100-year celebrations a hit

MOREthan a thousand Casey and Cardinia residents braved the rain on Sunday to help The Pakenham-Berwick Gazette celebrate 100 years of publishing.
Star News Group marked a century of its flagship publications with a free family fun day, which included countless children’s games, an animal farm, historic car display, entertainment from local musicians and a free sausage sizzle cooked by the Rotary Club of Pakenham.
Star News Group director Ian Thomas said the day was a proud one for the Thomas family, which over the past century has seen the company expand from one publication, the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette, to 21 newspaper titles across Victoria.
“To say that we are extremely proud is an understatement- proud of the century of achievement, proud of the newspaper we produce, proud of the staff we employ and proud of the reputation we, hopefully, have built up over the past 100 years,” he told the crowd.
Three generations of the Thomas family were present to cut the Gazette’s giant birthday cake, and Mr Thomas acknowledged the founding family members, no longer with us, who worked hard to establish the business- first Albert Edward Thomas, then Herb Thomas.
“It’s been a wonderful journey that started long before my grandparents came to Berwick 100 years ago,” he said.
After the cutting of the cake, Ian and Dorothy Thomas were presented with a framed display of historic photographs and front pages from the past century.
Star News Group managing director Paul Thomas said the day was a huge success.
“We had sensational community support and despite the weather there was a large crowd and excellent feedback,” he said.
Victorian Country Press Association president Ken Jenkins travelled down from Kerang for the occasion. He congratulated the company and the Thomas family on the wonderful achievement.
Paul Thomas thanked staff, including Robyn Butler, Richard Sherman, Rhonda and John Welsh and Janette Young for the organisation and running of the event.