News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 25th April 2024

Fair day for meeting of the faithful

this year’s fair was at the Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre on Sunday 21 April.

Backed by Cardinia Shire Council, the event was also attended by Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik, Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood and Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath.

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Pakenham MP Emma Vulin was proud to see the funding for the growing community, particularly for the local bus network.

“This funding is welcomed to improve infrastructure and access for our growing community here in the Pakenham district,” Ms Vulin said.

Remembering our heroes

Beaconsfield gathered last Sunday to remember the ANZACs with a special memorial service organised by the Beaconsfield Progress Association.

The service was held before the Beaconsfield Cenotaph on Sunday 21 April where locals joined with contingents of Scouts, Girl Guides, CFA representatives and many more.

The progress association hosted the event with speakers including Upper Beaconsfield RSL president Eric Chaplin OAM, Berwick RSL president Pam Phillips, mayor councillor Jack Kowarzik and La Trobe MP Jason Wood.

Honouring the veterans included a procession led by bagpipes as well as the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph.

Police targeting low-level speeding myths this Anzac Day

Victoria Police will be educating drivers across the state, including in Cardinia, about the dangers of low-level speeding this Anzac Day weekend.

Launched on Wednesday 24 April and running until 11.59pm on Sunday 28 April, Operation Tribute will include police handing out 40,000 fact cards countering five of the most common misconceptions about low-level speeding, including why going a little bit over the speed limit is in fact a risk and why small increases in speed increase the likelihood of a crash.

Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said there are a number of misconceptions around low-level speeding.

“We often associate high-range speeding and reckless driving with fatal and serious injury collisions,” he said.

“The reality is low-range speeding and basic driving errors, even if due to a lapse in concentration, can be just as devastating.”

Enforcement will remain a focus this weekend with police targeting speeding, distraction and impaired drivers.

While the number of lives lost onVictoria’s

roads is slightly down on last year, police are concerned at current levels of road trauma, especially fatalities involving vulnerable road users.

Both motorcyclist and pedestrian fatalities are higher than at the same time last year, with 22 motorcyclist fatalities compared with 16 at the same time last year and 12 pedestrian fatalities, double the figure at the same time last year.

Mr Weir said all road users should take care on the roads on Anzac Day and throughout the weekend.

“We see these fact cards as an opportunity to proactively engage with motorists and have a conversation about how their speed can lead to trauma,” he said.

“We’d always prefer to educate motorists so they can make smarter and safer decisions behind the wheel, but we also won’t hesitate to enforce when road rules are being ignored.

“Anzac Day is a high-risk period on our roads, so we ask people to take care and look out for one another - particularly around the dawn services and commemorative events taking place.”

Mayor councillor Jack Kowarzik, Berwick RSL president Pam Phillips, La Trobe MP Jason Wood, Beaconsfield Progress Association president Graeme Taylor and Upper Beaconsfield RSL president Eric Chaplin OAM. Picture: SUPPLIED Procession with Girl Guides, Scouts and CFA.

The service was held at the Beaconsfield Cenotaph. The service was held on Sunday 21 April.

More golden arches

The ongoing development of Officer is continuing to ramp up, with a new McDonald’s restaurant on the corner of Princes Highway and Bayview Road and a mixed use commercial development suited for a supermarket or another retail premises listed among the upcoming projects.

At the Cardinia Council meeting of Monday 15 April, council officers prepared a report on the township’s development and key permits in response to a motion put forward by Officer Ward councillor Tammy Radford.

The report listed both the public and private construction planned within the longawaited town centre.

The report revealed major works promised to occur in the undetermined future; among them is the construction of a supermarket and commercial hub on Princes Highway, a retail

zone, childcare centre and medical centre on Station Street, a mixed use residential and commercial facility on Officer South Road and multi-lot residential subdivisions on both Coxon Street and Bridge Road.

Planned to cost $4 million, the permit for the McDonald’s restaurant at 389-391 Princes Highway was lodged on 9 January 2023 and there was no advertising before the permit was issued on 18 March 2024.

McDonalds Beaconsfield operations manager Stephanie Devereux said the restaurant was slated to open later this year.

“We are excited to start construction on a new restaurant in the Shire of Cardinia and create 300 construction jobs, as well as a further 130 operational jobs once the restaurant opens,“ she said.

Millions pour in for Pakenham

From page 1

“New and extended bus services in Cardinia is something I have strongly advocated for and am pleased to see $22.6 million invested to ensure these services will be provided for our community.”

This is part of more than $400 million the State Government is investing into 37 infrastructure projects across Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham local government areas through the GAIC fund.

More than $685 million worth of initiatives have already been delivered across Melbourne’s growth areas through the GAIC fund – including ambulance sites, parks, schools and public transport.

The GAIC fund is a one-off contribution payable by landowners developing land that has been zoned for urban use and development in the Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham local government areas.

The fund supports the State Government’s landmark Housing Statement by delivering key transport, health, community and education infrastructure to ensure communities in growing suburbs have access to the services they need, close to where they live, authorities said.

For more information on the GAIC fund, visit planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/legislation-regulation-and-fees/growthareas-infrastructure-contributions

“McDonald’s Beaconsfield is committed to playing an active role in the local community through providing jobs, training and development opportunities, as well as supporting local causes and groups that are important to our customers and people.“

McDonald’s Beaconsfield will be fully equipped with solar panels, a heat recovery water system and LED lighting, helping to reduce emissions and energy use in the restaurant. It will also feature wheel stops containing recycled materials in the car park.

The report also detailed a permit under assessment for construction of supermarket, shops and offices at 458 Princes Highway and an approved permit for the use and development of land with eight food trucks on the corner of Siding Avenue and Princes Highway.

Jobs and skills to be showcased

The event aims to bring together jobseekers and local employers, providing an opportunity for job seekers to connect with local employers about current vacancies and career pathways.

Workshops will be held to help jobseekers develop their skills in areas such as CV and cover letter writing and interview techniques.

Cardinia Shire mayor, councillor Jack Kowarzik, encourages jobseekers across the shire to attend the event.

“There will be a range of industries present at this event, providing a great networking experience for residents to find jobs,” he said.

“Jobseekers will have the opportunity to meet local employers, explore opportunities, access support services and learn more about different career fields.”

For more information and to register, visit creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardinia-business/cardinia-jobs-and-skillsshowcase

Picture:ONFILE

Yippee, Yakkerboo a hit

Held over two days, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April, the festival showcased an eclectic mix of stallholders, food trucks and entertainment to crowds of locals and visitors.

Festival secretary Jeanine Pushman said the festival was a “marvellous” event for all involved.

“The weather turned out perfect,” she said.

“The food trucks were amazing.

“The fireworks were fantastic.”

Ms Pushman apologised for any inconvenience caused by the fireworks scaring local pets and animals.

The festival marked the inaugural walking parade along the footpath of the PB Ronald Reserve, with local community groups, schools and kinders showcasing their displays with the theme of ’What You Dream Of’.

“The parade was a resounding success,” Ms Pushman said.

“We can anticipate next year being bigger and better.”

This year also marked the end of a 25-year run for Cardinia Council councillor Graeme Moore as the keeper of Mr Yakkerboo, with mayor Jack Kowarzik taking up the reins moving forward.

“We look forward to new beginnings with Jack,” Ms Pushman said.

Pakenham locals and visitors were treated to a weekend of town celebrations at the annual Yakkerboo Festival.

Cardinia Council councillor Graeme Moore with Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath and her parents Brian and Lynne. 394867 Pictures: ROB CAREW Pakenham’s Mackenzie and Bella on the big slide. 394868 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Moon over Yakkerboo Country with festival committee volunteers Meg and Sandra. 394867

An emotional Graeme Moore received a parting gift to wrap up 25 years as the keeper of Mr Yakkerboo. 394868

Debbie, Ali, Caedlin, Sandra and Jeanine. 394868

Chris, Patrick, Jessica, Lisette, Emily from Rosie’s Chicken was busy all night. 394867 Carnival rides. 394867

Indi Lee, 13, from Kooweerup gave a stirring performance as part of the night’s entertainment. 394867

Cardinia Men’s Shed member John Dobson with Homer and Bart. 394868 Naim, 9, in the colours of the night. 394867

Fire restrictions set to end

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will end in Cardinia, as well as Casey, Baw Baw, Greater Dandenong and other council areas, at 1am on Wednesday 1 May.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer South East Trevor Owen said CFA permits are available for landowners to conduct burning off in line with local municipal regulations.

“Residents in these regions do have the opportunity to access a permit free of charge to conduct private property fuel reduction when fire restrictions apply,” he said.

“It’s a fairly simple process through the Fire Permits Victoria website and notification to Triple Zero Victoria.

“It is important to check if any additional council fire regulations apply as these vary from municipality to municipality.”

Mr Owen said it is also important to check all conditions before a burn-off.

“As always, follow all conditions detailed in the permit and ensure an adult is in attendance at all times,” he said.

“It’s also important to monitor current and forecasted weather conditions and landowners should notify their neighbours.” Tips on how to stay safe when burning off include:

· Check and monitor weather conditions –particularly wind;

· Avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services and notify your neighbours beforehand;

· Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn;

· Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading;

· Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration; and

· If your burn-off gets out of control, call Triple-Zero immediately.

Mr Owen said the CFA were aware of devel-

oping fuel loads following recent storms.

“Some parts of the region have been quite dry and we’re also seeing pockets of dry vegetation from damaged trees that have been impacted by recent storms that will require clean up over several months,” he said.

“We know these natural vegetation fuels can become quite dry even during the winter period.

“While there is still an element of risk, we will take an extra level of assurance to protect the community and I encourage residents to apply for the online permit should they need it.”

Mr Owen said you must still register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws, as well as EPA laws and applicable regulations.

“Please allow two hours for your burn-off to be visible online.”

To check fire restrictions in your area and register your burn, visit firepermits.vic.gov.au

“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is crosschecked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding and allows Triple Zero call takers to focus their efforts on emergency calls,” he said.

Authorities say you must still register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws, as well as EPA laws and applicable regulations. Picture:

Disclosures crucial

By Violet Li

Casey Council has proposed amendments to its governance rules to reflect the recommendations made by IBAC’s Operation Sandon, with a focus on openness and transparency.

Disclosure of conflict of interest is the key consideration across several divisions.

Councillors must provide written notice before the council meeting, detailing the nature of the conflict of interest, including the name of people or entities associated with their relationship with the councillors.

Councillors must declare the conflict of interest at the commencement of the meeting and during the meeting before the matter is considered.

Council will maintain a publicly available conflict of interest register which will include the date of disclosure, councillor name, the type of conflict, the nature of the interest, the time the councillor left and returned to the room, and the minutes to reflect the conflict declaration, including links.

A new provision will stipulate that a premeeting brief session is for informationsharing only. Councillors are not permitted to debate or make any preliminary decisions. Councillors will also be required to declare conflicts of interest in the pre-meeting.

Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said at the April meeting that pre-council meetings were not an opportunity to seek some degree of trade-offs, to look at potential decision-making outcomes, or to look at where favours and kickbacks could be.

“It’s an opportunity for councilors to be informed, to ask questions, to seek feedback, and to inform themselves so that they can make their decisions accordingly.

“The clear examples that the Operation Sandon and its final report showed was that that was not what was happening in this organisation [Casey Council].

“It is just one example of the specific requirements that we have ourselves embedded into these governance rules consistent with those recommendations under Operation Sandon.”

In line with the IBAC recommendation, planning agendas, including planning scheme amendments and planning permits, will include conflict of interest details.

The council officers must ensure a schedule of reportable donations and other known financial arrangements that parties have made or have with councillors, and a statement of

OPINION

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To the closing of Station Street in Officer. The CFA and SES response times will suffer as a result.

Thumbs up

To Lang Lang Football Club for a great night Saturday for our Anzac game against Longwarry.

Thumbs up

To all the hard work from the volunteers, sponsors, stall holders and everyone who made the Yakkerboo Festival such a huge success! It was fabulous seeing the festival so busy, all while supporting small local businesses!

Thumbs up

The team at Casey Hospital in Berwick for their great care of my mum.

Thumbs down

To Bank of Melbourne closing in Pakenham as of August.

the interested parties that includes details of the parties affected by the motion before the council, such as the names of personnel, company names, and registered addresses.

En-bloc voting, or collective voting, of the council resolutions will not be permitted during a meeting, another new provision states.

Mr Boardman said councillors who will be successful in the coming October election should treat the amended governance rules as a bible and read every single word.

“These documents set the tone of the expectation of what happens once we [administrators] depart this place. And it may come across as somewhat patronising or even to some extent, ironically belittling,” he said.

“But the reality is that the Operation Sandon report highlighted quite detailedly and comprehensively appalling behaviour, significant lapses in professionalism and conduct issues, and ultimately, the nature in which the previous council was dismissed was without questionally justified through the findings of that report.”

In addition to the amendments reflecting

LENSCAPE

improved transparency, new rules have been proposed to address the presence of the public at the council meeting.

People who submit a public question will be required to be present at the meeting at the time the question and response are due to be read.

The council will not read the question and the response if they are not present, which will only be recorded later in the minutes.

The public will also face more public behaviour regulations during a council meeting, including not interjecting or taking part in the debate, preserving silence at all times, not operating any form of recording unless they have consent from the council by prior arrangement, and not bringing any offensive material placed on placards, banners, posters or other signage.

Casey Council has endorsed the draft amendment to be placed on public consultation for four weeks and they would consider a final report before adopting the new rules in a future meeting.

Library joy

“Our gift is a practical way to support our local library service to expand its social inclusion and access programs, especially to those who are learning English and starting to use computers,” Robin said.

“We have chosen to give back to the community through the library because we value the way it has enriched our own lives over many years.”

The laptops will be made available to library members from June 2024. There is no cost to borrow a laptop. Connected Libraries members can search the library catalogue and reserve a laptop by visiting connectedlibraires.org.au

When notified of availability the laptop can be collected from Hampton Park Library.

“Laptops offer members of the Casey community access to technology at home when this might not be possible otherwise.When family budgets are tight this is a wonderful and free resource,” Connected Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino said.

Connected Libraries graciously accept donations big or small from community members at any time. The library has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and donations over $2 are tax deductible.

If you would like to see how you can make a difference at your local library, please visit connectedlibraries.org.au/ donations

Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said at the April meeting that pre-council meetings were not an opportunity to seek some degree of trade-offs, to look at potential decision-making outcomes, or to look at where favours and kickbacks could be.

Connected Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino (left), Arnis Dzedins (middle), and Robin Dzedins (right).

Picture: SUPPLIED

Casey residents and long-time library users Robin and Arnis Dzedins have donated $25,000 to Connected Libraries to purchase laptops andWi-Fi dongles.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

‘Working homeless’ crisis

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

In a dire warning on the housing crisis, Casey has reportedly topped the state for growing numbers of the ‘working homeless’.

In 2022-23, there were 641 homeless clients in Casey who were employed – up 9 per cent from the year before, a Council to Homeless Persons new report stated.

Of them, the vast majority - 502 - were women (78 per cent).

Shari McPhail, general manager at South East homelessness service Wayss, said “working poor” families with dual incomes were even under threat by skyrocketing rents and unmanageable costs of living.

“Historically this has not been a group of people who have sought our services, and we are concerned about this trend.

“Employment is no longer the safety net it once was.

“We are seeing first-hand (in Dandenong, Cardinia and Casey) how the system is buckling – there is an urgent need for action.”

Wayss chief executive Wayne Merritt said the causes and solutions of homelessness were complex but it was “unconscionable not to act”.

“There is an extremely urgent need to increase short term support to help people at risk of homelessness, and long-term solutions for people locked in a cycle of homelessness.

“We need more housing, and we need to action income support reform to those on the lowest incomes.”

Community Information & Support Cranbourne executive director Leanne Petrides said the situation was “dire”.

“Without massive government funding into crisis and social housing ... it is only going to get worse.”

Since January, CISC has provided information and referrals to more than 1100 people in

need of housing support.

More than 60 per cent were women, as well as growing numbers of people over 60 years of age, people who are employed and people coming for support for their first time.

“More people are struggling with rising costs of essential items – food and petrol, while also trying to keep up with increasing rent or mortgage payments.

“People are skipping car and other loan repayments, using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes, and multiple credit cards to try to keep their heads above water.

“Some people have no recourse but to sell their homes, and end up with no assets, and nowhere to move to due to the ever shrinking and highly expensive rental market.”

Wellsprings for Women, which provides housing support especially to women impacted by family violence, received 86 housing referrals in the past 10 months.

“We know the current economic crisis is

impacting women even if they are employed,” Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smiley said.

“They are either working in low paid industries or casual work or are underemployed.

“The ones looking for somewhere to live face difficulties due to a lack of rental history.

“Or for some involved in child protection orders - they face challenges finding an affordable property that meets the required number of bedrooms required by the department.”

Increased rents have played a major role, Ms Smiley said.

“We should look for examples from around the world and be more creative with the way we increase housing options.”

South East Community Links chief executive Peter McNamara said the service was seeing a “bleak picture where even people with jobs are not immune to the threat of homelessness”.

They’ve seen a 70 per cent rise in employed

people who were seeking homelessness assistance.

The shortage of affordable rentals, especially in the South East, was “exacerbating the homelessness crisis”, he said.

An Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot 2024 report found just 28 rental properties across Melbourne for households on income support.

Just one of them was located in Greater Dandenong.

For households on a minimum wage, there were depleting stocks of affordable homes in the South East - 95 in Casey (down from 176 in 2023) and 38 in Cardinia (down from 104).

Both areas are still rated in the top 10 of the most affordable properties in metropolitan Melbourne.

Growing legions of the ‘working homeless’ were found across most council areas in Victoria.

The next highest tallies were mainly outersuburban and regional areas Wyndham (624), Greater Geelong (535), Greater Bendigo (479) and in neighbouring Greater Dandenong (452).

CHG found that across Victoria, more than 12,100 employed people sought homelessness support.

They make up one in eight of homelessness service clients.

In its report, CRP called on state and federal governments to support more renters in avoiding eviction with the Private Rental Assistance Program.

It also called for 6000 more public and community homes in the next 10 years.

Victorians had the worst access to social housing in the country, which was leading to women and children experiencing family violence waiting an average of two years for community housing, CRP stated.

Leanne Petrides says her Cranbourne service CISC is referring an alarming number of people for housing support, including growing numbers of the employed. 347968 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Shooter jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A drug-addled gunman who randomly shot into a car containing two innocent teenagers in Clyde has been jailed.

Anthony Creswell, 30, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to two counts of recklessly causing injury, using a firearm as a prohibited person, and drug possession as well as summary offences.

In the early hours of 4 January 2023, Creswell had driven over to Pump House Crescent after a co-offender received a message that the victim’s parked car was suspicious.

Despite having “no idea” who was in the car, Creswell approached with a 12-gauge shotgun and demanded to know the driver’s name, sentencing judge Fiona Todd said on 23 April.

The 19-year-old driver started to drive away, and Creswell shot a round through the car’s rear window into the back of the driver’s seat.

Judge Todd noted that the victims suffered “thankfully, minor” injuries.

The driver was taken to hospital with three metal fragments in his back. Two pellets were later removed from the driver’s seat.

His passenger, who was his 19 year old cousin, suffered a cut, bruised arm.

Creswell’s “deeply serious”, “random” and “outrageous” behaviour had “shattered the sense of safety” of the victims – who had been simply chatting in a car in a quiet, suburban street, Judge Todd said.

During his arrest by Special Operations Police in the Cranbourne KFC car park on 16 January 2023, Creswell suffered a broken jaw and dogbites to his leg.

Police seized deal bags of methylamphetamine totalling 1.9 grams and a motorbike with a false number plate.

At the time, Creswell was highly drug addicted, in declining mental health and hanging with anti-social peers - this was context but no excuse, Judge Todd said.

In his “paranoid” and “drug-addled” state, he had a “sense of entitlement to inflict harm on others”, the judge said.

At the time, Creswell was on a community corrections order and prohibited from using a gun.

Born in Hobart, Creswell had prior convictions for drug, driving and weapon offences including for being a prohibited person with a gun.

Judge Todd said Creswell had “capacity to repair” himself but his history with guns was particularly concerning.

Co-offender James Bartlett, 34, of Clyde, was sentenced at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for two counts of recklessly causing injury, bail offences, driving suspended and possessing prohibited weapons - a taser and OC spray.

Bartlett was jailed for 120 days and put on an 18-month community correction order without conviction.

He was given a significant sentencing discount after providing a statement implicating Creswell.

Unlike Creswell, Bartlett wasn’t a prohibited person or on a CCO at the time of the shooting.

Judge Todd further noted that Creswell was the principal offender who brought the gun to the scene and fired it.

Creswell was jailed for three-and-a-half years – with a non-parole period of two years and three months. He had already served 463 days of his term in remand.

Councillor gift policy tightened to $20

By Violet Li

Casey Council updated its Councillor Gift Policy at the April meeting, with a major change of reducing the gift declaration limit from $50 to $20.

The updated policy stipulates that all offers worth more than $20 are nontoken offers and must be declared and recorded on the gift, benefit, and hospitality register.

A Conflicts of Interest sector has been added to inform councillors that any gift, benefit, or hospitality they declare over five years could give rise to an actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest, which includes election campaign donations.

A Rewards Programs sector has been introduced to minimise the benefit derived from purchasing on behalf of the council or benefiting from council expenses.

Councillors must not collect rewards for personal uses via commercial rewards programs like Flybuys, for any councilrelated expenses transaction.

The inclusion of an Exceptions to Councillor Gift Policy sector is aimed to minimise confusion around accepting gifts, benefits, and hospitality derived from council’s partnership agreements, and accepting internal gifts for recognition of service.

It states that tickets offered to councillors through partnership agreements between the council and sporting clubs can be accepted whereby ticket offerings form part of the partnership agreement. However, those tickets must still be declared.

Gifts from the council to councillors are not covered by this policy and do not need to be declared, but the nature of such gifts needs to be in recognition of their services at the end of the mayor and councillors’ terms.

‘They feel more understood’: MyTime launches in Berwick

By Ethan Benedicto

A space for sharing experiences, providing advice and expressing one’s feelings from everyday hurdles to major life choices, MyTime caters to families and their children who are in need of a higher level of care.

With roughly 40 branches across Victoria, Berwick became one of the latest additions to the free peer support groups that MyTime organises, where parents and children until the age of six are welcome, without the need for diagnosis, to participate in the sessions.

Program manager for the Berwick branch, Madison Robinson, said that “at its core, it’s peer support for parents and for carers of children with disability, or really any additional needs, compared to other children”.

“It could be that the baby was born prematurely and need a little bit more assistance, a chronic medical condition or a developmental delay,” she said.

The foundation of the group sessions are all about parents and carers having the opportunity to connect with others in a similar situation, potentially from similar backgrounds but also those within their local community.

Ms Robinson said that these MyTime sessions are different from the usual play groups and mother groups and that it’s not childcare.

“The focus really is on that facilitated peer support and their growth as parents and carers and providing meaningful connection.

“We’ll get guest speakers in, do morning teas, special events; we have a partnership with Buttons where they come out and do activities with us.

“The idea of it really is to be peer let, so we talk to the community and we say, ‘well what would you like to do?’ And ‘what would you like to learn about?’”

The parents or carers are never far from their children during these peer support groups, with sessions being held in the same room.

During said peer sessions, a play leader will be responsible for attending to the needs of the children while a group facilitator oversees and fosters conversation amongst the guardians.

Vanja Flett, the group facilitator, said that “the essence of a group facilitator is to provide some self-care activities for parents and

opportunity for them to share what they sort of need to talk about - and they have a lot in common”.

“They feel more understood within that group rather than going to any mainstream social groups, where they have a child with a disability at home and they can’t really share that amongst others because they won’t be understood,” she said.

Held every fortnight, encouraging communication is all but part of the objectives of the support groups.

Ms Flett wants members to feel safe, welcomed and open with one another with their

struggles, to talk and vent to one another because it“sometimes may be their only self-care opportunity”.

“Not just to talk about their children and what issues they might have, it could be marriage, it could be their health.

“We also do a bit of activities here when they’re having a lot of fun, doing their nails, gardening; it’s to put their mind away from their everyday life and unloading a little bit of their difficulties,” she said.

While the primary duty of care still rests on the parents or carer, MyTime is a child-safe organisation, with staff that participates in child-

safe training and risk assessments and their every move child-led in terms of safety.

What separates MyTime from childcare are factors such as not having ratios, no strict eligibility criteria in terms of disability or assistance/further help required and of course, is not a facility where parents or guardians leave their children to the care of others.

Play leader Bibi Azizi recognises that each child has their own way of learning and interacting, from toys, to activities and people.

“If we get the opportunity, we ask the parent what the child really needs and likes, we provide those certain things for them to keep things calm, involving and loving,” Ms Azizi said.

Time spent together is essential for building rapport, not just for the adults but for the children as well.

Through the comfort of having their parents within arm’s length and having the opportunity to explore their interests with another parental figure, allows these children the space and room to grow.

At the same time, with the children preoccupied this means that parents and carers have the chance to unwind and support one another with the confidence of their children’s safety and wellbeing.

“We’ve had parents come and say ‘I was scared to come out to the community after delivering a child with special needs, and I always thought people would judge me’,” Ms Azizi said.

“They’d continue and say ‘when [they] found MyTime it has actually built [them] for the better, and [they’ve] become stronger than before’.”

“She [this parent] was, towards the end very happy saying that they’ve gained self-respect and self-confidence again compared to before, and while it may not be much it was a step forward to that person they wanted to be,” she said.

The MyTime program operates state-wide, with region-specific meetings where groups’ support leaders, facilitators and managers discuss prevalent topics to further their general understanding.

If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in MyTime’s peer support groups, contact them at 9486 9600 or send an email to manager@mytimevic.com.au

Members of the MyTime Berwick peer support group, from left, Vanja Flett, Madison Robinson and Bibi Azizi. 402395

Picture: ROB CAREW

THE GRAZING WITH THE LOCALS BIT

Blaze a trail and graze your way through gastronomic delights across Victoria. There’s serious belly-business to be had, and locals to be met.

Wine and dine at places like King Valley’s Prosecco Road.

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A with Jodie Hollis

What do you love most about your job? Meeting new people; I love to hear their stories.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

Probably a turtle. They float through the ocean and live forever.

What was your most memorable moment?

Apart from having my beautiful daughters, it would have to be two moments. The Australia Day Holt Award and Casey Woman of the Year Award.

What were you like as a kid?

Happy, talkative, spontaneous, silly, fun. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

A concert at Wembley Stadium. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

My six would be my friend Danielle who passed away in 2012, my partner who passed away in Jan 2024, John Howard, Jeff Kennett, Princess Diana, and George Michael. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Over the top!

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

Coffee and breakfast on the beach followed by a walk, and a day at the hot springs with massage and facials.

Where is your happy place?

The beach for certain.

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

The only dish I cook with absolute certainty is spaghetti bolognese.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Driving around Australia.

THREE … ways to commemorate Anzac Day

1 Dawn services

There are many ways for the general public to commemorate Anzac Day, with dawn services among the most common way for people to pay their respects.

2 Wreaths

Laying wreaths or flowers at memorials in memory of the fallen is another way to commemorate the day. Wreaths can contain flowers such as laurel, a symbol of honour, rosemary, or other native flora.

3 Rosemary

Wearing rosemary is another form of remembrance; the act is a longstanding tradition where a person would have a sprig of rosemary pinned to an item of clothing on their chest.

BUSINESS PROFILE Students swim to victory

In a display of skill and camaraderie, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Swim team emerged victorious once again at the highly anticipated South Eastern Independent Schools Association’s (SEISA) Swim Carnival.

The St Paul’s Swim team, comprising both Junior and Secondary students from Years 6 to 12 across Warragul and Traralgon Campuses, showcased exemplary teamwork and dedication throughout the competition.

Competing against formidable opponents from other SEISA member schools, including Beaconhills Pakenham, Beaconhills Berwick, Newhaven College and Gippsland Grammar, St Paul’s swimmers demonstrated not only their prowess in the water but also embodied good conduct and camaraderie.

Celebrating individual achievements, St Paul’s claimed several Age Champions titles: Jayden Tran, Phoebe Balcombe, Brody Cargill and Noah Warner.

SEISA fosters holistic development through interschool competitions in both sporting and cultural experiences providing a platform for students to develop their wellbeing through the pursuit of personal growth and community engagement within co-curricular activities.

Age Champions Phoebe Balcombe, Brody Cargill, Noah Warner and Jayden Tran with St Paul’s Principal Cameron Herbert and St Paul’s Swimming Captains William Blackwood and Marigold Hay.

Jodie Hollis was presented with Casey’s Woman of the Year Award.

Driving down emissions

The City of Casey has committed to procuring 100 per cent of the council’s corporate electricity supply through renewable energy sources, as part of the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO).

Joining 51 other councils from 1 July 2025, VECO represents the largest emissions reduction project undertaken by the local government sector in Australia.

Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said electricity usage makes up approximately 73 per cent, or around 11,000 tonnes of CO2, of the council’s greenhouse gas emissions profile.

“Transitioning to renewable electricity will contribute significantly towards meeting our

net zero target by 2030 for council operations, set out in Casey’s Climate Action Plan 20222030,” she said.

VECO will also provide cost-effective renewable energy generated by Victorian wind farms for the council’s operations through a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

“Accessing VECO will help reduce council’s total emissions by at least 60,000 tonnes of CO2 over the five-and-a-half-year contract, putting council in a strong position moving forward,” Ms Duff said.

Adopted in February 2022, the Climate Action Plan maps the council’s strategic direction towards achieving their net zero emissions tar-

gets, which includes the council addressing climate changes through several methods.

One initiative is replacing approximately 8152 mercury vapour decorative street lights in parks, open spaces, and reserved with LEDs, another is the installation of solar PV and battery storage systems on council buildings.

The council is also looking to address climate changes by adding electric vehicles to its fleet, improving the energy and water efficiency of its buildings and infrastructure, transitioning gas-consuming buildings to allelectric and ensuring that all new refurbished council buildings have an environmentally sustainable design.

Furthermore, the council is looking to support and empower the local Casey community to reach the net zero emissions goal by 2040 through several ways.

These include access to Solar Savers, a local government initiative that aims to help residents and business owners cut their power bills and carbon footprint by installing solar.

Access to a $200 household energy efficiency rebate to reduce energy costs and improve thermal comfort is also one of the initiatives.

For more information visit the council’s sustainability and climate change website at casey.vic.gov.au/sustainability-climatechange

FOCUS ON … FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

Remember your loved one, free from stress and worry

At Lang Lang and District Funeral Services, we are a dedicated team of compassionate death care professionals.

Our team has over 45 years of combined experience in the funeral industry.

We take care of your deceased loved one from pick up to preparation and to their final resting place. Our service is personalised to respect and take care at every step of the journey.

Celebrate the life of your loved one the way you want. Make it personal at home, a park, the beach or another special place. Create a send-off to remember.

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to provide your loved one with the respect, love and dignity they deserve following their passing, treating them as if they were our own family member - ensuring remaining family and friends are able to celebrate and remember their loved one free from stress and worry.

Our vision is to celebrate life as it was, remembering the good times and providing a tailored farewell for your loved ones.

Contact Michelle Brown 0449 220 652, michelle@lldfs.com Visit lldfs.com

Taylor & Moore director Sharron Taylor said they are constantly updating their processes to stay up-to-date. “We are driven by a commitment to accuracy and precision in our work, providing meticulous bookkeeping services to ensure that our clients have reliable financial data to make informed decisions. The dynamic nature of accounting and bookkeeping means staying updated with the latest industry trends, regulations, and technologies enables us to provide superior services to our clients.”

Ms Taylor said they pride themselves on being an established business.

“We service clients both local and interstate.We have an extensive knowledge base with friendly with accessibility of staff.

“Our approach is to help businesses succeed and we’re proud to provide proactive support to owners and their business.”

Ms Taylor said the enthusiastic and dynamic team, which includes a number of senior staff members with more than 15 years’ experience, works hard to help clients achieve their goals.“It is our mission to

Taylor & Moore director Sharron Taylor.

help our clients and to give them back their time and alleviate all the bookkeeping pressures and headaches so they can focus on all other aspects of their business,” she said.

“We offer specialised bookkeeping services tailored to most industries including all trades, medical industry, investment properties and developers, retail, consulting, manufacturing, hairdressing, importer and exports, tourism, engineering, IT, entertainment, education, beauty and more.

“We are preparing our clients and their books for EOFY in preparation of their tax returns with their accountants.”

Accountants regularly refer their clients to useTaylor & Moore for their bookkeeping needs, with 98 per cent of its clients coming from referrals from accountants and other clients. For more information, visit taylormoore.com.au

Lang Lang and District Funeral Services.

We will remember them

By Ethan Benedicto

With strong winds blowing the flags and warm sun bearing on the attendees, Endeavour Hills held an Anzac Day ceremony at 11am on Tuesday 23 April.

Held at the Endeavour Hills Peace Memorial, the service was curated by the DandenongCranbourne RSL, and saw the participation of Bruce MP Julian Hill and Southeast Metro MP Ann-Marie Hermans.

Also present were representatives local primary schools, with a select few students and teachers who were part of delivering the wreaths on the monument.

President of the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL Lance McDermott welcomed everyone, saying that “on this day above all days, we recall those who have served in war and who did not return to receive the grateful thanks of our nation”.

“We remember those who lay in unknown resting places, those gallant men under the sea and those whose lives ended in the vastness of the sky.

“We especially remember those who died as prisoners of war, away from their homeland and far from the comforting presence of their loved ones.”

After delivering a strong speech that delved into camaraderie, sacrifice, duty and service, Mr McDermott represented DandenongCranbourne RSL and delivered the first wreath on the base of the monument.

Following after him was Acting Senior Sergeant for the Endeavour Hills Police Mark Mckley, followed by Julian Hill MP and AnnMarie Hermans MP.

After members from the Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre delivered their wreaths, children from Thomas Mitchell Primary School presented their wreaths.

Following soon after were children from Southern Cross Primary, James Cook Primary and St Paul Apostle North Primary who delivered their wreaths one after another.

The Last Post played not long after with children from the schools raising the Australian, New Zealand and British flags, followed by a minute’s silence and the national anthem being sung.

The ceremony concluded with Mr McDermott thanking all who attended, with bagpiper Alistair Wright and bugler Alan Collard sounding off the last of their instruments.

Lance McDermott from the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL at the beginning of the ceremony. 400850 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

The crowd were gathered at the Endeavour Hills Peace Memorial, with the flags in the midst of being raised. 400850

The staff of Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, from left: Louise Foster, John Elfer, Jazz Singh and Shivana Shankar. 400850

Veterans placing their wreaths on the monument. 400850 Southeast Liberal representative Ann-Marie Hermans bowing after delivering her wreath. 400850 Bruce MP Julian Hill after delivering his wreath. 400850 Lance McDermott was the first to present his wreath to the monument. 400850

Endeavour Hills VicPol, from left: Alicia Phillips, Stephanie Giccominato, Mark Mckley and Alan Dew. 400850

Students from Thomas Mitchell Primary School; from left, Petra, Anthony, Yuvitha and Krista. 400850

Public transport ‘lacking’

By Ethan Benedicto

Settling into newer estates is bound to come with its own set of challenges, and for the residents of St Germain in Clyde North the lack of public transport options is a concerning factor.

For Lauren Ryan and her family, the biggest challenge has been getting her two children to school at Kambrya College on time.

While the traffic throughout Thompsons Roundabout and Soldiers Road already serves as a tough hurdle to jump, the infrequency of buses and the lack of a more direct route only add to the burden.

“So in the mornings, they would have to get a 7.58am bus from here and take it down Thompsons Road, get off at Clyde Road –which I’m not the biggest fan of because of the traffic.

“The next bus at Clyde Road is supposed to come at 8.15am, which if it came on time it would fine but the traffic in this area is an absolute nightmare.

“Most likely the bus comes after 8.30 every day and they need to be at school by 8.40, so they’re late every single day,” she said.

The 881 bus route just across St Germain Boulevard Park runs every 40 minutes, making travel times either too early or much too late for the family.

By the same token, the 888 bus on BerwickCranbourne Road runs every hour, with the next option after the 8.15am service due at 9.11am.

What is normally a 10-minute drive offpeak and a 20-minute journey during peak morning hours, is more than doubled when Ms Ryan’s children opt for public transport.

“They’re missing the start of classes and everything, so they get detentions if they’re late so you know, it puts stress on the girls,” Ms Ryan said.

Berwick MP Brad Battin, who had been in touch with the Ryan family and the Quint family whose children also attend Kambrya College, was unable to get any clarity on the issue

from the Minister of Education late in March.

While there have been no updates on the efforts to get in touch with the Minister for Public and Active Transport, Mr Battin said that “a lack of bus service to get kids to school on time is just one of the many problems that people in the area are having to put up with”.

“For the Department and the Minister to think it is ok for a school child to spend two hours getting to school and two hours getting home, that just shows the lack of desire they have to fix the problem,” he said.

John Quint, whose daughter also attends Kambrya College said that while he is able to drop her off on certain days, it is “very problematic and unfortunately, there is no realistic way for her to get home”.

“Using the public transport planner app, you can see that to get from Kambrya College to our address is a journey of over two hours, split between three different buses with walks in-between bus stops and a total of 67 stops on the commute, it’s just crazy,” he said.

Ms Ryan is in a similar situation, with concerns of after-school travel times, and the winter weather in the coming months.

“We’re going into winter now, with rain, it’s cold, it’s windy and the bus comes late as well, I just don’t want them sitting around after school,” she said.

While there are times Ms Ryan can drop her children off, it’s not effective as she’s had to change her work structure.

“On the way home they just have to deal with it, if there were better bus services it might take people off the road,” she said.

For Mr Battin, more action from the State Government is needed on public transport services in the Clyde North area.

“The demand is there, so it just needs some proper planning and the Allan Labor Government to stop talking and actually do something,” he said.

The DTP was contacted for comment on the existing bus routes but did not respond before deadline.

Ladies hit the park pavement for cord blood research

The Inner Wheel Club of Narre Warren has once again shown its commitment to supporting cord blood research by bringing its annual “Two for Ten” charity walk to Wilson Botanic Park on Friday 19 April.

A group of club members in their symbolic red shirts and researchers from the Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute at Monash University gathered in a cheerful vibe at the front gate and ambled through a two-kilometre trail of the park.

The morning walk has raised close to $1,000 in donations and more is coming up, which will altogether go towards the Ritchie Centre.

The Ritchie Centre is committed to finding cures for the treatment of leukemia, strokes, heart disease, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and other autoimmune diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis. Cord blood is one of the most valuable tools being used in research of these diseases. Using stem cells containing just 30ml of cord blood collected from donated placentas can save a child’s life. The annual walk aims to raise awareness of cord blood research as well as raise funds.

been involved in fundraising for the past two decades. Over $3 million has been awarded in grants since 2002.

Four

members

going to Manchester

Australia’s longest-running and most popular all-historic motorsport event, Historic Winton, will be held on 25th and 26th May 2024 at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla.

Spectators will see more than 40 historic car, motorcycle and sidecar races and the traditional Sunday Parade Lap of selected display vehicles.

Organised by the Austin 7 Club, the 47th Historic Winton invites spectators to bring their historic cars, bikes, trucks, buses, caravans and other vehicles for a massive car park display.

Narre Warren Inner Wheel Club

are

in the United Kingdom in late April to celebrate 100 years of the worldwide InnerWheel organisation.

Narre Warren Inner Wheel Club members and researchers from the Ritchie Centre. From left, Tamara Yawno, Arya Jithoo, Beth Allison, Charmaine Rock, Ricki Marzan, Tegan White, Chuanyu Wei, Indya Davies, Beth Piscopo, Tayla Penny, Anne McGill, Dianne Barlow, and Helen Lay (club president). 400078

Ready to head off on the walk. 400078 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Four Narre Warren Inner Wheel Club members are going to Manchester in the United Kingdom in late April to celebrate 100 years of the worldwide Inner Wheel organisation. They are (from left) Pauline Brewster, Heather Dolman, Margaret Sansom, and Vicki Kruber. 400078

A relaxing walk through the park. 400078

Choir leader bowing out

By Violet Li

George stepped down on Monday 15 April after almost a decade developing and leading the community choir.

A cosy and warm retirement service was held at night during the choir’s routine rehearing hours to reminisce and farewell.

The community choir commenced operation in 2015 and the now 82-year-old Berwick resident was one of the founding members.

Looking back, the start was a beautiful opportunity.

“Opera Australia decided that they wanted to put a performance in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the city and have a lot of community choirs involved in it,” Paulien recalled.

“They approached a lot of the councils around Melbourne and Casey Council ran a project choir for that.

“Casey sponsored the choir, but they only did it for two years, and then they ceased sponsorship.

“But a lot of us had really enjoyed being in it. We said let’s start a community choir and keep yourselves going. So we did that in September of 2015.”

The choir later hired a conductor and a pianist and adopted a membership model. The rest was history.

Over the years, this culturally diverse choir has strewed voices all over Casey and the surroundings.

They performed at the Cranbourne Secondary College, Hampton Park Baptist Church, The Amazing Grace Cranbourne, Bunjil Place, Wilson’s Botanic Park, Cranbourne Uniting Church, Hallam Secondary College, and Dandenong RSL Anzac Day services.

In 2017, it performed at the opening of Bunjil Place and was the host choir at the City of Casey drought relief Casey Sings Concert in 2018.

During November 2018 and 2019, the choir hosted a family violence concert onWhite Ribbon Day at Bunjil Place.

For someone who was there for almost 10

years from the start, it was a hard decision for Paulien to say goodbye, but she had to.

“I’ve been toying with it [retirement] for about six months,” she said.

“Physically I can’t do that anymore. I’m pretty fit for my age, but after the last sausage sizzle for fundraising that we had back in November last year, it nearly killed me.

“And I thought, no, I can’t do this anymore.

“The committee got a shock when I said I was going to retire because that was the last thing that they were thinking of.”

For Paulien, retiring from her music group

did not equal exiting the music world and never looking back.

Immigrating to Australia from Holland with her family when she was around 17, Paulien went through a lot to build up a life down under. She commanded a new language, started in hospitality, went into an office job, moved around for a living, and eventually settled in Berwick where she still resides.

Music was immediately a new addition after she came here.

“I learnt to sing when I was very young. I went to church, and I joined the choir, and

I started to realise then that I really enjoyed singing,” she recalled.

“My brother and my father sang in the choir as well because they both have very good voices, as well as my mother.

“I’ve been involved in the musical industry for a while.Whilst I was in the advertising business, I didn’t have time.

“But after I retired, I went back into it, and I still have singing lessons today. I do a fair bit of solo singing myself.

“So, keep the voice going.”

Voices of Casey manager Paulien

Paulien George at her retirement service. 400778

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

All members of the Voices of Casey choir are attending the retirement service. 400778 Voices of Casey committee members Annette Spencer, Catherine Gensalves, Deb Malmo, Paulien George, Greg Nielson, Brenda Waterman and Donna McHattie. 400778

The choir’s new president Donna McHattie (left) and now retired Paulien George (right). 400778

One giant leap for students

By Emma Xerri

Around 250 excited students at Hampton Park Primary School were graced with a visit from Olympian long jumper and two-time Commonwealth Games Silver medalist Brooke Buschkuehl through the Victorian Institute of Sport’s Play On program.

Speaking on her journey to the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, Brooke spent the morning providing an insight into her own sporting journey, while exploring Play On’s four key topics: female athlete heath, mental health, nutrition and inclusivity.

And having been hard at work with their athletics training all of term one, the visit could not have come at a better time for the students, who are enthusiastically gearing up for their upcoming Athletics Day.

“I think it was really well received,” Brooke said.

“I had a lot of kids coming up to me after the presentation and thanking me for sharing my story and for the information I was able to provide.

“A lot of them seemed really inspired by my story, and that’s what I love about theVictorian Institute of Sport. It’s super rewarding for us athletes to be able to tell our story and share useful information, insights and learnings from our own careers, especially knowing how much I would have benefited from that at their age.

“The main aim is to try and inspire the next generation of kids coming through to chase their own dreams, and not just sporting dreams, but any dreams they may have.

“Some of these students might want a future in elite sports but might not know what it takes, so hopefully they can learn something and make some changes that can have a positive impact on their sporting journey.

“And at most of the schools I’ve been to, you

can definitely see how uplifted the students are after the presentation, so it’s a really nice feeling knowing you’re having some sort of impact, even if that’s just on one child.”

But according to Hampton Park Primary School PE teacher Rebecca Sparks, the impacts

Exploring common myths

Many years ago before I established my business, my Dad would sometimes ask me: “Ian, why don’t you start your own business?” to which I would usually answer “I don’t have a customer base and I don’t think I can sell”. For the first 18 months of my business, I proved myself right about the latter and in order to survive, I had to learn pretty quickly what worked and what didn’t. It was through this process that I discovered that some of the more common beliefs about sales were completely wrong and so here are some of those myths that just don’t stand up: Your price has to be low

This is a very common misconception as Warren Buffet says: “Price is what you pay, value is what you get”. People will be prepared to pay more for what they perceive as great value even it bears little relation to the actual cost. Have you every bought something you didn’t really want but spent the money anyway because you thought that it was an absolute bargain? Unless you are in a commodity space where there is no other way to differentiate yourself apart from price (and there aren’t many of these), then low prices can actually work against you. Trying to sell based on quality but with a low price only serves to send a confusing message to your target market and may cause some to ask “what’s the catch?” A higher price is often associated with better quality (not always true of course) so prices should be fair, not necessarily really low. You have to be an extrovert to sell

It is certainly true that you have to be good with people in order to build an effective business relationship, but everyone is wired in different ways. Hence sales success depends far more on understanding how to effectively interact with the other person rather than just being extroverted. Introverted purchasers tend to be more analytical and cautious so recognising this means a more measured approach is likely to be more successful than an excitable one. In a sales discussion your priority is to ensure the prospective client knows what

you provide.

No!While this should of course surface during the discussion, the priority, in the wise words of Stephen Covey, is to “Seek first to understand, then to be understood”. In other words, it’s far more important to listen to what the client needs to check for a match with your solution rather than just plugging what you have. If you don’t, then you will simply be seen as self-interested. You must discount your price to get the sale

This is a common mistake made by people with little experience in sales. If requested to drop your price and you do so, there are only two possibilities: 1) you overpriced the solution in the first place (which can undermine your professional integrity) or 2) you are cutting your own margins. Often the latter is the case and the problem with slim margins is that you only need one or two things to go wrong and you can end up losing money on the deal and hence resent the whole deal.

Your quotes have to be dead accurate

Although your quotes need to be in the ballpark, they don’t need to be correct to the nearest cent. The true cost can rarely be calculated anyway since things can easily get missed. Trying to get 100 per cent accuracy takes a lot of time for little added value. Far better to respond quickly and provide a quote that is within an acceptable range since this coneys a perception of responsiveness and even if you are a little high, there is still time for discussion. At least the dialogue has been opened!

Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMentBusiness Solutions www.ombs.com.au

ally met by researching her for their studies.”

But what truly united the students was their shared “shock” over Brooke’s Australian record jump distance of 7.13 metres.

“There were lots of gasps when they actually measured the distance with a tape measure,” Ms Sparks added.

“And every student got to hold her medal, which was a huge opportunity for these kids. Not many would otherwise get the chance to hold a real medal.

“It gives them the sense that they can achieve anything, and that if they give something a go and put their minds to it, that anything is possible, even the Olympics. And this doesn’t just relate to sport.”

For Brooke, who continues to be shocked by the students’ excitement when she walks into a room, even after 10 years with the Victorian Institute of Sport, the benefits of events like this one are definitely mutual.

“It’s a fantastic way to be able to give back,” she said.

“It’s seeing the kids’ faces light up, not only when you enter the room as an Olympian, but after the presentation when they want autographs and photos with you and want to see your medals.

“It just feels like the room is really lit up by your presence, which is a really nice feeling.

“And I think a lot of schools don’t actually know they can access the program and have an athlete visit their school, so if we can get the word out there, then I’m sure more schools could benefit from it.”

extend far beyond just one child.

“Teachers have been able to use lessons from her visit in the classroom,” Ms Sparks said.

“Students have been researching her, excited to learn more about someone they’ve actu-

The Play On program is free for government schools, with funding from School Sport Victoria (SSV). Non-government schools can also participate for a fee.

For more information about Play On and the Victorian Institute of Sport’s other schoolbased programs, visit vis.org.au/vis-community-programs-victorian-government-schools

Christopher (school captain), Brooke Buschkuehl and Chloe (school captain). 401299

WHAT’S ON

Storm recovery workshops

Following recent reports outlining the significant emotional challenges within Cardinia and Yarra Ranges following the storms which hit the area earlier in the year, Edenhope Psychotherapy is hosting a workshop to help support the community.

The workshop will feature Equine-Assisted activities designed to promote emotional safety, provide valuable resourcing, and offer insights into typical responses related to shock and the healing process.

By sharing some of the psycho-educational tips and information discussed during the event, Edenhope Psychotherapy aims to contribute to raising awareness and inspiring others to prioritise emotional well-being in their recovery journey.

· For more information, visit edenhopepsychotherapy.au/emotionalwellnessworkshops for more details.

Berwick Springs VIEW Club

Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.

The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses and are about to take on an eighth student.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker. Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies. The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.

· For more information, contact Shirley on 0419 878 481 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

Biggest Morning Tea

The Woodlands Park Retirement Village in Berwick is again raising money for its Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event, which will contribute to raffles, door prizes and auction prizes available on the day and towards cancer research.

$22,486 towards the Cancer Council.

· For more information or to donate, visit www. biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/ColleenAstbury or contact Colleen on 0422 849 619.

BADFolk Club

Berwick and District Folkclub (BADFolk) have been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 21 years.

The group meets on the third Friday of each month, with doors open from 6.30pm and the music running from 7pm to 10pm.

The group also welcomes spot acts - anyone who can play an instrument, sing, share a poem. Entry is $15, with tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks and snack food available for purchase.

· For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.

Lovers Lane Planting Day

Cannibal Creek Catchment Landcare are holding another community planting day at Lovers Lane, Garfield on Sunday 5 May from 9.30am to 2pm.

Help plant out 5000 indigenous tube stock to continue the revegetation of five acres, creating habitat for local endangered species such as Southern Brown Bandicoots.

Bring gloves, sturdy and waterproof footwear, sunscreen, hat, a water bottle and eye protec-

at the Officer Food Truck Park, 474 Princes Hwy, Officer. · For more information, visit www.facebook. com/groups/870966037793058

· For more information, view the website or contact 0408 769 491.

Probus Club of Pakenham East

The Probus Club of Pakenham East is encouraging new members to join.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, commencing at 10am.

A short meeting is followed by morning tea and the opportunity to get to know members prior to the introduction of the guest speaker.

Various activities are held throughout the month.

· For more information, phone president Gary on 0428 255 178 or contact secretary Dorothy on probuspakenhameast@gmail.com

Housing Support and Advice

tea and a sausage sizzle lunch will be provided for volunteers.

· For more information, contact Cannibal Creek Landcare Group on cannibalcreeklandcare@ gmail.com or phone Pam on 0407 876 935. RSVP essential for catering by Monday 29 April.

Learn to play ukulele

The ukulele is a very simple instrument to learn – perfect for the lazy potential musician. No need for the ability to read music, or practise endless scales or devour a whole heap of theory.

The U-Bute Uke Group is a relaxed and happy group which makes magical music together. Bring a love of music and a sense of fun.

Enrol in the ‘Introduction to Ukulele’ 9 week course at the Outlook Community Centre Pakenham, with the view to graduate to join the group. Course begins on Friday 26 April from 12.30pm to 2pm.

· Contact Outlook Community Centre on 5940 4728 for further details. Bookings essential.

Emerald Rotary Market

A community market in the heart of the Hills. Crafts, produce, collectables, treasures, hot food, fresh coffee, ice cream and so much more will be available. The market will be located behind the shops off Kilvington Drive and opposite

Are you experiencing homelessness? At risk of having no safe place to live? Living in low-cost accommodation with no support?

Visit the Pakenham Library and have a chat with a support worker to discuss available options and resources.

· Every Wednesday between 2pm to 4pm. Bookings are not required. If you require more information, please phone Pakenham Library on 5940 6200.

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club

Are you newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom, or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/ chat activities with low key in line dancing if you want to tap your feet and great afternoon teas, day/short and long trips away via (coach/ flights), Weekly Morning Coffee Club, Monthly Saturday Country Pub Lunches, Monthly Evening Dineouts, Weekly Table Tennis Club, Walking Groups, Seasonal Daytime Musical Theatre Outings, and more.

Come along and get to know the club by visiting on a Thursday at 2pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join on a Wednesday at 10am for a Coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate.

Lions put stake in ground

By Marcus Uhe

Paul Carbis is only two weeks in to his tenure at the helm of the Pakenham Football Club, but the trust and belief between he and his squad, and the squad in him, is evident to see.

Whether it’s the devoted concentration on display when he addresses them at breaks or commitment to executing a philosophy or tactic during the four quarters, Pakenham has clearly brought into the experienced coach’s wisdom.

At three-quarter-time in Saturday’s Outer East Football Netball Premier Division clash with Berwick Springs, he asked his side for a lift in the final term.

Midway through the third quarter, Pakenham led by as many as 31 points, as Berwick Springs looked out of its depth.

But the final four goals of the quarter, including one after the siren to solidify their grasp on momentum, saw the Titans roar back into the contest, having shaved the deficit to just six points.

Pakenham didn’t panic, showing the class and composure of a side with serious expectations in Premier Division and with finals appearance under their belt in 2023.

The Lions weathered the storm, holding their opponents scoreless and kicking three goals the other way, to bank the four points and open Carbis’ account in Maroon and Blue, in a 12.15 87 to 9.4 58 result.

“We’ve done a lot of work at training on the way we want to play, so if we go off that, we can always revert back to it,” Carbis said after the game of his side’s ability to address a poor third quarter.

“That’s what I said to them, it was a pretty clear instruction at three-quarter-time, to win the contest and take care of the ball.

“They’ve heard that message from the start of preseason last year, and they’ve seen it work. “From our practice matches, against Narre Warren and for parts of today they’ve seen it work, so there’s trust there.

“They probably haven’t got full trust in it yet, but it’s getting there.

“You can always revert back to what you’ve done during the offseason and through the week, and say ‘if we get this right, we’ll get the result’, and that’s pretty much what they did.

“It’s part of our learning that, we’ve got to play four quarters and the game’s not over if you give some teams momentum.”

Pakenham kicked clear in the second term after holding just a three-point lead at the first break, kicking four goals to one for a 24-point ascendency at half time.

The Titans were strong in the middle of the ground, with Chris Johnson returning to join Michael Misso and Justin Markulija in the engine room, but around the ground, Pakenham was excellent, moving the ball with speed and cohesion of a side that had played plenty of footy with one-another.

Jordan Stewart was patrolling the Pakenham defensive half expertly as he so often does and thwarted a number of attacks, while the pressure from ground level players inTyrell Bignoux, James Harrison and Jake Barclay

forced the Titans into mistakes.

Harrison weaved his way through a stoppage and goaled on the run from the 40-metre arc and Matthew Debruin was proving a handful for an undermanned Titans defence, with four to his name before half time.

Berwick Springs was missing captain, Brodie Warlond, along with Jayden Malek and Brodie McConnell from last week’s side that defended superbly for three quarters against Gembrook Cockatoo, and their absences were notable in the face of the Pakenham onslaught.

The half time siren was a welcome sound for theTitans, who needed a chance to regroup after the first hour.

Had it been a game of basketball, there’s no doubt that Hayden Stagg and Johnson would have looked to call a ‘time out’ during the second quarter to take the heat out of the game, but that option clearly wasn’t available.

Jaxon Knight kick-started the third quarter for the Titans with the opening goal of the second half, but quick replies from Stewart and Bailey Stiles saw Pakenham’s five goal buffer return.

It was the third quarter where the Titans made their run in round one against Gembrook Cockatoo with five goals to break the contest open, and history repeated itself a week later as they owned the ‘premiership quarter’.

Markulija was having his way with proceedings in the middle and Kayden Buselli was proving a handful up forward, while a onehanded juggling intercept mark from Aidan Nelson at half-forward was just the sort of moment that proved momentum was wearing blue and white.

Luke Morrell’s goal that sailed through as the siren rung out across Toomuc Reserve cut the lead to just six, and the ensuing push and

shove at the culmination of an at times, fiery third quarter, was indicative of how much the result meant to both sides, desperate be out of the winless bracket of teams after two weeks.

It was the vast expanses of Toomuc Reserve that proved pivotal in determining the contest’s outcome.

One of the few grounds that can rival Mick Morland Reserve for size, Pakenham’s ability to own the space was notable, and the Titans at times looked lost in the multitude of pockets of space on offer as they struggled to move the ball from one end of the ground to the other.

If they didn’t win the centre clearance, it was a battle for them to generate scoring opportunities on a consistent basis.

Never was this on display more than in the fourth quarter, when Pakenham’s disciplined defenders shut off the defensive half and nary allowed an inside 50.

The discipline of Stewart, Rhys Brooks, Josh Trembath and Josh Haggar to remain deep and not follow their opponents up the ground into the contest meant Berwick Springs were often kicking to an outnumber when exiting its back 50, with Jett Kearney playing as the sole deep tall.

The Titans were looking to move the ball too quickly for their own good, needing to chase the game while behind, but not assessing what was unfolding ahead of them.

Pakenham’s inability to defend space was disastrous against Narre Warren in round one, with the majority of the Magpies’ scores emanating from turnovers in Pakenham’s forward half.

The contrast between round one and two in Pakenham’s ability to shut down an attack was stark, and according to Carbis, no accident.

“We work on our defence a fair bit, every training session there’s a fair bit of defence in-

volved,” he said.

“Their forwards played high which we watched the week before, so we knew their forwards would push high and I think they were trying to stifle us and move the ball inside 50 easier.

“But what happens is, their forwards are high, we hold our backs and they’ve got to come back out eventually, and they kick it back to us.

“I’ve had teams do that against me before and I said to our backs, you’ve just got to hold and not push in, otherwise everyone’s in one part of the ground and you can’t move the ball.

“We’ve just got to be a little bit smarter and I thought we adjusted to that pretty well.”

Cooper Reilly was a force in the ruck, despite the Titans sharking a number of his hitouts, while Debruin, Stiles and Stewart formed an excellent spine, living up to their expectations as core senior players, and shouldering the absence of Tom Gable in the second half, who injured his leg early in the contest.

Berwick Springs, meanwhile, proved once that they will be a side not to be taken lightly, having been in winnable positions in its opening two weeks against 2023 Premier Division sides.

Johnson was immense in the middle with Misso and Markulija, but the lack of key targets ahead of the ball at critical stages was detrimental to their ability to score, something that the coaching staff will need to address in the coming weeks.

All three of Warlond, Malek and McConnell are all expected to be back in the short term.

Pakenham welcomes Officer to Toomuc Reserve on Saturday while Berwick Springs heads to Woori Yallock to tackle the Tigers.

Electrifying Eels bounce back strongly over Frankston

By David Nagel

Pakenham has squared its early-season ledger at one-all after the Eels defeated Frankston 20-10 in round two of NRL Victoria’s Second Grade Men’s competition.

The Eels, who put up a brave performance despite going down 26-18 to Eastern Raptors in round one, made their way to Casey Fields in a confident mood.

That mood was dulled somewhat when some undisciplined behaviour from Jonah Iosefo resulted in an early send-off; reducing the Eels to 12 players for the remainder of the contest.

Despite being a player down the Eels held a two-point lead at half time after tries to Aiden Kane and Abraham Netzler.

The Eels then applied some significant physical pressure offensively in the second half, with tries to half-back Nathaniel Johansson-Joseph - and a second to Kane – providing the visitors with a match-winning lead.

The Eels have quickly climbed to fourth in the 10-team competition, but have a bye this weekend before resuming hostilities against sixth-placed North West Wolves on Saturday 4 May.

The home clash at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve will be followed by a follow-up home game against Northern Thunder on Saturday 11 May.

The Eels juniors, and remainder of the club’s competitive grades, begin their season’s this weekend with trips to Casey Fields and Fregon Reserve in Clayton.

Abraham Netzler scored a first-half try to help the Pakenham Eels to victory over Frankston. 403408

Picture: MICHAEL WINTER

Samuel Kors gives the hands under pressure from Titan Riley Hillman. 402295

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A big-time welcome

By Marcus Uhe

Two quarters with more than 20 goals saw Narre Warren flex its muscle in Outer East Football Netball’s A Grade netball competition on Saturday against newly-promoted Emerald.

The Bombers surprised many with an opening round win over Olinda Ferny Creek but learned on Saturday about just where they need to get to in the 76-49 loss.

The Magpies scored 21 goals in the opening quarter to establish a 13 goal lead at the first break and after the Bombers matched the reigning champions for the next two quarters, Narre Warren finished with a flourish, scoring 25 goals to 11 in the final term.

Strong final quarters were a trademark of Erin Bell’s team in 2023 and the four-quarter efforts look set to remain a staple of their approach as they aim to go back-to-back.

Erin Bell scored 44 and Chelsea Tonna 31 to lead the way for the Magpies, as Grace Ioelu impressed off the bench with a further 19 goals.

Emerald was hampered by its limited number of available players with just seven taking the court in A-Grade, where Narre Warren’s three substitutes allowed for rest and rotation throughout the contest.

Kaylah Loulanting scored 34 goals for the Bombers.

ROC fared similarly to the Bombers, conceding 70 goals on the road against a strong Mt Evelyn side that made a preliminary final in 2023.

With last season’s Jodi Chandler medal winner Kaitlyn Black patrolling the ROC shooting circle, the visitors managed only five goals in the opening term and found themselves down by 10 at the first break.

ROC was unable to make any inroads to the deficit, outscored in every quarter for the remainder of the match, including giving up 19 goals in each of the final two quarters.

Captain, Melanie Overdyk, made an impact for ROC off the bench, as Isobelle O’Shanassy

contributed 27 goals.

Pakenham’s miserly defence was on full display against Berwick Springs in a monster 50 goal win over the Titans at Toomuc Reserve.

The Lions allowed just 16 goals through their opponent’s net, including just nine in the final three quarters.

After Pakenham led 14-7 at the first break, the Lions put their feet down, outscoring their opponents 20-2, 17-3 and 15-4 in the prevailing terms, with a 15 goal run growing the margin from 24 to 39 late in the third quarter.

The Lions were far taller across the court and more mobile, showing what repeated seasons in Premier Division does for a squad, compared to one making a tough jump in grades.

Millicent Utber’s drive in the middle of the court was noticeable, setting the tone with her pace, athleticism and quick decisions in the middle of the court, having crossed to Toomuc Reserve from Beaconsfield in the offseason, and replacing last season’s captain Emma Jones in the middle, missing through injury.

In one motion Utber managed to catch a ball, plant one foot and lob it over the Titans’

goalkeeper to Kelly Cousins underneath the ring in a move that wowed the crowd.

Gembrook Cockatoo, meanwhile, has two wins from two matches under new coach Laura Christie, having downed Olinda Ferny Creek 43-36.

The Brookers held a four goal advantage at the first break and held the Bloods at arms length for the remainder of the contest in the seven goal result, matching or outsourcing the opposition in every quarter.

Mariah Bell scored 33 goals for the Brookers.

Upwey Tecoma rallied from a five goal deficit at three quarter time to defeatWooriYallock 41-39, scoring five of the final seven goals to break a late game deadlock, while 2023 runner up Wandin almost let a three-quarter-time lead slip through its fingers against Monbulk, sneaking home 51-47.

All eyes turn to round three where Narre Warren and Wandin will come face-to-face for the first time since the Magpies’ triumph on grand final day last season.

The match begins at 12.30pm at Narre Warren’s Kalora Park.

Classy Kolaritsch kicks seven of the best

By David Nagel

A stunning seven-goal performance from youngster Aiesha Kolaritsch has propelled Pakenham to a thumping 14.14(98) to 0.1(1) victory over Berwick Springs at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday.

The Lions - still smarting from their round-one loss to Upwey-Tecoma - came out snarling in the first quarter with speedster Tianah Vandesteeg and left-footer Kayla Wilson converting some great play from further up the ground.

Spring-heeled Sarah Ventura was dominating the ruck, with midfielders Chloe Nagel, Courtney Stephens, Bianca Moody, Kate Green and Sarah Connelly playing some direct footy; giving the Lions’ forward line plenty of open looks.

The Lions led by 17 points at quarter time, which extended to 44 at the main break after a four-goal second term.

connection, we played for each other and shared the ball around nicely,” Stalker said.

“There’s still plenty of room for improvement, but you should all be proud of the way you attacked the footy today.”

Kolaritsch was clearly best on ground with her seven goals, while Nagel with three and Vandesteeg with two were the other multiple contributors.

Jess George, Tameka Youn and skipper Tracey McMinimee were best for Berwick Springs.

Cardinia in great early season form

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cardinia’s men have continued their strong start to the season with a 3-0 win against Frankston.

There were five changes from the team which won in round 1, but the style of hockey and dominance was equally pleasing.

The Storm were on top all day, Adam Welcome setting up skipper Scott Burnett for a goal in the first quarter which set the scene.

Taylor Rae converted a drag flick in the second quarter, and Jake Griffiths converted from a short corner to ice the game in the third.

Jackson Johnston offered a point-ofdifference for the visitors, the lefty with a hurling background having an unconventional technique which was tough for the opposition to handle.

Meanwhile, the women had a 2-0 loss to Old Haileyburians’ Association, competitive in the first half before the superior experience of the hosts won out.

The evolving team controlled the ball well and demonstrated their willingness to switch it when they were at their best, with Alice Gray defending staunchly and Lilly Kelly linking up well and creating scoring opportunities.

The women have the undefeated Monash University next, while the men have Glen Eira in a top-of-the-table clash.

Kolaritsch booted three more in the final term, while Emily Johnston and Nagel also kicked six-pointers to finish off a great morning for the Lions.

Coach Rick Stalker was a happy coach as he addressed his players after the match.

“The thing that stood out today was our

Kolaritsch and Nagel booted two each in the second quarter, with Kolaritsch kicking two more in the third - and Vandesteeg another - to open up a 64-point lead at the final change of ends.

In other games this week, Healesville remain the only unbeaten side after a hardfought eight-point victory over Upwey-Tecoma, while reigning premier Olinda Ferny Creek scored a 14-point win over Belgrave.

Olivia Edwards kicked three for the winners, while Lily Carlin,Vanessa Bateman and Kyah Barry were also influential figures in the win.

Round 3 Fixture: Anzac Day: HEALESVILLE (1) v Berwick Springs (5), UPWEY-TECOMA (3) v Olinda-Ferny Creek (4). Saturday: PAKENHAM (2) v Belgrave (6).

Bunyip too strong for Pakenham

Bunyip has started to generate momentum into its season in the Men’s State League 5 South season, backing up its 6-5 thriller with a 5-1 win over Pakenham.

The hosts were favoured to beat a Pakenham side which has been forced to overcome a series of struggles in recent times and never gave their local rivals a sniff.

Bunyip found the back of the net thrice by halftime, with Liam Jones scoring a hattrick in the commanding victory.

Liam Lenders and Tynan North were Bunyip’s other goal kickers, while for Pakenham, Vasileios Haldezos found the back of the net.

Pakenham has now lost its first four games of the season and faces another stiff test this weekend against the undefeated Seaford, while Bunyip have the table-topping Rosebud. Tynan

Pakenham youngster Aiesha Kolaritsch celebrates one of her seven goals against Berwick Springs on Saturday. 402285

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

North kicked a goal for Bunyip.

Liam Jones did the damage for Bunyip. 402300 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cardinia set up for a short corner. 402610

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cardinia was too strong.

Millicent Utber has made an impact for Pakenham this season. 402294 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS