Looking Back

Looking back 30 years to 1996: With wide eyes and brave smiles, 20 youngsters at Beaconsfield Primary School discovered that prep class and leaving Mum behind wasn’t that bad after all. Among those experiencing their first day of school were (back from left) Martien Veenstra and Warren Baker and (front) Jeremy Norton, Kellie Collins and Kizzy Jach.

30 years to 1986
KATHRYN Harper from Harkaway was named dux at St Margaret’s School for 1985 on the strength of her good passes in Applied Mathamatics, Chemistry, Physics, Pure Mathematics and English. In a vintage year for St Margaret’s other outstanding performances came from Meagan Worthington of Cranbourne, Tia Reading of Upper Beaconsfield, Sally McCausland of Berwick and Louise White of South Clayton.
20 years to 1996
MEADOWVALE Pakenham’s 1985 Christmas luncheon was the forum for the announcement that Alma Elliott was the new Village Manager. President of management group Devonridge, Ted Sent, made the announcement and Alma was welcomed by Meadowvale Advisory Group chairman Fred Dickerson. Alma was well known locally, as she and husband Gary had raised three daughters – Nicole, Chelsea and Carla – run a small business and been active in the community.
10 years to 2006
PAKENHAM’S generosity brought new life to communities devastated by the 2014 Boxing Day tsunami that killed about 230,000 in 13 Asian countries in the region of Indonesia. Almost $200,000 raised through the House of Hope project was used to deliver health care and fresh water to many communities. Pakenham builder George Single led the relief effort, which included the selling of a house built by George and a group of local tradespeople.