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Pakenham’s highly-anticipated Yakkerboo Festival has been declared a “huge success”.

Thousands flocked to Bourke Park and Main Street to partake in the 43nd annual event, which has ballooned in popularity since its inception.

Yakkerboo committee president Michael Porter said he was extremely satisfied with the outcome and the behaviour of patrons.

He has implored the community to get involved due to the committee’s declining size.

“As the shire grows, the festival has to keep getting bigger and better and with that comes more work,” he said.

“The biggest problem with that is that the committee keeps getting smaller.

“We struggled in manpower this year and we’re really looking for new people to spread the workload.

“Other than the car par incident, the day was very successful and we trust everyone enjoyed themselves.”

According to Mr Porter, James Street’s underground car park entry was closed when it should have remained open – creating congestion for those trying to leave.

However, festival goers have expressed overwhelming praise for the event.

“It was a great day out for the kids and one of the biggest turnouts we’ve seen so far,“ Pakenham’s Sarah White said.

“Hopefully it will continue to grow in the years to come.“

Yakkerboo’s Saturday night entertainment was described as the highlight, boasting the biggest turnout of the weekend.

“The Saturday night was a huge success,“ Mr Porter said.

“This year we decided to put a band on and have some food trucks and it worked.

“The park was just so full, we’ll definitely be doing that again.“

Those who are interested in joining the Yakkerboo Festival Committee can contact admin@yakkerboo.org.au.

Pakenham’s highly-anticipated Yakkerboo Festival has been declared a “huge success”. Thousands flocked to Bourke Park and Main Street to partake in the 43nd annual event, which has ballooned in popularity since its inception. Yakkerboo committee president Michael Porter said he was extremely satisfied with the outcome and the behaviour of patrons. He has implored the community to get involved due to the committee’s declining size. “As the shire grows, the festival has to keep getting bigger and better and with that comes more work,” he said. “The biggest problem with that is that the committee keeps getting smaller. “We struggled in manpower this year and we’re really looking for new people to spread the workload. “Other than the car par incident, the day was very successful and we trust everyone enjoyed themselves.” According to Mr Porter, James Street’s underground car park entry was closed when it should have remained open – creating congestion for those trying to leave. However, festival goers have expressed overwhelming praise for the event. “It was a great day out for the kids and one of the biggest turnouts we’ve seen so far,“ Pakenham’s Sarah White said. “Hopefully it will continue to grow in the years to come.“ Yakkerboo’s Saturday night entertainment was described as the highlight, boasting the biggest turnout of the weekend. “The Saturday night was a huge success,“ Mr Porter said. “This year we decided to put a band on and have some food trucks and it worked. “The park was just so full, we’ll definitely be doing that again.“ Those who are interested in joining the Yakkerboo Festival Committee can contact admin@yakkerboo.org.au.

Thousands gathered for the inaugural Anzac Day dawn service at Bunjil Place to pay respect to Australian and New Zealand Diggers who fought and died for their countries.

Clear conditions and the sound of bagpipes played by Berwick Pipers member Marie Everett greeted more than 2,000 people.

Just before daybreak, political dignitaries, members of the Berwick RSL sub-branch, emergency service members and the public were invited to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph as a mark of respect to the men and women who served their country.

Berwick RSL sub-branch secretary Chris McKenna led the morning service, with Reverend Elywn Sparks leading the crowd in prayer.

This years’ service marked a significant milestone in Australia’s military history, Mr Kenna said, marking a century since the second Battle of Dernacourt, the Battle for Villers-Bretonneux, the Battle at Hamel and Armistice Day, now referred to as Remembrance Day.

Berwick RSL sub-branch president Wayne A’Vard gave the Anzac address, speaking of the values and the sacrifices made by all those who have gone to war.

“Let us this morning reflect on the deeds of those young men who understood and accepted their responsibilities who believed in mateship, integrity, loyalty, family, honour and respect,” he said.

Mr A’Vard said he was “really chuffed” by the turnout of people at the service.

“It’s very, very special. It’s a commemoration, not a celebration of the sacrifices been done, not just in the past but of our men and women whereever they may be (serving for Australia).”

Mr A’Vard said each light on the base of the Bunjil Place cenotaph was significant as they represented every ship that sailed to Gallipoli in 1915.

Federal Member for Holt Anthony Byrne said he was also impressed by the huge turn out – both young and old.

“This day has become increasingly significant, and for me it is the most national day to honour those that made the sacrifice for our country,” he said.

The service continued with The Last Post, which was played by Greg Marks and his granddaughter Scarlett.

This was followed by a minute’s silence, the recitation of the Ode of Remembrance and the national anthem being played.

The service was followed by breakfast at Bunjil Place, where veterans and community members shared stories.

Forty-six volunteers from the Rotary Club of Narre Warren and Families, Rotary Club of Berwick, Casey Cardinia Rotaract Club, SES Narre Warren and the Inner Wheel Club of Narre Warren helped with the morning service.

Convenor for the Rotary Club of Narre Warren Tim Fisher said “The City of Casey provides fantastic help through the setting up of the venue and assistance during the event.”

War veteran Ray Heathcote said it was important the spirit of the Anzac lived on to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian men and women.

Thousands gathered for the inaugural Anzac Day dawn service at Bunjil Place to pay respect to Australian and New Zealand Diggers who fought and died for their countries. Clear conditions and the sound of bagpipes played by Berwick Pipers member Marie Everett greeted more than 2,000 people. Just before daybreak, political dignitaries, members of the Berwick RSL sub-branch, emergency service members and the public were invited to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph as a mark of respect to the men and women who served their country. Berwick RSL sub-branch secretary Chris McKenna led the morning service, with Reverend Elywn Sparks leading the crowd in prayer. This years’ service marked a significant milestone in Australia’s military history, Mr Kenna said, marking a century since the second Battle of Dernacourt, the Battle for Villers-Bretonneux, the Battle at Hamel and Armistice Day, now referred to as Remembrance Day. Berwick RSL sub-branch president Wayne A’Vard gave the Anzac address, speaking of the values and the sacrifices made by all those who have gone to war. “Let us this morning reflect on the deeds of those young men who understood and accepted their responsibilities who believed in mateship, integrity, loyalty, family, honour and respect,” he said. Mr A’Vard said he was “really chuffed” by the turnout of people at the service. “It’s very, very special. It’s a commemoration, not a celebration of the sacrifices been done, not just in the past but of our men and women whereever they may be (serving for Australia).” Mr A’Vard said each light on the base of the Bunjil Place cenotaph was significant as they represented every ship that sailed to Gallipoli in 1915. Federal Member for Holt Anthony Byrne said he was also impressed by the huge turn out – both young and old. “This day has become increasingly significant, and for me it is the most national day to honour those that made the sacrifice for our country,” he said. The service continued with The Last Post, which was played by Greg Marks and his granddaughter Scarlett. This was followed by a minute’s silence, the recitation of the Ode of Remembrance and the national anthem being played. The service was followed by breakfast at Bunjil Place, where veterans and community members shared stories. Forty-six volunteers from the Rotary Club of Narre Warren and Families, Rotary Club of Berwick, Casey Cardinia Rotaract Club, SES Narre Warren and the Inner Wheel Club of Narre Warren helped with the morning service. Convenor for the Rotary Club of Narre Warren Tim Fisher said “The City of Casey provides fantastic help through the setting up of the venue and assistance during the event.” War veteran Ray Heathcote said it was important the spirit of the Anzac lived on to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian men and women.

The 2018 Casey Careers and Try a Trade Expo saw thousands of high school students from the South-East region poured through the gates of the Cranbourne Racecourse on Tuesday 24 April.

The expo offered students, parents, guardians and teachers an opportunity to learn about different careers and study options available in the region.

Careers and trades on display included carpentry, plumbing, tiling, bricklaying, painting, hair and beauty, engineering and more.

Other career options including the Australian Defence Force, Victoria Police, and local universities were also present.

In addition to gaining a hands-on experience, students had the opportunity to talk to qualified people and career advisers about the different occupations and pathways available.

Narre Warren South P-12 College Year 10 student Christos said the expo was an eye-opening experience.

“I was looking at defence force and architecture,” he said.

Cranbourne East Secondary College student, Courtney, said she was keeping her options open but enjoyed learning about becoming a nurse in the Defence Force.

Narre Warren South P-12 College careers practitioner Ruth Brehaut said the Casey Careers Expo and Try a Trade was a great event for students to gain inspiration for their future careers.

“We’ve been attending this careers expo for a number of years now. We find it really useful for our students,” she said.

“You’ve got all the providers here, the kids get to try the Try a Trade, all the different brick laying, hairdressing; get to look at the police force, and the defence force.

“It’s really great for our Year 10 students because this helps them prepare for course counselling later on in the year.”

CEO of South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN) Andrew Simmons said the expo was in its 10th year and continued to grow.

“For the South-East, having something localised is so much more accessible for our local students,” he said.

The event was supported by the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire, SELLEN and the Cranbourne Racecourse.

 

The 2018 Casey Careers and Try a Trade Expo saw thousands of high school students from the South-East region poured through the gates of the Cranbourne Racecourse on Tuesday 24 April. The expo offered students, parents, guardians and teachers an opportunity to learn about different careers and study options available in the region. Careers and trades on display included carpentry, plumbing, tiling, bricklaying, painting, hair and beauty, engineering and more. Other career options including the Australian Defence Force, Victoria Police, and local universities were also present. In addition to gaining a hands-on experience, students had the opportunity to talk to qualified people and career advisers about the different occupations and pathways available. Narre Warren South P-12 College Year 10 student Christos said the expo was an eye-opening experience. “I was looking at defence force and architecture,” he said. Cranbourne East Secondary College student, Courtney, said she was keeping her options open but enjoyed learning about becoming a nurse in the Defence Force. Narre Warren South P-12 College careers practitioner Ruth Brehaut said the Casey Careers Expo and Try a Trade was a great event for students to gain inspiration for their future careers. “We’ve been attending this careers expo for a number of years now. We find it really useful for our students,” she said. “You’ve got all the providers here, the kids get to try the Try a Trade, all the different brick laying, hairdressing; get to look at the police force, and the defence force. “It’s really great for our Year 10 students because this helps them prepare for course counselling later on in the year.” CEO of South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN) Andrew Simmons said the expo was in its 10th year and continued to grow. “For the South-East, having something localised is so much more accessible for our local students,” he said. The event was supported by the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire, SELLEN and the Cranbourne Racecourse.  

Greater Dandenong police are appealing for help to solve three deliberate fires set over two days.

The first engulfed a tree in Burden Park, corner Springvale and Heatherton roads, Springvale South, about 1.25am on Sunday 22 April.

Greater Dandenong CIU Senior Constable Senka Markovic said the CFA attended and extinguished the fire.

About 2.55am that morning, a firebug set a block of wood alight inside the garage of a home under construction in Stuart Street, Noble Park.

The CFA attended and put out the blaze, which had spread to plasterboards.

Sen Const Markovic said there was no further damage, no known injuries and no witnesses.

She said CCTV from a neighbouring property captured two men with slim builds leaving the scene about the time of the fire.

About 4.40pm on Monday 23 April, a witness saw a man bending down near bushes on a property in Cleeland Street, Dandenong.

The man ran from the scene and flames took hold in the shrubbery.

Sen Const Markovic said the house was vacant, awaiting demolition and had been gutted by fire just weeks ago.

She said there was no evidence of accelerant involved in this fire.

Anyone with information on these blazes should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Greater Dandenong police are appealing for help to solve three deliberate fires set over two days. The first engulfed a tree in Burden Park, corner Springvale and Heatherton roads, Springvale South, about 1.25am on Sunday 22 April. Greater Dandenong CIU Senior Constable Senka Markovic said the CFA attended and extinguished the fire. About 2.55am that morning, a firebug set a block of wood alight inside the garage of a home under construction in Stuart Street, Noble Park. The CFA attended and put out the blaze, which had spread to plasterboards. Sen Const Markovic said there was no further damage, no known injuries and no witnesses. She said CCTV from a neighbouring property captured two men with slim builds leaving the scene about the time of the fire. About 4.40pm on Monday 23 April, a witness saw a man bending down near bushes on a property in Cleeland Street, Dandenong. The man ran from the scene and flames took hold in the shrubbery. Sen Const Markovic said the house was vacant, awaiting demolition and had been gutted by fire just weeks ago. She said there was no evidence of accelerant involved in this fire. Anyone with information on these blazes should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“Never let anybody say that you cannot do something.”

This was among the advice Basketball star Andrew Bogut shared with Doveton College students on Monday 23 April.

He stopped by to officially open the school’s new outdoor play space, “our big back yard”.

“If you put the time and the effort into anything…you can do anything you want,” he said.

“It doesn’t just come easy. You have to put in the time and hard work.”

Bogut’s visit coincided with news breaking that he was ending his 13-season career playing in the US in the NBA and returning to Australia to play in the NBL with the Sydney Kings.

He told the Journal that he wanted to give the kids something to aspire to.

“It’s not an area that gets a lot of positive attention,” he said.

He grew up in Eumemmerring and went to St John’s Regional College in Dandenong, and his dad went to Doveton Tech.

Bogut has friends in Hallam and Dandenong and said he still spent a lot of time in the area.

He told students to listen to their parents, teachers and principal, to do their homework and eat their vegies.

“Treat the person next to you and the person behind you the way you would want to be treated,” he said.

“If you see one of your classmates that’s a little sad or down, maybe put your arm him and ask him if he’s doing ok.”

He said his most important message for them was to enjoy being kids.

“I would give anything I could to be your age again and just have no responsibilities,” he said.

“This is the best time of your life, enjoy it.”

College benefactor the Colman Foundation funded the “big back yard”.

Founder Julius Colman organised Bogut’s visit.

“We want to show them they can achieve,” he told the Journal.

“I don’t know him. I got a number and called him out of the blue.

“He said yes.”

Mr Colman told the official opening: “Andrew is an example for you that you too can do anything that you want if you really try”.

College principal Greg McMahon said the space would allow kids to actually be kids.

“It’s a great opportunity for our little ones to have this space to run around in and get dirty,” he said.

“We’re really proud of what’s happened here.

“Seeing a local made good is just the inspiration they need.”

 

“Never let anybody say that you cannot do something.” This was among the advice Basketball star Andrew Bogut shared with Doveton College students on Monday 23 April. He stopped by to officially open the school’s new outdoor play space, “our big back yard”. “If you put the time and the effort into anything…you can do anything you want,” he said. “It doesn’t just come easy. You have to put in the time and hard work.” Bogut’s visit coincided with news breaking that he was ending his 13-season career playing in the US in the NBA and returning to Australia to play in the NBL with the Sydney Kings. He told the Journal that he wanted to give the kids something to aspire to. “It’s not an area that gets a lot of positive attention,” he said. He grew up in Eumemmerring and went to St John’s Regional College in Dandenong, and his dad went to Doveton Tech. Bogut has friends in Hallam and Dandenong and said he still spent a lot of time in the area. He told students to listen to their parents, teachers and principal, to do their homework and eat their vegies. “Treat the person next to you and the person behind you the way you would want to be treated,” he said. “If you see one of your classmates that’s a little sad or down, maybe put your arm him and ask him if he’s doing ok.” He said his most important message for them was to enjoy being kids. “I would give anything I could to be your age again and just have no responsibilities,” he said. “This is the best time of your life, enjoy it.” College benefactor the Colman Foundation funded the “big back yard”. Founder Julius Colman organised Bogut’s visit. “We want to show them they can achieve,” he told the Journal. “I don’t know him. I got a number and called him out of the blue. “He said yes.” Mr Colman told the official opening: “Andrew is an example for you that you too can do anything that you want if you really try”. College principal Greg McMahon said the space would allow kids to actually be kids. “It’s a great opportunity for our little ones to have this space to run around in and get dirty,” he said. “We’re really proud of what’s happened here. “Seeing a local made good is just the inspiration they need.”