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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.”  

“Terrifying”, “dangerous” and “a disaster” – these are the words being used to describe Pakenham’s most notorious intersection.
The intersection of Main Street, McGregor Road and the Princes Highway has long been a source of controversy.
There have been 15 casualty crashes at the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection and three at the intersection of Main Street and McGregor Road in the past five years alone.
Garnering over 130 signatures from across Pakenham, elderly petitioner Lazso Sinclair says enough is enough.
“Accidents happen all the time as this intersection, it’s really terrifying,” Mr Sinclair said.
“It’s particularly disastrous for elderly drivers who are vision-poor and have slower reflexes.
“It’s only a matter of time before someone gets killed here.”
Fellow elderly petitioner Merv Gould says he is afraid the treacherous road, and will lengthen his trip just to avoid it.
“I am too scared to cross it, so I avoid it altogether,” Mr Gould said.
Calls to improve the intersection have the support of MP Brian Paynter, who regularly uses the road.
“VicRoads needs to come up with a solution,” Mr Paynter said.
“As a user of this intersection all the time I know how dangerous it is.
“The whole of McGregor Road needs an upgrade. If it’s not this intersection it’s the level crossing, it’s the signals on the crossing, it’s the people turning right into Roger Street coming north, it’s Henty Street needing lights, and it’s the on-off ramps.
“I am pushing for an upgrade of McGregor Road right through.”
Mr Sinclair believes that millions of dollars in rates have been paid out of his retirement village in Main Street alone.
“Many millions are paid in rates in this area – we have every right for some basic improvements,” he said.
“There’s a huge increase of pensioners coming here to live, and for us life is not a rehearsal. We pensioners pay our rates and what do we get back? Nothing.
“This should have been rectified many years ago. Lives are at risk here.”
The intersection is managed by the Cardinia Shire, and council has admitted the site is a cause for “inconvenience” and “difficulty” for motorists.
“Council completed duplication and intersection upgrade works three years ago on McGregor Road between Rogers and Main streets in Pakenham,” Council’s Infrastructure Services Manager Andrew Barr said.
“In addition, VicRoads made further improvements around the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection over 12 months ago.
“While the works have improved safety, access and traffic flow, this area still causes some inconvenience and difficulty for motorists.”
Mr Barr said that while the intersection does present a current challenge, the council does have plans to address it in the future.
“The Pakenham Township Strategy identifies realigning Main Street with McGregor Road at Cunningham Crescent and adding a signalised intersection as a future goal,” he said.
“Changing where vehicles enter Main Street would significantly improve traffic movements in Pakenham.
“The works would present a significant cost to council and are subject to future budget considerations.”
These improvements by VicRoads included resequencing traffic lights to improve safety for traffic turning right from McGregor Road and The Avenue and upgrading the existing pedestrian crossing to make crossing easier and safer.
“Safety is our top priority,” VicRoads Manager for Movement and Safety Sasha Yarwood said.
“Improvements to address concerns were put in place in April 2017 at the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection which has helped reduce the number of crashes at this intersection.
“We will continue to monitor this intersection to ensure the safety of drivers relying on this intersection every day.”

“Terrifying”, “dangerous” and “a disaster” – these are the words being used to describe Pakenham’s most notorious intersection. The intersection of Main Street, McGregor Road and the Princes Highway has long been a source of controversy. There have been 15 casualty crashes at the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection and three at the intersection of Main Street and McGregor Road in the past five years alone. Garnering over 130 signatures from across Pakenham, elderly petitioner Lazso Sinclair says enough is enough. “Accidents happen all the time as this intersection, it’s really terrifying,” Mr Sinclair said. “It’s particularly disastrous for elderly drivers who are vision-poor and have slower reflexes. “It’s only a matter of time before someone gets killed here.” Fellow elderly petitioner Merv Gould says he is afraid the treacherous road, and will lengthen his trip just to avoid it. “I am too scared to cross it, so I avoid it altogether,” Mr Gould said. Calls to improve the intersection have the support of MP Brian Paynter, who regularly uses the road. “VicRoads needs to come up with a solution,” Mr Paynter said. “As a user of this intersection all the time I know how dangerous it is. “The whole of McGregor Road needs an upgrade. If it’s not this intersection it’s the level crossing, it’s the signals on the crossing, it’s the people turning right into Roger Street coming north, it’s Henty Street needing lights, and it’s the on-off ramps. “I am pushing for an upgrade of McGregor Road right through.” Mr Sinclair believes that millions of dollars in rates have been paid out of his retirement village in Main Street alone. “Many millions are paid in rates in this area – we have every right for some basic improvements,” he said. “There’s a huge increase of pensioners coming here to live, and for us life is not a rehearsal. We pensioners pay our rates and what do we get back? Nothing. “This should have been rectified many years ago. Lives are at risk here.” The intersection is managed by the Cardinia Shire, and council has admitted the site is a cause for “inconvenience” and “difficulty” for motorists. “Council completed duplication and intersection upgrade works three years ago on McGregor Road between Rogers and Main streets in Pakenham,” Council’s Infrastructure Services Manager Andrew Barr said. “In addition, VicRoads made further improvements around the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection over 12 months ago. “While the works have improved safety, access and traffic flow, this area still causes some inconvenience and difficulty for motorists.” Mr Barr said that while the intersection does present a current challenge, the council does have plans to address it in the future. “The Pakenham Township Strategy identifies realigning Main Street with McGregor Road at Cunningham Crescent and adding a signalised intersection as a future goal,” he said. “Changing where vehicles enter Main Street would significantly improve traffic movements in Pakenham. “The works would present a significant cost to council and are subject to future budget considerations.” These improvements by VicRoads included resequencing traffic lights to improve safety for traffic turning right from McGregor Road and The Avenue and upgrading the existing pedestrian crossing to make crossing easier and safer. “Safety is our top priority,” VicRoads Manager for Movement and Safety Sasha Yarwood said. “Improvements to address concerns were put in place in April 2017 at the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection which has helped reduce the number of crashes at this intersection. “We will continue to monitor this intersection to ensure the safety of drivers relying on this intersection every day.”