Pakenham Gazette - 27th March 2024

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Showtime

Agricultural and pastoral enthusiasts came from far and wide to enjoy the Bunyip Show on Sunday 24 March.

Goats, sheep, cattle, fleece, pavilion, poultry, dogs, dog high jump and horses were among the competitions on show, with the pony rides, historical machinery, and face painting.

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past year to a local teacher and her young child

Crime surge

Cardinia’s crime rate has jumped a dramatic 15 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year.

The Crime Statistic Agency released the data for the year ending in December 2023, showing Cardinia’s offences rising by 15.4 percent since 2022.

Ages 18-24 topped the list of alleged offenders, while Pakenham remained the centre of crime with more than half of all offences.

Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Superintendent Damian Jackson said Cardinia was still safe comparatively, despite the rise.

“Cardinia remains a very safe place to live and work, with the overall crime in Cardinia 27 per cent below the statewide crime rate,” Superintendent Jackson said.

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Libs in town

As increasing land taxes and decreasing rental properties being available puts pressure on the housing market, the state’s Shadow Cabinet has canvassed the Pakenham community on where it needs the most support.

Pakenham was the latest stop in regular regional Shadow Cabinet meetings on Monday 25 March, with Opposition Leader John Pesutto among the attendees.

With up to seven new families entering the region every day, Opposition Leader John Pesutto said it was important for the region to co-operate, with welcoming the Shadow Cabinet a step towards that goal.

“I think we’re the only ones who are hearing you,“ he said.

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facing eviction with little prospect of getting a new home in time.

“The stats aren’t showing the real homeless situation because they don’t have that information,” she said.

“All the services are at breaking point, they

really are.“

As a tight rental market and cost of living pressures bite, many front-line workers, Angel says, are being burnt out in the increasingly desperate climate.

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$2.50 Inc. GST /PakenhamBerwickGazette pakenham.starcommunity.com.au Seagulls soar to victory SPORT Showcasing the best of Cardinia See INSIDE for 16-page insert Wednesday, 27 March, 2024 12674012-JB10-24 Lot sizes from 392 to 840m2 Pricing from $290,000 to $399,000. 1300 LILLIFIELD (545 543) lillifield.com.au NEW STAGE RELEASED WARRAGUL 12677150-MS13-24 • FIXED PRICE CONVEYANCING • CONTESTING A WILL • WILLS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY • PROBATE AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION OPEN FOR BUSINESS! For in office consults. Online consults still available. Pakenham, Yarra Junction and Narre Warren Offices P 5941 5166 12588391-ET05-23 Local families living in tents and single mothers facing eviction amid... Homeless
By Corey Everitt A local is pleading for immediate action to be taken as Cardinia locals facing homelessness only seem to be rising in the midst of a cost-ofliving and housing crisis seeing local families fall through the cracks into homelessness. Pakenham’s Angel Chichi works closely with the most vulnerable at her Purton Place Preloved Shop and describes a rise in harrowing cases; from a single mother with four children being forced to live in a tent for the
crisis
The dog high jump was a smash hit at this year’s Bunyip Show. 386396 Picture: GARY SISSONS
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