It is hard to believe that 100 years ago Australia was still involved in World War I – one of two wars to protect our freedom and our free speech.
It was also the year the Gazette was established and our local community had its voice.
Many news outlets tell a story, relay information or give opinions and views. In Casey and Cardinia we celebrate a newspaper that is part of our community, supports our community and cares for that community.
I can personally say that I have attended the Berwick Show for 40-plus years and as kids we always looked in the Gazette the week before for the guide and the week after to see if our school art had won a prize.
The Gazette also recorded the Ash Wednesday stories of tragedy but, more importantly, it also told the stories of hope including, nearly 12 months after, the proud moment in our house as Dad (Phillip Battin) handed over the keys to a new truck to Upper Beaconsfield CFA on behalf of Lions Club International.
For locals, we go to the Gazette for bragging rights after another tough Battle of the Creek or Battle of the Highway.
No one will forget Beaconsfield netballers taking grand final after grand final in the 2000s or Berwick playing in the VFA years earlier.
The change in the area is huge with seven families a day moving in, new schools, new train stations and many new businesses.
One thing remains, the Gazette is part of our community, not just writing the news, but supporting sport, community groups and, most recently, the Cardinia Casey Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch.
Congratulations and thank you to all who work there including those who made this paper what it is today.
Brad Battin, Gembrook MP.
