve life for mums and dads raising the next generation.
4. What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living for the people of Bruce?
Cutpowerprices.Australiamusturgentlyabandon net zero, the Paris accord and the rollout of windmills and solar factories. This is driving up the cost of electricity and, therefore, the cost of everything for no good reason. We must return urgently to affordable and reliable sources of power generation, such as Victoria’s abundant coal and gas. If China, India and the US decide to go to zero emissions over time, then Australia could gradually transition to nuclear energy.
5. Why are you the best candidate for Bruce? Because I will fight for a return to affordable electricity, for parents to educate their kids free from government’s imposing LGBTIQA+ influ-
Zahid Safi Liberal Party
1.Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I live in Endeavour Hills and have done so for two years, prior to this I’ve lived Narre Warren.
2. Why did you choose to run for the seat of Bruce?
I’m running for parliament because I believe we need change to get Australia back on track. We can’t afford to continue on our current path. Interest rates, power bills, fuel, food, insurance, are all more expensive. Over the past three years of this Labor Government, interest rates have gone up 12 times, costing a family with an average-sized mortgage $50,000 in interest they’ll never get back. I want to be part of a Dutton Government that is focused on getting Australia back on track – investing in local community infrastructure, making housing more affordable, energy cheaper, our communities safer, and importantly to me, boosting Medicare and health services.
3. Why did you choose to join your party? I joined the party because it reflects the values, I deeply believe in strong family values, freedom of religion, and the freedom to associate without fear or restriction.
4. What is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living for the people of Bruce?
The Liberal’s policy to lower taxes for all Australians is going to deliver real cost of living relief, now. This includes halving the fuel tax, meaning every litre of petrol and diesel will be 25 cents cheaper at the bowser, as soon as we come to government. We are also delivering tax relief that will see eligible Australians earning up to $144,000 receive up to $1,200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return for the upcoming financial year. This will support 79,790 taxpayers in Bruce, which is equal to 92% of tax payers locally.
5. Why are you the best candidate for Bruce?
I’m the best candidate for Bruce because I understand what our community is going through right now. I own and operate a business and I’m raising a family with six children. Families are suffering under increasing cost of living pressures and Labor’s bulk billing crisis. I’m focused on fixing the healthcare crisis and
people, defend our freedoms, and restore pride in our country. I wanted to be part of a movement that isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and that fights for working-class families, small businesses, and the Australian way of life.
4. As the cost of living is the focus of this election, what is your number one policy to reduce the cost of living for the people of Bruce?
One of our main policies, which will bring tangible benefits to the people in delivering affordable housing and free up properties for Aussies, is to drastically reduce immigration numbers, which will also relieve pressure on infrastructure and essential services. In addition,ourenergypolicywillreduceelectricitybills by 20 percent immediately by incentivising coal and gas in the short term and investing in nuclear for the future, as many European countries have done successfully.
5. Why are you the best candidate for Bruce?
As a proud immigrant who became Australian by choice, I understand both the privilege and responsibility of being Australian. I’m not a career politician, I’m someone who has lived through the challenges
encers, fight to allow faith-based schools the freedom to employ staff that share their values, and I will fight to get biological males out of girl’s and women’s sports and private spaces.
6. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
I am married with children and grandchildren; I help look after grandchildren so their parents can go to work, in the hope they may one day be able to buy their own homes the way we were able to.
7. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the Bruce electorate?
Cost of living, lack of housing, government debt and overtaxation.
8. Local question on housing affordability: Reduce immigration so supply can catch up with demand, and reduce red tape and unnecessary fees and taxes.
improving access to mental health services, and I want to see real action to address cost of living pressure – which only the Liberal plan will do.
6. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my kids it’s the most rewarding part of my day. I also enjoy reading, staying involved in community initiatives, and going for regular jogs to keep fit and clear my mind.
7. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the Bruce electorate?
The biggest issues facing our community is addressing Labor’s cost of living crisis, building affordable homes, and boosting health and Medicare services.
8. Local question on housing affordability: We have a comprehensive plan to make housing more affordable. This includes: Boosting supply: We will invest in water, sewerage and road infrastructure needed to unlock 500,000 new homes. Easing demand: We will introduce a two-year ban on foreign investors and temporary residents buying existing property and reduce migration from Labor’s current record levels. Assisting first home buyers: We will offer the choice of using up to $50,000 of your super towards a deposit. And we will change lending rules to help young Australians access a mortgage. Supporting construction: We will increase apprentices and trainees to help build more homes and deregister the lawless CFMEU. Low interest rates: We will deliver a strong economy with lower inflation that reduces pressure on interest rates. This plan will build more homes and ensure that young Australians are prioritised.
of loss, of starting over in a new country from scratch, and building a future. Australia has given me so much, and now, in this time of need, it is time for me todoallIcantosavethecountryIamincrediblylucky to call home. I’m not afraid to speak up when something is wrong. I’ll be a strong, grassroots advocate who listens, acts, and puts the people of Bruce first.
6. Can you tell us about your life outside of work? I have a husky puppy named Milo, who keeps me on my toes! I enjoy travelling and experiencing new cultures, spending time outdoors, riding my motorbike, drinking coffee, and reading.
7. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the Bruce electorate?
· Cost of Living
· Overdevelopment & Infrastructure Strain
· Youth Crime & Community Safety
8. Local question on housing affordability: Capping migration to reduce pressure on the housing market. Aussies are not getting a fair treatment. A five-year moratorium on charging GST on materials for new homes. Stop foreign ownership.
Bianca Colecchia
Julian Hill Labor Party
Pakenham pile on the pain
By Justin Schwarze
As the wind blew through the grounds of Toomuc Reserve for the first time in 2025...victory was well and truly in the air for the Pakenham Football Club.
The Lions mauled Powelltown 144 to 9 to jump out of the gates at 2-0 for the season.
In what was a day to celebrate, the hosts enjoyed a number of milestones, with Jaiden Camenzuli and Rhys Clacy playing their 50th senior games, while Rhys Brooks ran out for his 100th and new signing Jake Kidd pulled on the guernsey for the first time.
Pakenham set the tone in the first frame by booting four goals to none in what was a foreshadowing of what was to come for the afternoon.
Youngster and rising star Mason Hall contributed two of them, with a pair of impressive majors highlighting a brilliant first.
His first goal stemmed from his pressure, forcing a Powelltown fumble that he pounced on, avoiding a tackle before booting it through.
His second just minutes later was from creating a contest, before retrieving a crumb off his own missed handball, then calmly slotting the goal as he was tackled.
The hosts were incredibly dominant in the contest, routinely breaking loose from stoppages and getting their heads over the footy.
While they had a 31-point scoreboard advantage at the first break, the Lions were inaccurate with eight behinds in the term, marking the only blemish on a near-flawless quarter.
The avalanche of scores continued into the second quarter, with the Towners providing little resistance to the attacking onslaught.
Hall, rocking a headband, got out the back of a marking contest and ran in for his third goal of the game early in the second period.
In his debut, Kidd made an immediate impact, starting with him playing on off a mark and kicking straight for his first as a Lion.
Then, a great kick from Bailey Stiles laced out Kidd, who went back and claimed his second.
Luke Ryan got his name into the goalkickers list when he took a grab in the goal square and made no mistakes to set up a 60-2 halftime lead.
Out of the rooms, Hall picked up his first half form, snapping a goal from a high free kick that further widened the margin.
Sam Cachia then kicked truly and the string of 14 consecutive Pakenham goals continued.
The visitors’ goal drought was finally brought to an end when Jacob Neale closed down a tackle and he was rewarded with a holding the ball decision.
His set shot was carefully placed and came back wonderfully in the wind to give Powell-
town its first and only major of the day.
In the fourth, James Ahern joined the goal scoring party when a magnificent series of handballs led to Ahern streaking into the goal square free to boot it through.
His second came after a Cachia set shot goal when he absolutely launched one from long range which floated over the goal umpire’s head.
Defender Jackson Hillard then made a great run before throwing the ball on the boot for a phenomenal goal out of defence.
When the final siren went, the scoreboard read Pakenham 20.24 (144) defeating Powelltown 1.3 (9).
Hall finished with four goals on the afternoon and the young gun is off to a fast start in 2025.
“He’s only 19 but he’s really exciting,” coach Justin Stanton said of Hall.
“There’s a bit of an X-Factor in the way he plays and I think he’s a hard matchup for opposition because he’s not your traditional small forward who sits right deep, he gets up really high and moves around.
“He’s really exciting for us and he’s something that most clubs don’t have.”
The Lions were exceptional on the intangibles all day, sticking tackles and forcing errors from the Towners.
On countless occasions, Pakenham players were able to disrupt marking opportunities and bring the ball to ground, an area in which it tore Powelltown to shreds.
“We had a focus pregame about winning the pressure acts, we were beaten in most of those last week against Yea,” Stanton admitted.
“We wanted to win the loose balls, stick our tackles, spoil and get the ground balls and we felt we were the stronger of the two teams in that.
“Our other focus was marks inside 50; we were really poor with how many marks we took inside 50 last week so we thought that was a lot better this week.
“We also wanted to switch the footy around, we spoke about making the ground as big and as wide as possible because we thought that that would be to our advantage and they wouldn’t be able to run with us.
“As we saw, they weren’t able to run with us at all.
“We won the footy back with turnover type football; we scored a lot of goals from their turnovers.”
In the warm conditions, the hosts were time and time again first to the footy which opened up scoring chances with their free flowing movement.
The fitness and aerobic capacity has been something that Stanton’s men have taken pride
in in the preparation for the season.
“There’s no one that looks like they haven’t put the work in,” he said of his team.
“We’ve all worked hard over preseason because they all understand that’s one of our strengths.
“We felt that our advantage would be our youth and our fitness and we think we’ve got the fitness side of things exactly where we’d like to have it at this stage.”
Despite the high score, the Lions generated a lot of transitional movement through their backline, as penetrating kicks were damaging.
The slick ball use was a highlight and the efficient linking play made it difficult for the visitors to stay on pace.
“The way our backline worked really well together, they used the footy really well and then when we got the ball forward of centre, I thought we were pretty patient,” Stanton said.
“We moved the football around until we found the right option, so I think that was important and noticeable.
“The reason we took a lot more marks inside 50 was because we were a lot more patient going in and we got the footy in the hands of guys who are good ball users as well.
“Rhys Brooks in his 100th game gave us a lot of drive off half back, and Chris Cardona worked really hard all day in his role and got his hands on the footy a fair bit.”
The massive final margin was significant to the club after a disastrous 2024.
Many around and close to the club highlighted the joy of such a positive scoreline, something Pakenham hadn’t seen for a while.
“No one around the club can remember the last time we put that sort of score on the board,” Stanton said.
“All you can do is take your opportunities as we did at this time of year because there’s going to be challenges ahead.”
Elsewhere, Yea bounced back on the road to defeat Yarra Junction, 18.17 (125) to 9.8 (62).
Yarra Glen charged home in the final quarter to get over Belgrave, booting four goals to one in the frame, erasing an 11-point three quarter time margin.
The final score was Yarra Glen 15.10 (100) to Belgrave 13.12 (90).
Seville continue to look strong as it handled business against Alexandra, 16.11 (107) to 8.15 (63).
Warburton Millgrove had the bye.
Lions tear Towners apart with triple-figure netball treat
By Justin Schwarze
Pakenham Netball Club has made its statement to the Division 1 landscape loud and clear with an absolute thrashing of Powelltown, 105-9.
No, that’s not a typo, 105 goals to nine.
They outscored their opponents 33 goals to zip in the second period.
In fact, the Towners did not register a goal for the entire duration of the second and third quarters.
The Lions have begun their campaign 2-0, with players stepping up across the court in big ways.
“Our defensive effort off a turnover wasn’t relaxed even when we were up big, nothing was half-hearted,” Pakenham coach Matt Cooke said.
“We want to make sure we brought our A game against any opposition.”
With 2024 Premier League MVP Caitlin Cooke spearheading the outfield for the Lions, other players have filled in the gaps alongside to form a formidable side.
Charlotte Hudolin and Millicent Utber have taken strides so far in 2025.
“Charlotte’s just grown again this year in terms of consistency and she’s been a standout,” coach Cooke said.
“Millie’s shouldered a big load with Jordyn Adams leaving, but her improvement in decision making and consistency has significantly increased.
“I’m getting better output from the midcourt and I’m getting incredibly efficient goaling from the three goalers we’re using.”
Pakenham now enters a period of rest with the upcoming Easter break.
With that in mind, the all-round contribution has been impressive so far and the club reflects positively through two big results.
“I think we’ve been more consistent in following our structure in terms of being as efficient as we can be,” Cooke said.
“Our decision making has been good, you can’t score that score without good decision making.
“Passing to advantage, getting the ball to the appropriate player and the ability to build on what we started last year has been great.
“It was a struggle to hand out votes on the weekend, every single player contributed significantly.”
Elsewhere in the grade, Yarra Junction stood tall defensively to claim a 48-28 win against Yea.
Yarra Glen rode a massive second frame of 21 goals to roll over Belgrave, 72-43.
Seville was absolutely all over Alexandra at home, converting on 27 goals in the second quarter to leave the hosts with a 82-24 dominant victory.
Warburton Millgrove had the bye.
In Premier Division A Grade, Mount Evelyn demolished Gembrook in its own backyard, 8010. A 43-goal first half set the Rovers up for a massive result heading into the main break.
Emerald moved to 2-0 with a confident and consistent attack versus Healesville, walking away with a 61-36 win.
Jackie Cutting’s impact at Shooter was im-
Millicent Utber has stood up for the Lions in their 2-0 start to the season. (Stewart Chambers: 420278)
mense, putting in 29 of the Bombers’ goals. Brodie Smith and Madison Taylor also played starring roles in the result.
ROC got its name into the winner’s column for the first time in 2025 with a strong passage of play down the stretch, running away in the fourth to win 49-39 away at Upwey Tecoma.
With the Kangaroos leading by just three at the final break, they rallied to outscore the hosts 15-8 in the final term and give themselves a dou-
ble-digit triumph.
Mitzi Henry was class yet again for the ROC, while she was supported excellently by Courtney Davey and Jessica Postregna. Wandin’s 69-48 win over Woori Yallock was highlighted by Emmalia Blake’s 59 goals.
Monbulk came out of halftime firing against Olinda Ferny Creek, winning the third period 21-9 to extend its margin to 18 entering the fourth. The Hawks cruised to a 63-42 victory.
Pakenham players such as James Ahern had plenty of space to move in its imposing result over Powelltown. (Gary Sissons: 471342)
Pakenham go two-for-two
By Justin Schwarze
Pakenham Warriors Championship Men made it two-from-two as the team picked up its first two wins of the season on the weekend.
After a week off in round 2, Pakenham entered Saturday’s clash with Camberwell with a sense of urgency and determination.
The Dragons were also searching for their first win of the 2025 campaign, so a lot was riding on the outcome.
In the first, the big man duo of Ned Carr and Matt Berkec got cooking for the Warriors.
The fit of new recruit Carr alongside Berkec has been a revelation for Pakenham, with Carr’s mobility, length and skill for his size perfectly complementing Berkec’s interior presence and physicality.
Through a number of mid-post moves and dump offs, Carr capitalised and scored nine in the opening term, partnered with six from Berkec.
The scoring lift gave the Warriors the 19-16 edge at quarter time.
A Cody Fredrickson triple extended the margin to six early in the second, before the bigs took over once again.
Fredrickson recognised great positioning from Berkec, who had his man sealed, allowing him to turn and bank in a short hook over his right shoulder.
On the following possession, Steve Coffey knew to feed the hot hand, allowing his centre to go to work.
Berkec caught the ball at the high post, taking two powerful dribbles into a shot fake, before stepping through and putting some fancy yet fabulous footwork on display to finish with an upand-under layup.
Coffey then chased a loose ball from a poor Camberwell pass and found the streaking Carr who slammed it home, forcing a timeout from the Dragons.
The difference had been pushed to double-digits midway through the second at 32-21.
The visitors responded valiantly with a 13-2 run that drew the scores level in just three minutes.
A Carr three pointer followed by a Fredrickson pull up jumper steadied the ship and put the Warriors just in front at half, 42-37.
Pakenham outscored Camberwell by four in the third, heading into the final break with a 6556 advantage.
The Dragons weren’t going away however, with two buckets from Michael Reeves fuelling the visitors to score 10 of the first 14 final quarter points.
Berkec found the cutting Josh Dow for two, and then Carr settled some nerves by getting the roll on a paint floater.
Dow came up big defensively, picking off a pass and leading the fastbreak before dumping it off to Carr, who finished through contact which gave the hosts a nine point buffer with a free throw to come.
After some misses at both ends, Coffey came off a screen and nailed a mid-range jumper to put the difference back to 11 with just over three minutes left, a lead that seemed safe to ride out.
However, Reeves went then two for three from the foul line, and on the next possession Matthew Hart splashed a three.
Out of the timeout, Pakenham couldn’t score and Camberwell ran a picturesque screen action that resulted in a Reeves alley-oop dunk.
With under a minute to go, Carr and Berkec both split their trips to the charity stripe, leaving the score at 79-73 in favour of the Warriors.
The Dragons refused to go away, as Naoum Lazis buried a three with just over 30 seconds left, and Coffey couldn’t convert on the other end.
Camberwell opted to not call a timeout, and Lazis found himself open with an opportunity to tie the game, but it bounced off the front rim.
In the scramble for the rebound, Pakenham was the last to touch it and the Dragons had one last shot to tie with two seconds on the clock.
Out of the timeout, the Warriors blew up Camberwell’s sideline play resulting in an extremely tough shot missed by Lazis, giving the hosts the win.
Berkec had 13 points and six rebounds, while Carr finished with 25 points and eight rebounds on 11/17 shooting.
“Putting together a new squad and starters, we knew it was going to take a little while to gel,” head coach Rob Roberts reflected on the first four
games of the season.
“We showed some good things on Saturday that were showing us where we’ve been working towards.
“It was a real scrappy game but we kept our opposition down to the score we wanted to, that was our first goal defensively.
“It showed us we are on the right track, game three of the season and we’re heading in the right direction of what we wanted to do.”
Offensively, struggles for Pakenham stemmed from giving up 19 turnovers, 13 of which were live-ball steals for the visitors.
Despite that, when they were able to shoot, the Warriors connected on an impressive 49 percent of their shots from the floor.
“When the ball’s in our hands, we’ve got a lot more chances to score, and when it was we looked really good,” Roberts said.
“To have that many turnovers and still score 79 and shoot it at a pretty good clip, it just showed us that we’ve got it, we just have to tidy up on a few things.”
In the second leg of the double-header, Pakenham’s big third quarter aided it in rolling over Blackburn 104-71 at Mullum Mullum Stadium.
The Warriors outscored the Vikings 34-11 in
the third, and the game was headlined by the depth of the squad with six players posting 10 or more points.
Coffey had his best game yet for Pakenham, knocking down 3/6 shots from deep on his way to 16 points as the recruit continues to adjust to Championship Division.
“We have such a variety of scorers who can come out there and do things,” Roberts said.
“We’ve put this squad together for that reason and it showed in the game on Sunday.”
Pakenham Warriors Championship Women remain perfect with a dominant win over Warrandyte at Cardinia Life on Saturday, 94-55.
The hosts held the Venom to just 30 percent shooting and 24 turnovers, sparked by their full court pressure and intense defensive scheme.
Grace Graham’s massive start to 2025 continued as the star signing posted 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
Skye Rees was sensational in limited minutes, showcasing her ability as an elite interior force, notching 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks on 75 percent shooting.
Young guns Gemma Hancock and Kailey Neave both scored in double-figures, with Neave securing a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Since taking over, head coach Elli Gibson has done a marvellous job with the team, headlined by a 4-0 record and the league’s third-best defence.
The Youth Women are in a tough patch of form, with Sunday’s loss to Altona a learning curve.
Chelsea Schreuder had nine points and five rebounds in her side’s defeat to the Gators, 38-76.
In the final game at Cardinia Life for the weekend, the Youth Men snapped their losing streak by defeating Camberwell 81-64.
Mason Fraser was brilliant yet again, with 23 points on 6/12 shooting from beyond the arc.
Mitchell Zeunert’s insertion into the starting lineup worked wonders for Braden Venning, as he recorded a statline of 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
Jye Horne contributed 12 points on a perfect 4/4 off the bench and Angus Murdoch posted 11 points, seven rebounds and four steals.
Pakenham forced 19 turnovers and held its opponent to 64 points, as a defensive mindset continues to be its DNA.
All Warriors squads will enjoy a week off, before things get rolling again in ANZAC round after the break.
Matt Berkec’s play over the weekend helped the Warriors go 2-0. (Stewart Chambers: 339121)
Skye Rees had a massive impact operating around the basket. (Gary Sissons: 471345)
Abbey-Lee Wood provided nine points off the bench in the win. (Gary Sissons: 471345)
